Have you ever noticed the small letters on pennies and wondered why they are there? These small markings, called mint marks, are a crucial aspect of U.S. coinage. They not only tell us where the coin was minted but also have a significant impact on the coin’s value, especially in the world of coin collecting.
Some pennies have a mint mark, while others, such as many Lincoln cents, do not. So what does this mean, and why is it important? Let’s dive into the details of mint marks and their history to understand their role in U.S. currency.
What Is a Mint Mark?
A mint mark is a small letter, symbol, or inscription that is found on a coin which indicates the minting facility where the coin was made. For example:
- P represents the Philadelphia Mint.
- D stands for the Denver Mint.
- S signifies the San Francisco Mint.
On a penny, the mint mark is located on the obverse side of the coin. It is just below the date and to the right of Abraham Lincoln’s bust. The mint mark’s place has been unchanged, since the start of the series in 1909. Cents were made by the San Francisco Mint until 1955. The Mint continued to use the S mint mark from 1968 and 1974 on coins. During the series, the Denver Mint has struck pennies.
Coins with U.S. mint markings are carefully positioned or crafted to avoid premature deterioration. This makes it possible to identify and date coins over a longer time than they otherwise could. But after time, certain mint markings do fade. They may be challenging to identify or date as a result. A coin’s rating on the coin grading scale is mostly determined by how visible its mint mark is.
Purpose of Mint Mark on a Penny?
The primary purpose of a mint mark is to identify the mint where a coin was struck. This helps collectors trace the origin of a coin and provides valuable context for numismatists. Mint marks also play a vital role in ensuring quality control.
In the early years of U.S. coin production, the Assay Committee was established to inspect coins from various mints and ensure they met the proper standards for metal composition, weight, and dimensions. The mint marks made it easier for the committee to track coins back to their facility of origin.
History of Mint Marks on U.S. Coins
Early Beginnings
The United States’ first mint was founded in Philadelphia under the Coinage Act of 1792. Initially, there was no need for mint marks because all coins were minted at this single location.
However, the discovery of gold in Georgia and North Carolina in the early 1800s changed everything. The Philadelphia Mint could not keep up with the demand for coins, leading Congress to establish new mints in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dahlonega, Georgia, in 1838. These mints exclusively produced gold coins and used the mint marks C and D, respectively.
Expansion and Evolution
Over the years, additional mint facilities were established to accommodate the growing need for coin production:
- San Francisco Mint (S): Opened in 1854 during the California Gold Rush to mint coins from the abundant gold.
- Denver Mint (D): Began as an assay office in 1863 and started minting coins in 1906.
- Carson City Mint (CC): Operated from 1870 to 1893, primarily minting silver coins during Nevada’s silver boom.
Philadelphia and the “P” Mint Mark
For a long time, coins minted in Philadelphia did not have a mint mark, as it was the original and primary mint facility. However, during World War II, the Mint began using a P mint mark to distinguish silver nickels (1942–1945) from regular nickels made with other metals.
In 1979, the P mint mark was added to the Susan B. Anthony dollar, and by 1980, it appeared on nearly all coins from the Philadelphia Mint—except the Lincoln cent. The exception was briefly lifted in 2017 when the Mint released 2017-P Lincoln cents to celebrate the U.S. Mint’s 225th anniversary.
Mint Marks on Lincoln Pennies
For Lincoln pennies, the mint marks most commonly seen are:
- D for Denver.
- S for San Francisco.
Pennies minted in Philadelphia generally do not bear a mint mark, except for the wartime nickels and the special 2017-P pennies. Additionally, some pennies minted at the West Point Mint (W) were released in 2019 as part of collector sets.
Why Are Mint Marks Important?
Mint marks are more than just letters; they tell a story about a coin’s journey. They reveal where a coin was struck, provide insight into historical events, and help collectors understand its rarity. For example, coins from certain mints, like Carson City, are often more valuable due to their limited production.
A Summary of U.S. Mint Marks
| Mint | Mint Mark | Location | Years of Operation |
| Philadelphia | P | Philadelphia, PA | 1793–present |
| San Francisco | S | San Francisco, CA | 1854–present |
| Denver | D | Denver, CO | 1906–present |
| West Point | W | West Point, NY | 1984–present |
| Carson City | CC | Carson City, NV | 1870–1893 |
| Dahlonega (Gold Only) | D | Dahlonega, GA | 1838–1861 |
| Charlotte (Gold Only) | C | Charlotte, NC | 1838–1861 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mint mark?
 A mint mark is a small letter sign. It indicates the mint where the coin was made. The mint mark is commonly found on the obverse (front) side below the date of the coin.
Where are the mint marks found?Â
On the obverse side, just below the date of the coin.
What is the different mint marks mean?Â
“D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, and no mark for Philadelphia Mint. Historically, “O” was for New Orleans, and “CC” was for Carson City, but these mints were not made on the pennies.
Which pennies do not have any mint marks?
Generally, the Philadelphia Mint does not have mint marks before 1980. However, the Philadelphia Mint started a “P” mint mark to pennies in 2017.
Why don’t each pennies have mint marks?
As the oldest mint in the United States, the Philadelphia Mint has always not utilized a mint mark. To distinguish its manufacturing from that of introduced mints, this tradition continued until recently.
Conclusion
Mint marks add a fascinating layer of history and significance to U.S. coins. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, understanding mint marks can help you appreciate the artistry, rarity, and value of your collection.