Mint Mark
Definition
A mint mark is a small letter on a coin that identifies which facility struck it. In the United States, common marks include W for West Point, S for San Francisco, D for Denver, and P for Philadelphia.
The mint mark is a short code that tells you where a coin was made.
Why it matters
For bullion buyers, the mint mark rarely changes the metal value of a coin. For collectors, it can matter a great deal. Certain marks were used in limited years or limited quantities, and those coins can carry numismatic premiums tied to scarcity rather than weight.
In practice
Mint marks appear in different spots depending on the coin and era, often near the date or below the main design. American Gold and Silver Eagles, for example, may carry a W when struck at West Point for proof or special issues. Reading the mark helps you confirm a coin matches its description.
Common confusion
A mint mark is not a sign of authenticity by itself, and its absence does not make a coin fake. Some bullion coins carry no mark at all. Treat the mint mark as one detail among many, not proof of value or genuineness.