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There’s a lot of talk about “mint” whenever you’re discussing coins and coin collections!
Some examples:
- First, there’s the U.S. Mint — which is the federal agency responsible for the production and distribution of our nation’s coinage.
- Then, there are mint coins (or mint condition coins) — which refers to a coin that is in practically the same condition as when it left the U.S. Mint facility.
- And then you have mint sets — which are collections of uncirculated coins for a particular year. (A mint set includes one uncirculated coin of each denomination from each U.S. Mint facility that produced the denomination during that year.)
- And finally, you have mint marks (or “mintmarks”) — which we are focusing on in this article.
What Is A Mint Mark?
Mintmarks are small letters stamped on U.S. coins to designate where the coin was made.
The mint mark can affect a coin’s value!
In a lot of cases, where the coin was minted makes the difference between a coin being worth a few dollars and being worth a few hundred dollars!
Almost all U.S. coins have mintmarks — with the exception of some coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint and some error coins (listed at the very bottom of this article).
A List Of All U.S. Mint Marks
C – Charlotte Mint – North Carolina (gold coins only from 1838-1861)
CC – Carson City Mint – Nevada (gold and silver coins only from 1870-1893)
D – Dahlonega Mint – Georgia (gold coins only from 1838-1861)
D – Denver Mint – Colorado (from 1906-present)
O – New Orleans Mint – Louisiana (gold and silver coins only from 1838-1861 and from 1879-1909)
P – Philadelphia Mint – Pennsylvania (from 1793-present)
S – San Francisco Mint – California (from 1854-present, but from 1968 on it has primarily struck only proof coins and other special-issue coinage)
W – West Point Mint – New York (from 1984-present)
You can distinguish Dahlonega “D” coins from Denver “D” coins merely by looking at the date on the coin. Any “D” mintmark coins dated before 1906 are from the Dahlonega Mint. Those after 1906 were made at the Denver Mint.
The only mintmarks you’re going to find on circulating coins today are P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), and S (San Francisco).
All of the other U.S. Mint facilities either closed down a long time ago — or they only make gold coins and specialty coins today.
Here’s more info about current and former United States Mint facilities.
Where To Find Mint Marks On U.S. Coins
Over the years, mintmarks have been placed in all sorts of locations on coins.
I’m going to cover the most common coins that were ever in circulation — starting with the silver dollar and working back to the half cent.
Silver Trade Dollars – On the reverse underneath the eagle
Silver Peace Dollars – On the reverse, bottom left next to the tip of the eagle’s wing
Silver Morgan Dollars – On the reverse underneath the eagle
Silver Bust Dollars – On the reverse underneath the eagle
Kennedy Half Dollars:
- Pre-1965 – On the reverse to the left of the olive branch near the eagle’s claw
- 1968-present – On the front centered above the date
Franklin Half Dollars – On the reverse centered above the beam of the Liberty bell
Walking Liberty Half Dollars:
- 1917-1947 – On the reverse, bottom left below the branch
- 1916 & 1917 – On the front below the motto
Barber Half Dollars – On the reverse just below the eagles tail feathers
Seated Liberty Half Dollars – On the reverse below the eagle
Bust Half Dollars:
- 1838-1839 – On the front above the date
- before 1838 – All bust half dollars before 1938 have no mintmark
Washington Quarters:
- 1968-present – On the front, bottom right next to the hair ribbon
- 1946-1964 – On the reverse below the eagle
Standing Liberty Quarters – Small mintmark on the front just above the date and a hair to the left
Barber Quarters – On the reverse beneath the eagle’s tail feathers
Seated Liberty Quarters – On the reverse beneath the eagle
Bust Quarters – All bust quarters have no mintmark (Philadelphia)
Seated Liberty 20-Cent Pieces – On the reverse beneath the eagle
Roosevelt Dimes:
- 1968-present – On the front above the date
- 1946-1964 – On the reverse, bottom left of the torch
Mercury Dimes – On the reverse, bottom left of the fasces (column or pole looking thing)
Barber Dimes – On the reverse centered below the wreath
Seated Liberty Dimes – Some are located within the wreath; others are located just beneath the wreath
Bust Dimes – All bust dimes have no mintmark (Philadelphia)
Seated Liberty Half Dimes – Some have mintmarks within the wreath, and some have mint marks beneath the wreath
Bust Half Dimes – All bust half dimes have no mintmark (Philadelphia)
Jefferson Nickels:
- 1968-present – On the front near the date
- 1938-1964 – On the reverse to the right of the Monticello building
- 1942-1945 (war nickels) – Above the dome of Monticello
Buffalo Nickels – On the reverse below the words FIVE CENTS
Liberty Head Nickels (“V Nickels”) – All V nickels have no mark (Philadelphia) with the exception of the year 1912 in which case the mintmark is on the reverse to the left of the word CENTS
Shield Nickels – All shield nickels have no mint mark (Philadelphia)
3-Cent Pieces – All 3-cent pieces have no mintmark (Philadelphia) with the exception of the year 1851 in which case the mark is on the reverse to the right of the Roman numeral III
2-Cent Pieces – All 2-cent pieces have no mint mark (Philadelphia)
Lincoln Cents – On the front beneath the date
Indian Head Cents – All Indian head cents have no mintmark with the exception of 1908 and 1909 in which case the mark is on the reverse beneath the wreath
Flying Eagle Cents – All flying eagle cents have no mint mark (Philadelphia)
Large Cents – All large cents have no mint mark (Philadelphia)
Half Cents – All half cents have no mintmark (Philadelphia)
And there you have it… now you know where to find the mint marks on all of your coins!
Here’s what the letters (mint marks) on U.S. paper money mean
U.S. Coins Without Mintmarks
Have a coin without a mintmark?
Unfortunately, mint marks have not been used consistently by the U.S. Mint.
For example, the Philadelphia Mint didn’t use the “P” mintmark for the first time until 1942 and wouldn’t use it regularly until after 1978. The only coins minted before 1979 that have a mintmark from the Philadelphia Mint are Jefferson nickels struck between 1942 and 1945 (a.k.a. war nickels).
See why a specific coin does not have a mint mark… and how to tell which U.S. Mint facility that coin was made in:
- There are no mint marks on U.S. coins dated 1965, 1966, and 1967.
- Rare coins that are missing mintmarks + U.S. coins that are not supposed to have mintmarks.
- Historically, coins made at the Philadelphia Mint have not had mint marks.
Identify your coins via diagrams, photos & definitions
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I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek. I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!
I have two dimes one the year is 1845 and the other is 1945 with a woman face on one side i want to know where to take them if i want to sell them thank you for your help and my e-mail is msknight72@hotmail for any help lisa
where can you take your coins if you wish to sell them thanks Lisa I need help
Thanks for your question, Lisa.
Be sure to take your coins to a coin dealer; check your local phone directory or online for a list of coin dealers near you. Whatever you do, avoid selling your coins to a jeweler, a pawn shop, or a ‘sell your gold’ shop. They really don’t know much if anything about collector coins and won’t pay you what a coin dealer will.
What is the “M” on the standing liberty quarters mean. Located next to the bottom
star on obverse side?…Marty O*
It’s the designer’s initial – H. A. McNeil
Yes, the designer was Hermon A. MacNeil…
Josh, I just joined today and I appreciate the quick response to me questions! I have a complete sitting liberty “Type set” $1 to 1/2 cent. What’s it worth??
Marty O*
I have a 1943 penny wheatback and i did a test on it and its not copper is it worth anything?
It’s a steel penny. Worth 1 cent
Doug and Wonka —
Yes, Doug, it’s a steel penny. However, Wonka and Doug, it’s worth more like 10 to 25 cents, not just one cent!
I have two wheat penny, one1945 and the other 1936 but there is no S, D beneath the date ,and they’re not double die or anything . Is it worth anything. I also have a 1969 penny with an S beneath the date.Its not double date thought. Is it worth anything ?
Hi Kevey,
Your 1936 and 1945 wheat cents, which were made in Philadelphia (which has no mint mark on pennies), are each worth 3 to 5 cents. Not enough to justify selling them, but worth more than face value nevertheless and probably your wisest simply to hang onto them with the hope that in time they will be worth more or become contributions to a complete set of Lincoln cents.
The 1969-S really isn’t worth more than face in collecting terms, though some people have been keeping all pre-1982 U.S. pennies for their copper value.
I have a 1945 walking liberty half dollar that is gold platted that has the mintmark of sanfrancisco on the reverse side down on the left but on the same side adjacent to it is a w what does the w mean if the s is the mintmark ? And what is it worth
Tiffany,
The W on your coin (which is worth around $10 to $15) is the initial of Adolph A. Weinman, the person who designed the Walking Liberty half dollar.
1910 wheat penny. Cannot find any mintmarks. Is this worth anything? Thanks!
Yes, K. Your 1910 penny is worth between 20 cents and $1 in typical worn grades.
If circulated, on average is about $0.60. If uncirculated, on average is about $12.50. Check this website out. https://coins.about.com/library/US-coin-values/bl-US0001-Lincoln-Wheat-Values.htm
To whom it may concern,
I have the following:
– 1979 Susan B Anthony Quarter Dollar (Silver) that is mint marked “D”.. (14)
– 1979 Susan B Anthony Quarter Dollar (Silver) that is mint marked “P”.. (7)
– 2000 Sacajawea Quarter Dollar (Gold) that is mint marked “D”.. (2)
– 2000 Sacajawea Quarter Dollar (Gold) that is mint marked “P”.. (4)
Do I have anything? Hopefully, I have more than just $27 dollars in coins…
To clear things up:
> They’re dollars, not quarters, as you can see by looking at the denomination on the back sides.
> They’re only silver- and gold-colored; the Anthony coins are copper-nickel and the Sac’s are manganese-brass
That said, the 1979 proof dollar should be checked by a dealer or appraiser. There were two proof varieties that year. One is worth only about $5 to $10 but the other can exceed $50.
As for the remainder, the bad news is that they’re standard circulation coins worth only face value. The good news, of course, is that you have an extra $27 to spend!
Also, one if the 1979 Susan B Anthony Quarter Dollars is (I think) known as a proof..
It is placed in a mirror-like frosted capsule.
Worth anything?
I have a 1978 jefferson nickel. THERES NO MINT MARK!! NONE AT ALL!
Warrior,
That means your 1978 nickel was made at the Philadelphia mint.
I have a 1965 Liberty quater with no mint mark on either side
is this worth anything??
Janine,
U.S. quarters made from 1965 to 1967 were made without mintmarks and are not worth anything more than face value unless in mint condition.
I have a 1914-D indian head 2.5 gold coin and the D on the coin does not look real. are these somtimes faked
i have a 1979 penny with the outline of Ohio and inside the outline is OH. It is engraved to the right of Lincoln’s head, was this faked or is it a mint engraved marking?
It’s a privately-made novelty item. It was part of a “state penny” set created by counterstamping normal cents with outlines of each state. There are a few niche collectors who might pay for a complete set in its original packaging, but numismatists consider them to be simply altered coins. Any that “leak” into circulation are simply curiosities / conversation pieces.
I have a 1921 silver Morgan Dollar, I have used a loupe to find the mint mark under the eagle, looks like a “M” or a “W”, according to which way you turn the coin. Is this the mint mark, do you think it might be an “S”? Guess you can tell I am new at this.
“M” is the designer’s monogram – George T. Morgan, for whom the coin is named.
The mint mark position is over the “DO” in DOLLAR on the reverse. IF there’s a mint mark, it’s quite prominent. The fact that you couldn’t see one indicates your coin was struck in Philadelphia, which didn’t use the current “P” mint mark until many years later.
whats my 1947 silver nickel worth please and thank you
Hi, Andrew –
A 1947 Jefferson nickel isn’t made of silver, but it is worth around 10 to 20 cents.
Someone told me that I should keep all coins with the D mint. Is that true, are they more rare?
Hi, Shanan –
Well, it is true that some D-mint coins are scarcer than their same-year Philadelphia-minted counterparts. This is especially true with coins from the earlier part of the 20th century.
However, with tens of millions and even billions of coins being pumped out of both Philadelphia and Denver mints annually, there really is no reason to search out recent D-mint coins just for the sake of scarcity.
My daughter had a school assignment to find out what the letters on Abe Lincoln’s chest on a penny mean. I don’t see any letters there. Can anyone help?
Hi, Jodi –
I believe your daughter’s school assignment is referring to the letters “VDB,” a tiny feature appearing just below Lincoln’s shoulder and a set of initials that stand for Victor David Brenner, the Lincoln cent’s designer.
I have a quarter from 1968 and it has no mint marks below on right hand side next to the hair ribbon and the word United on the back of the quarter has a Mis-print the I and T in united is almost connected. You have to look real close with a magnifying glass to see its a possible T the I next to the N in united is connected too. So I have three letters that don’t have proper spacings
Melissa –
IN GOD WE TRUST commonly looks a little squashed on quarters from that era, so your coin sounds largely normal.
In have a 25 ¢ that is silver but it have copy on the head 2006 51 state proof . Have any one see this?
I have one also but i dont know anything about it
what is the letter mark d next to the chest of lincoln pennies its very faint found some on the 40’s and so 50’s its very faint but its a D
Hi, Tom –
The “D” is the mintmark for the Denver mint, which is one of a few United States Mint branch locations.
I have a 1938 walking liberty half dollar that has an N on it. It’s on the reverse side, lower right hand, under the eagle wing. Can you please tell me if this is worth anything? I’ve been told by other collectors that it’s not really worth anything, but think they are just trying to rip me off. Please let me know soon, thanks.
It’s almost certainly a counterstamp or some other post-mint damage.
Your coin isn’t worthless, but the counterstamp destroys any collector value. Its raw silver value is about 1/3 the price of 1 oz of silver; a metal dealer might pay a wholesale rate of 1/5 or 1/6.
Bottom line, I doubt anyone is trying to trick you.
looking through some nickles I have never noticed a marking below the front part of a nickle below the coat line. It is either 2 letters or 2 numbers. Can anyone tell me what it is and what it means ?
Hi, Chrissy –
What you see are the letters “FS,” which are the initials of Felix Schlag, the person who first designed the Jefferson nickel in 1938.
I found a 1977 nickle which looks like is got spots of copper, does anyone know anything about this.
Your nickel* probably suffered some kind of damage after it was minted. Nickels are made of solid alloy rather than being clad or plated, so spotting usually occurs due to heat, chemicals, or some other type of external agent.
(*) rather than “nickle”
I have lincoln penny one cent 1922 noD
Hi,
Here’s some more info about 1922 plain no-D cents:
https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1922_cent/
hi – I have roles of coins, mostly pennies that my dad rolled years ago. He even dated the roles so I started looking at the ones from the 1930’s and havent gotten to 1940’s (nor before and after those dates yet!!!) But so far I can’t find any mint mark on any of the 1930’s pennies. Is there are reason?
Thanks, Jean
Now I just found a 1930 penny with an S on it. Worth anything?? Thanks, Jean
Hi, Jean –
Yes, a 1930-S Lincoln cent is worth about 10 cents.
I Have A 1868 Morgan Silver Dollar that My Father Had Left For Me. It Is Real Silver For Its Not Magnetic, But I Can’t Find A Mint Mark On It. It Is In My Opinion Very Good Condition Being That It Is Almost 130 Years Old. Where Can I Find The Value And A Possible Buyer At The Right Price?
Hi, Mark –
Your 1886 Morgan dollar, if lacking a mintmark, was struck at the Philadelphia mint and with moderate wear (based on your judgement of the coin grading “Very Good”) is worth around $20 to $25, which will vary a bit based on silver prices at the time you sell your coin.
You will definitely want to take your coin to a coin dealer, as they offer better prices on coins than jewelers and pawn shops. Here is some advice on how to find a coin dealer: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/
Had anyone ever heard of a 1971 d over s Lincoln ddo doubling throughout most all lettering on obverse
Hello, Luke –
May we see a photo of your 1971 Lincoln cent, please?
Thanks!
Prices onur 1917 1935 and other date are going to be largely on grade hope to get xf 40 that would be good ecspecially for ur 1917
I found the mint mark A on a 1946 half dollar but can’t find any info on the web about it
The “mint mark” you see is actually an intertwined A W which is the monogram of A. A. Weinman. He was a very famous sculptor, probably second only to St. Gaudens. He designed the Mercury dime as well as the Walking Liberty half.
One reason for confusion is that many people aren’t aware that up till 1964, most (but not all) US coins had their mint marks on the reverse side while the designer’s monogram usually appeared on the front (obverse) side.
A good resource for mint mark positions is coinfacts dot com, although it hasn’t been updated in a while.
I found a 1946 half dollar with the mint mark a but can’t find any resources on the web about it
Hello Paige,
Any 1946 Walking Liberty half dollar in average circulated condition is worth around $7.
Here’s some more info on Walking Liberty half dollars: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/walking_liberty_half_dollars/
I have 3 Buffalo nickels but I can’t see the year on them but one has a D mint mark how would I be able to know how much they are worth
Hello, Ferria –
Here’s some info on how much dateless Buffalo nickels are worth: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/no_date_buffalo_nickel/
i have a 1880 1886 1896 and a 1922 morgan head silver dollar how much would they be worth
Hello, James —
Assuming your 1880, 1886, and 1896 Morgan dollars and 1922 Peace dollar to be the more common issues, then each Morgan dollar is worth $20 and the Peace dollar has a value of around $18.
To provide a more specific appraisal, I’d need to please know what the mintmark is under the wreath of the Morgan dollar (located on the reverse or “tails” side).
Thanks!
Hi I have two 2013 mount rushmore coins with a P as mint mark. Can you tell me how much they are worth?
Hello, Olga —
If they are worn, your 2013 Mount Rushmore quarters are worth face value; if they’re in mint condition, their value is roughly between 50 cents and $1 each.
Thanks for your question!
Josh
Hello, i have a 1929 wheat penny but i cant find the mint mark anywhere. Can that decrease the amout of the penny. Also how much would you value it at?
Hi, Ashlyn —
Great question! While 1929 Philadelphia (no mintmark) pennies are worth less than 1929-D or 1929-S Lincoln cents, the value difference is marginal, especially when talking about worn Lincoln cents. Yours is worth around 15 to 20 cents.
I hope this helps!
Joshua @ TheFunTimesGuide
I have a 1971 Sm D obv down right by the bottom of the ponytail on my nickel coin. Does anyone know about this coin?
Hi, Diana —
Would you please post a photo of your coin? I will look into this more once I can see what’s going on.
Thanks!
Josh
Does anyone know what gwf stands for on a 1773 georgivs iii rex coin nean
I noticed that on regular Washington face quarters made after 2000 there are some markings on the very bottom of Washington’s neck. Does anyone know what this says/means?
Hi, Olilah —
Those are the initials of designers John Flanagan and William Cousins (the latter person’s initials were added at the start of the 50 States Quarters program)
Best,
Josh
It seems it goes from JF WC to only JF on quarters from 2012 onward.
Hello I have the option to purchase a 1917 one dollar bill. It is said to be uncirculated. Is there any specific way to tell ? It has no creases anywhere and is beautiful. The going price is $245. Thank you
Hi, Kellie —
I always advise caution when buying any high-grade, or purportedly high-grade or valuable coins or paper money if they aren’t certified. Is this an online auction? Are there any links you might be able to share? Or, is this a more traditional transaction?
Best,
Josh
I have a 1971 d Lincoln penny with no designers initials , and I believe it to be an error coin. What are you’re thoughts? Could I have something valuable? Coin is in good condition with only natural tarnishing and one scratch on the back, but nowhere near where the designers mark should be.
Hello, Danny —
I would be glad to take a look at a photo and see what might be going on. It’s possible that two things could’ve happened — either your coin was weakly struck or there was overall moderate wear that would have obliterated the VDB initials under Lincoln’s shoulder.
Best,
Josh
i have alot of coins i would like to find values on.. just way to much/mixed info..
you forgot to add proof sets
Hi, American Veteran —
First, thank you for the service you provided our nation!
Second, while I didn’t write this article, I’m sure our editor can make the necessary update to the post.
Thank you for checking out The Fun Times Guide to Coins!
-Josh
Hi I have a 1991 washington Quarter with the mint mark PJ I cannot find anything about it. I usually collect penny’s but I happen to find this quarter. Can anyone tell me anything about it. The P and J are touching, the bottom of the J curls up just under the loop of the P but can see both clearly
Hi,
It sounds like the “P” and “J” were counterstamped after the coin left the mint. While these initials (?) might have an interesting story, the coin would be worth face value.
I’d still hang onto the coin anyway — these types of coins always make me wonder who once had them and what type of tale they could tell if they could talk!
Best,
Josh
i have a pretty good little coin collection owning 69 wheat pennies ranging from 1918-1958 three of which of these pennies are steel. 1943 steel wheat penny, 1943 D (steel) wheat penny and 1943 S (steel) wheat penny also apart of my collection is an 1925 buffalo nickel unknown date buffalo nickel (date was rubbed off which i read was common given the place of the date on the coin) 1899 Indian head penny, liberty “V” 1908 nickel and 1935 Liberty dime.
Hi, Sara!
It sounds like you have a great coin collection.
Here’s some more info on what those Lincoln wheat cents might be worth and which ones to keep an especially close eye on: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/valuable-pennies/
The 1899 Indian Head cent is worth around $2 to $3 in average worn condition, the 1908 Liberty nickel has a value of $1 to $2, and the 1935 Winged Liberty Head (or “Mercury” dime) is worth around $3. The 1925 Buffalo nickel is worth about $3 to $5, and the dateless Buffalo nickel has a value of about 50 cents.
Keep on checking your change!
Josh
I bought at auction a 1853 u.s. quarter with a capital letter J on it. Can’t find out anything about where it came from.
Hi, Floyd —
It is likely the “J” is a post-mint counterstamp or etching. Please feel free to submit a photo if you’d like.
Assuming this is post-mint damage, the value of your piece is likely between 50 and 75 percent of what your coin would be worth in that same grade but in original condition.
Best,
Josh
I have a 1929 wheat penny with what looks like a D mint mark but the D is filled in solid.
Hi, Corey —
It’s possible there is a die chip in the “D” mintmark, or it may be post-mint damage. If it’s the former, the value of your coin would be about $1, whereas if the coin is damaged it’s worth 10 to 15 cents.
Best,
Josh
Hi Josh i have these 2 1971 Kennedy half dollars , i think the stamp beneath the Eagle is Fg maybe you could have a look…?
Hello, Vincent —
The FG stamp stands for Frank Gasparro, who designed the Presidential Seal design on the reverse of the Kennedy half dollar. These two pieces are worth face value.
Best,
Josh
Hi Josh , thank you for your time and knowledge! regards ,vincent
You’re welcome!
I have an 1940 nickel and been looking for the mint mark but it doesn’t seem to have one is that good or would it mean it’s fake or what can you tell me about it.
Hi, David —
A photo of your coin would be most helpful in this case, but what I can say without seeing it is the mintmark should be just to the right of Monticello on the reverse (tail’s side) of the coin. If there is no mintmark, that means it was made at the Philadelphia Mint, which didn’t place its “P” mintmark on coins in 1940.
Assuming you have a 1940 Philadelphia nickel in average circulated condition, it’s worth 10 to 20 cents.
Cool find!
Josh
HI Josh I’m a little confused on the Walking Liberty half dollars from 1914-1947 on where the stamp is placed. You say it would be on the left side under branch. I have a 1942 Walking Liberty coin with a W stamped on right side under eagle on back of coin. Is this a rare coin. Thanks for any input.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dad662bad9ef93451487f22678ea38f3791274f221baf42f48c7c549def05e64.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/61213c643c88c8453a1aec4ff28e6c61ad3efa9e894173f9e3e898900c14f284.jpg
Hi, Lindsey!
Yes, the mintmarks are located under the branch, between the rim and the rock on the reverse of Walking Liberty half dollars struck since 1917; I see no mintmark on the coin pictured in your comment.
The W is actually an AW monogram representing the initials of the coin’s designer, Adolph A. Weinman.
Your 1942 Walking Liberty half dollar is a very nice circulated specimen worth about $7.
Have a great day!
-Josh
How do you tell the difference between a 1970 dime that’s minted in Philadelphia from a “no-S” one that minted in San Fran? Same goes for 1971 “no-S” nickle?
Hi, Diane –
There are some strike variations but it would take a keen eye and magnification glass to really tell. The easiest way to distinguish the two is simply looking at the reflectivity of the surface. A Philadelphia business strike coins — the type you will typically find in circulation — have dull surfaces. The no-S proof varieties should have very shiny, mirror-like surfaces.
If you want to upload an image of the coins you found I’d be glad to double check.
Thank you for your question!
Josh
Hi Josh,
I found a 2000 penny that has some error on the obverse side, i thought it might be the letter d or just a bump, I would appreciate your opinion, thank you https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/373628f0ae17882dad56bfa708b01150ddf80216c2cb05b7c801a6ce5038716d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/56c65c25de4c254296dbb1470f254ee49da81ea565bb706649b50ef28d54f9a9.jpg
Hi, Denise —
Are you asking about the bump on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial? If so, that’s right — it appears abnormal and may be a die chip. If that’s the case, it’s an error that helps improve the coin’s value to possibly $1.
I hope this info is helpful,
Josh
Hi, Denise —
Are you asking about the bump on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial? If so, that’s right — it appears abnormal and may be a die chip. If that’s the case, it’s an error that helps improve the coin’s value to possibly $1.
I hope this info is helpful,
Josh
Hi Josh. I have a 1940 wrath penny. That has many errors on it. And also the side rim looks like it got caught in press , cause I have looked very very close and I can see letters in a few different places .Could I have a valuable penny? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8106e0b865390139f994ef2f99907be4173febf721ac6a58186e82fa9077ed0e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/aded10a70e88dec5c4bc1d23dc7cfc3c96d9aa37abcf8331cce339c718baeb85.jpg
Hi, Steph —
Unfortunately this photo indicates post-Mint edge damage. Assuming this is the case, your 1940 Lincoln wheat penny is worth 2 to 3 cents, but is still a cool find (and one worth keeping) due to its age and the fact these coins are getting harder to find in circulation.
Neat find!
-Josh
Hi Josh. I have a gold 1984 Olympic Gold Coin that has two runners on the front and an eagle on the back. There is a D under 1984, Is it worth anything? It is still in the plastic case it was given to me in.
Hi, Alexandra!
Yes, your 1984-D Olympic $10 eagle is worth around $625 to $650 based on current gold values.
Nice coin!
-Josh
Thank you, Josh.
Hi Josh, I have 2 quarters ( 1965 and 1970) with markings all over planchette mostly visible with magnifier- 5’s, d’s, e’s, eases, etc. It’s like handwritten. Am I seeing things . Thanks for your reply in advance. Bea.
Hello, Biddie —
It’s hard to say for certain what you have until I see a photo(s) of the coins in question. If you have any pics, would you mind kindly uploading them here please?
Thank you,
Josh
Hello Josh again here I am in doubt with some of my coins in this case it’s a 2011 D my husband thinks there is some error I think not please help us resolve this please https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/62c47b056be05f38db4f196d671b191ef1a62c1ea3a700638a07bcc0b8921b68.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e81980e3f5c17b833a03558b3a6c9930471fd0510d796009a4bba10e772d8265.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f1a2805142011ab6b05b29414f710b3573fc39b40a3ac8cea5f9fabbbfbbc0b5.jpg
Hello, Maura —
I’m not seeing anything in the photos that would seem to make this coin stand out as an error. What aspects of the coin did your husband believe indicates it’s an error?
Thank you,
Josh
i noticed 1965-1967 is missing “Where To Find The Mint Mark” are they not suppose to have mint marks. i have found some that do.
Hi, Doug —
Would you please provide photos of the 1965-67 coins that you say have mintmarks so I can help determine what is going on with them?
Thank you!
Josh
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e3e55a6da8aca2eca0358e67720c832e5470148cf4baa801fef13c99c51713ce.jpg
1966 Jefferson D
Hi, Greg —
This is actually a 1986-D Jefferson nickel, thought the top loop of the “8” appears obscured. This piece is worth face value.
Thank you for the photo! Best wishes,
Josh
I have a 1953 Nickel that I’ve had for about 25 years…It looked odd so I kept it…It looks as though it is 2 pieces and was stamped wrong…It appears to be coming apart or at least was slightly pulled apart…I would appreciate any info anyone may have….Is this malady common ?….
Hi, Robert —
Would you please submit a photo or two of this coin?
Thank you,
Josh
1965 Jefferson nickel D mint mark
Hi, Jamey —
Mintmarks were not officially used on U.S. coins from 1965 through 1967, so for me to see what’s going on with your nickel I’ll need to please see a photo of both sides of your coin. You can post photos of it here in the forum.
Thank you!
Josh
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7f3e6cce154e47680aa41c08f84ceee56f9e3db21d1ed03bda285259fadd87fb.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f7f0b94290a24b41024e7cefce766cd6b9637e5bc8981ca056af50e17308c2e1.jpg
Hi, Jamey —
This looks like a normal (if well circulated) 1965 Jefferson nickel without a mintmark. Where do you see the “D”? I can’t seem to find it…
Thank you for any clarification you can kindly provide,
Josh
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b55b11ba73988ee05b1cf715ae15acedc7158478fa5f4b908343e1f24e02c14a.jpg Right there above Monticello at the end of the building
Plain as day
Everyone that I be shown sees it.
I think I’ll just in case it an continue to show people this odd nickel.
I Thank you for your input.
Jamey,
I see a light mark or impression that looks like a “D” at the end where a mintmark would be. What you could do is submit it for certification and see what the graders say.
Best wishes,
Josh
I have a roll of 1968 s Nickels. The mint mark 8 has a shadow at the bottom ends of each bottom of the 8 and the S looks like a B or the S ends are touching. Could this be a repunched coin. The whole roll is the same but differs a little. ?.
Hi, Richard —
Without a clear photo of an example it’s hard for me to say if it’s common machine doubling, a repunched mintmark, or something else altogether. I’d be glad to help further if you’d like to post a photo of one of those nickels.
Best wishes,
Josh
Hello can someone please tell me if my 1960 D mint mark Lincoln Penny is worth anything?? I believe it to be a Large Date. And also possibly adverse and reverse double dye. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1d929b318b3014ad664e1c298134047608f108ce8491d12cce2cb7c014bda4e4.jpg https://u https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/60f17e603742df3122a43595e9bad73a4624ad8d7224b8bcf7b5e585eced84fb.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/530b096fa3f8c153ee84fe8b7d57bfdbf8fe36319f949046ae6751162c72028c.jpg ploads.disquscdn.com/images/efac11b5177 https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1d929b318b3014ad664e1c298134047608f108ce8491d12cce2cb7c014bda4e4.jpg 74259e8e94b29c664476e3dbe2b19b5b1fbd677439fc3d95fae32.jpg
Hi, Kandice —
While this doesn’t seem to have any hub doubling and is therefore not a doubled die as I see here, your call is correct – it’s a 1960-D large date. It appears to have some light circulation wear on the high points, at least in the photos, but it’s nevertheless a nice specimen!
Thanks for reaching out,
Josh
What are the small letters “LGF”, “TCF” and JF stamped at the base of the neck for example on a 1999 P quarter, 2023 D quarter, just to name a couple?
Hi, Blaine —
These are designers’ initials… LGF is Laura Gardin Fraser (the designer of the Washington design beginning with 2022 quarters), and JF is for John Flanagan, who designed the previous Washington head on the quarter. I’m not sure where you’re seeing TCF… If you could please share a photo of the coin with the TCF I’d be happy to assist in explaining what this acronym means.
Best,
Josh