Where is the mint mark on a Morgan dollar? This is a common question among coin collectors, as the mint mark is an essential identifier for determining the coin’s origin and value. The mint mark is a small letter or symbol that indicates which U.S. mint facility produced the coin. Understanding where to find this mint mark is crucial for anyone interested in the history and authenticity of Morgan dollars.
Morgan dollars, named after their designer, George T. Morgan, were minted from 1878 to 1904, with a brief resurgence in 1921. These coins were produced at four different mint facilities: Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City, and New Orleans. Each of these mints has its own mint mark, which is located on the coin in a specific location.
The Philadelphia Mint, which was the primary mint for Morgan dollars, did not include a mint mark on the coins struck there. Therefore, coins with no mint mark are known as “Philadelphia Mint” or “No Mint Mark” (NMM) coins. These coins are often the most common and least valuable, as they were produced in the highest numbers.
For coins minted at the San Francisco Mint, the mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, just below the word “ONE.” The mint mark for San Francisco is represented by the letter “S.” Coins with an “S” mint mark are highly sought after by collectors, as they are rarer and often command higher prices.
The Carson City Mint, which produced Morgan dollars from 1878 to 1893, used the letter “CC” as its mint mark. The mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, just above the word “ONE.” Carson City coins are also considered valuable by collectors, especially those from the early years of production.
New Orleans Mint coins, minted from 1879 to 1904, feature the letter “O” as the mint mark. The mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, just below the word “ONE.” New Orleans coins are particularly prized by collectors, as they are rarer than coins from the other three mints.
In conclusion, knowing where to find the mint mark on a Morgan dollar is essential for collectors to determine the coin’s origin and value. The mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, and it can be an “S,” “CC,” or “O,” depending on the mint that produced the coin. For Philadelphia Mint coins, there is no mint mark, making them the most common and least valuable. By understanding the mint mark’s location and significance, collectors can better appreciate the history and value of their Morgan dollar collections.
