mintmark
Definition
Noun: A small letter, symbol, or other mark stamped onto a coin during its production to identify the specific mint facility where it was manufactured.
Usage
The mintmark is a crucial feature for numismatists (coin collectors) to determine a coin's origin. Its location on the coin varies by country and denomination.
Examples
- The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is highly valued; the "S" mintmark indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint.
- On modern U.S. coins, you can find the mintmark near the date.
- A coin missing its mintmark is described as being from the Philadelphia Mint, which historically did not use one for many issues.
Advanced Usage
- Mintmark Varieties: Some coins have notable errors or variations in their mintmarks (e.g., a doubled mintmark), which can significantly increase their collectible value.
- Authentication: Experts examine the style and placement of a mintmark to help authenticate rare coins and detect counterfeits.
Variants and Related Words
- Mint (n.): The industrial facility that produces coins.
- Die (n.): The hardened metal stamp used to impress the design, including the mintmark, onto a coin blank.
Synonyms
- Mint letter
- Mint initial
- Mint symbol
Notes
The mintmark is distinct from the coin's main design, date, and denomination. It is a separate, often smaller, design element added to the die.
Noun
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a mark on a coin that identifies the mint where it was produced
