mintmark

Thân thiện

A collector examines the mintmark on a silver coin.

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.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a mark on a coin that identifies the mint where it was produced