Coin collecting is a pursuit that combines history, art, and the thrill of discovery. Among the most coveted treasures are coins bearing rare mint marks—small letters indicating the minting location—that can significantly enhance a coin’s value. Here, we explore ten rare mint marks that every numismatist dreams of finding.
1. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime, minted in Denver, is a prized find due to its limited mintage of 264,000 coins. In excellent condition, it can command prices exceeding $40,000. Collectors should look for the “D” mint mark on the coin’s reverse, near the bottom.
2. 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent
This penny, produced in San Francisco, features the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner. With only 484,000 minted, it’s highly sought after, with top-condition specimens fetching over $1,000. The “S” mint mark is located below the date on the obverse side.
3. 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
With a mintage of just 208,000, the 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar from the Denver Mint is among the rarest in its series. In pristine condition, it can be valued between $1,000 and $5,000. The “D” mint mark is found on the reverse, below the eagle.
4. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The San Francisco Mint produced only 100,000 of these coins, making the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar the lowest mintage in the series. High-grade examples have sold for over $2 million. The “S” mint mark is located on the reverse, beneath the wreath.
5. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (No Mint Mark)
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, minted in Philadelphia without a mint mark, had a limited release of 52,000 coins. In top condition, it can be worth over $25,000. Absence of a mint mark below the date indicates its origin.
6. 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is an enigma, with only around a dozen known to exist. One specimen sold for over $1 million. The “S” mint mark is on the reverse, below the eagle.
7. 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This $20 gold coin from the Denver Mint had a mintage of 180,000, but few survived the gold recalls of the 1930s. In mint state, it can fetch over $1 million. The “D” mint mark is located above the date.
8. 1879 Stella Gold Coin
The 1879 Stella is a $4 gold coin intended for international trade, with only 425 minted. Collectors highly value this coin, with prices often exceeding $1.5 million.
9. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel (No Mint Mark)
Only five specimens of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel are known, all without a mint mark, indicating Philadelphia production. One sold for over $3 million. The absence of a mint mark on the reverse confirms its origin.
10. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent (No Mint Mark)
Due to a wartime error, a few bronze cents were minted in Philadelphia in 1943 instead of the intended steel. These coins without a mint mark can be worth over $200,000. The lack of a mint mark below the date signifies Philadelphia minting.
Here’s a summary of these rare coins:
| Coin | Mint Mark | Mintage | Approximate Value in Top Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | D | 264,000 | Over $40,000 |
| 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent | S | 484,000 | Over $1,000 |
| 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | D | 208,000 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar | S | 100,000 | Over $2 million |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | None | 52,000 | Over $25,000 |
| 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar | S | Unknown | Over $1 million |
| 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | D | 180,000 | Over $1 million |
| 1879 Stella Gold Coin | None | 425 | Over $1.5 million |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | None | 5 | Over $3 million |
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent | None | Unknown | Over $200,000 |
FAQs
What is a mint mark?
A mint mark is a small letter on a coin indicating the mint where it was produced.
Where are mint marks located on coins?
Mint marks are typically found on the obverse or reverse side, near the date or within the design.
Why do mint marks affect a coin’s value?
Mint marks can indicate limited production runs or unique origins, increasing a coin’s rarity and value.
