These small alphanumeric characters, found on the reverse of certain coins, indicate the specific United States Mint facility where a particular piece was struck. For example, an “O” signifies the New Orleans Mint, while “CC” denotes the Carson City Mint. The absence of a mark often points to production at the Philadelphia Mint.
These identifiers are critical for collectors and numismatists as they frequently influence a coin’s rarity and, consequently, its value. Some facilities produced significantly fewer coins than others, leading to increased demand for those specific issues. Understanding their presence, absence, and variations is essential for accurate identification and valuation.
