U.S. Mints and Mint Marks

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1793-Date, “P” mint mark

As the first operating mint, coins struck in Philadelphia did not carry a mint mark. From 1942-1945, however, the “P” initial was pressed on WWII five-cent issues to indicate the use of silver as nickel was diverted for war munitions. But since 1980, all of Philadelphia's coins receive the “P” mint mark, except for the cent, which has its own exception. The “P” mark was struck on the 2017 cent. (Pictured: 2nd Philadelphia Mint, 1833-1901.)

Charlotte, North Carolina

1838-1861, “C” mint mark

The first branch mint, this facility was opened to strike coins from gold discovered in a mine in Midland, NC. In May 1861, the state seceded from the Union and the Confederacy briefly took over. But by October, with the Civil War well underway, the facility was converted to a hospital. Afterwards, it was downgraded to an assay office, and then closed in 1913.

Dahlonega, Georgia

1838-1861, “D” mint mark

A gold rush in northern Georgia prompted the opening of this branch in a town which takes its name from the Cherokee word for golden, talonega. An estimated $6 million in gold coins were issued here before the start of the Civil War. Stripped of its machinery by the state in January 1861, the Confederate Congress closed it that June.

New Orleans, Louisiana

1838-1909, “O” mint mark

The Crescent City was the site of the third southern branch mint to open in 1838, and the most prolific of the three. It operated from 1838 to 1861 and again from 1879 to 1909, striking over 427 million gold and silver coins.

San Francisco, California

1854-Date, “S” mint mark

Discovery of gold in northern California, coupled with time and security issues to transport the precious metal to Philadelphia, led to opening a San Francisco branch. A larger location opened in 1874, a third in 1937. In 1955, circulating coins ceased to be minted for 13 years. From 1968 to 1974, it issued circulating coins while assuming most of Philadelphia’s Proof production. Since 2012, it has issued a select number of Uncirculated coins for collectors only. (Pictured: 2nd San Francisco Mint 1874-1937.)

Carson City, Nevada

1870-1893, “CC” mint mark

The Carson City branch was built to issue coins from the fabled Comstock Lode, the largest silver strike in U.S. history, and to diminish the costs, plus the risks, of shipping the valuable ore to San Francisco. It temporarily closed in 1885, reopened in 1889, and closed permanently in 1893.

Denver, Colorado

1906-Date, “D” mint mark

After the 1858 discovery of gold on the Platte River, then part of the Kansas Territory, discussion for a second western branch mint started. Colorado became its own territory in 1861 and an assay office opened in 1863. It became a state in 1876, and the mint in the capital city finally issued its first coins in 1906.

West Point, New York

1984-Date, “W” mint mark

Storing silver, gold and platinum, the West Point Bullion Depository opened in 1938. Its first mint mark appeared on a $10 gold coin commemorating the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. It became a branch mint in 1988. In 1995, it began issuing American Eagle Silver Dollars; in 1996, Roosevelt Dimes (in Uncirculated sets only), and in 2019, it struck quarters for circulation with the “W” mint mark.