Mint marks

Mint marks are small letters or symbols found on coins that indicate where they were produced. They serve as a manufacturing identifier, allowing collectors and officials to trace the coin’s origin to a specific mint. For example, a "P" might signify Philadelphia, while a "S" indicates San Francisco. Mint marks do not typically affect a coin's value but help in cataloging and authentication. Their presence provides insight into the coin's history and production details, especially useful for collectors and numismatists in identifying and verifying coins.