This United States coin, struck in 1971, represents a specific type of dollar coin from that era. Its distinguishing characteristic is the absence of a mint mark, a small letter indicating the branch of the U.S. Mint where it was produced. These coins were intended for general circulation and were part of a broader effort to reintroduce dollar coins into everyday use. Their composition differed from earlier silver dollars, being made of a copper-nickel clad alloy.
The absence of a mint mark on a 1971 dollar coin signifies that it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. While not inherently rare, these coins offer a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in American coinage history, marking a shift in metal composition and the design of circulating currency. They serve as historical artifacts, reflecting the economic and monetary policies of the time.