The designation stamped onto United States silver dollar coinage indicating the specific facility where it was produced. This small letter, often found on the reverse of the coin, distinguishes coins struck at different mints such as Philadelphia (often absent), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S). Its presence or absence, and its specific form, provides crucial data for identifying and valuing individual coins.
This identifier offers significant benefits to numismatists and historians. It provides insight into the volume of coinage produced at each location, reflecting regional economic activity and the logistical challenges of distributing currency. Furthermore, variations in placement, size, and style can denote specific years or die varieties, impacting a coins rarity and desirability. Studying these markings unlocks historical data related to minting practices and the national economy.
