Mint Mark on Coins

Explore the world of mint mark on coins in this detailed guide. Learn about the history, purpose, and significance of mint marks, how they evolved around the world, and why coin collectors value them. Perfect for numismatists and history enthusiasts alike!

Introduction to Mint Marks on Coins

Historical Origins and Evolution of Mint Marks

Purpose and Significance of Mint Marks on Coins

Mint Marks Around the World

Mint Marks in United States Coinage

Mint Marks and Coin Collecting

Notable Mint Marks and Rare Coins

Additional Insights on Mint Marks

Conclusion

FAQs

Introduction to Mint Marks on Coins

The mint mark on coins is a small letter, symbol, or inscription that identifies the mint facility where the coin was produced​. Mint marks originated as a quality-control measure: if coins were underweight or debased, the mint mark would reveal which mint (and which official) was responsible​.

This practice dates back to antiquity. For example, ancient Greek city-mints stamped their coins with magistrate symbols or initials to denote the minting authority​. In those times, coin debasement was often punishable by death, so the mint mark (often accompanied by an assayer’s initials) held mint workers strictly accountable​.

Greek coins even bore marks like ΑΘΕ (for “Athenians”) to indicate Athens as the origin. Mint marks are often overlooked by casual observers, but in numismatics even these tiny symbols or letters are important attributes that tell a richer history of each piece. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual hobbyist, learning about the mint mark on coins deepens your appreciation of a coin’s story. In this guide, we will explore how mint marks evolved over centuries, why they remain important, and highlight their role in modern numismatics.

Collecting coins is about more than just face value; it includes decoding small clues like mint marks. The phrase mint mark on coins might seem technical, but it simply labels a coin’s origin. Understanding this label is fundamental in numismatic study.

Historical Origins and Evolution of Mint Marks

Mint marks have a rich history across millennia. In ancient times, coins often included identifiers for practical reasons. In ancient Greece, city authorities stamped their coins with magistrate symbols or initials to show which authority was responsible​. These “Magistrate Marks” held mint officials accountable: altering a coin’s precious-metal content was a serious crime (for example, directors of the Potosí mint were executed for debasement​).

Over time, this practice spread across empires and kingdoms. By the Hellenistic period, many Greek and successor states used mint symbols; for instance, coins of Alexander’s realm often had marks denoting the specific city of issue. Studying mint marks is like reading a map: each symbol or letter carries a story of place and time.

The Roman Empire further formalized mint marks. Emperor Diocletian’s currency reforms (late 3rd century AD) required coins to bear a three-part mint signature on the reverse​. This included an authority code (SM for Sacra Moneta, i.e. “holy money”), the mint’s city (e.g. ROM for Rome, LON for London), and the workshop. Later, Byzantine gold coins bore CONOB to indicate Constantinople’s pure gold standard​.

Mint marking on copper coins continued into the 7th century, ensuring that even in late antiquity the origin of each coin could be identified. Through medieval times, mint marks remained central.

Medieval Europe refined mint marks further. In France, mint names first appeared under Pepin and were required by Charlemagne​. Systems like Charles IV’s “secret points” (dots under legend letters) gave way to Francis I’s field letters (A for Paris, B for Rouen, etc.).

French coins also often bore the initials of their mintmasters. England likewise named some mints: medieval pennies typically included the mint (e.g., “LON” for London). (British colonial issues also used mint initials for Australia and India.) Under William III (late 1600s), branch mints in British territories struck coins with their initials beneath the monarch​. The Soho and Birmingham Mints in England used an “H” mark on coins they produced for Britain and other countries​, such as late-1800s Canadian silver.

The Age of Exploration brought mint marks overseas. The Spanish Empire introduced mint marks with the opening of Mexico City’s mint in 1535​, and later had marks for Lima, Bogotá, Potosí, Manila, etc. After Mexico’s independence, the republic continued using the old “Mo” monogram for Mexico City on its silver coins​.

In the newly independent United States, Congress authorized branch mints in 1835. By 1838, new mints at Charlotte, NC (“C”) and Dahlonega, GA (“D”) were striking gold coins (Philadelphia coins at the time showed no mark). In the same year, the New Orleans mint (O) opened for silver and minor coinage. Thus, an 1838 $5 gold Eagle minted at Charlotte has a “C” mint mark, while one from Dahlonega has “D”.

Over the centuries, mint marks became standard on most coin series, so that virtually every coin in circulation today has one. Even in ancient Rome, knowing a denarius’ mint lets historians date it precisely, and medieval merchants could trust a coin’s weight by its familiar mark. Studying mint marks is effectively reading a small map of monetary history.

Purpose and Significance of Mint Marks on Coins

At its core, a mint mark on coins serves as a guarantee of origin and quality control. Mint marks allow governments and collectors to track where each coin was struck. In historical coinages of precious metals, this was crucial: if a batch of coins proved underweight or debased, the mint mark would point investigators to the errant mint and officials. Merchants in colonial times trusted coins from familiar mints because the mark assured them of consistent silver or gold content.

Early coinage even recorded the assayer’s initials along with the mint mark​. A coin’s journey became clearer when one saw its mint stamp. For example, during the heyday of the Spanish silver dollar, a merchant in New Orleans could see the “Mo” on an 8 reales and know it was Mexico City silver of the correct fineness.

Even small details in coin design serve big purposes. The mint mark is one of those details that goes almost unnoticed, yet carries a wealth of information. For governments, marking coins ensured accountability: mint employees knew they could be identified by any flaw in a coin, since debasement was often severely punished.

It also aided administration; mint directors reported production by mark, helping with coin supply and budgets. Counterfeiters must recreate correct mint marks – a mismatch often gives them away – so mint marks also help deter fraud. In modern mints, unique marks or privy marks sometimes indicate special editions or security features (e.g., micro-engraved symbols). But the principle remains: a mint mark tells you exactly where a coin was made.

For collectors and historians, mint marks add rich detail. A coin’s mint mark (combined with date and design) narrows down its origin to a specific city and minting period. This can dramatically impact a coin’s rarity. Coins struck in low-volume branch mints or during short minting periods are often much scarcer. For example, U.S. gold coins from Dahlonega (GA) and Charlotte (NC) in the 1850s are highly prized today because those mints closed with the Civil War​.

In contrast, coins from busy mints like Philadelphia or London are more common. Collectors often acquire coins by mint: one year might have a Philadelphia and a Denver coin, each collected separately. Collectors also note that mint marks distinguish proof and bullion issues (for example, U.S. proof sets often have “S” marks, and bullion silver eagles use “W”). A coin’s mint mark is often just as important as its date for collecting and valuation.

Beyond value, mint marks chronicle history. A new mint mark can signal the opening of a branch mint (like Denver’s “D” after the 1906 gold rush) or broader political change. A missing or changed mint mark can signal emergencies: e.g., the U.S. removal of mint marks in 1965–1967 was a policy to curb hoarding​. A World War II nickel had a “P” added to Monticello to denote its silver alloy​. In sum, that small letter or symbol on a coin is a timestamp linking the coin to place, policy, and production.

Mint Marks Around the World

Mint marking practices differ across nations. Here are some notable examples:

• Germany: German coins use single letters for each mint city: A = Berlin, D = Munich (Bavaria), E = Muldenhütte, F = Stuttgart, G = Karlsruhe, and J = Hamburg​. These letters appear on both historical coinage and modern euro coins. For instance, German euro cents still show the mint letter of their origin.
• Spain: In 19th-century Spain, stars served as mint marks: a six-pointed star denoted Madrid and an eight-pointed star Barcelona​. After 1868, Spain punched the small date inside the star. Spain later switched to Latin letters (e.g. “M” for Madrid), but those classic star marks remain distinctive to collectors.
• Canada: The Royal Canadian Mint often uses a maple leaf as a privy mark on its coins​. Older Canadian coins from Winnipeg carried a small “H” (for the Heaton Mint) to indicate their origin. Modern Canadian coins from Ottawa typically have no letter, relying on the maple leaf or other national symbols.
• Netherlands: Dutch coins bear the Utrecht mint mark (an axe and bundle of arrows)​. This symbol has been used on Dutch coinage (guilder and euro) since 1830 (interrupted only during WWII). Any Dutch coin with that “axe” was minted in Utrecht.
• Islamic countries: Many coins of Islamic empires include the mint city’s name in Arabic script as part of the legend​. For instance, Ottoman Turkish or Mughal Indian coins often explicitly name their mint (like “Istanbul” or “Delhi”) on the coin’s face.
• France: Under King Francis I (1540), French mints were assigned letters: A for Paris, B for Rouen, …, Z for Lyon​. These letter mint marks appeared on French coins for centuries. (Today, France mostly uses national mint marks or symbols, but Paris still effectively uses “A”.)
• United Kingdom: Modern UK coins generally bear no mint mark (London was the main mint). However, in the 19th century, some coins were struck by the private Birmingham (Heaton) Mint and carry an “H”​. For example, late-1800s British and Canadian silver coins struck at Birmingham show a small “H”.
• Eurozone: Euro coins and modern national issues also have mint identifiers. Each Euro country assigns codes or symbols to its mints (for example, Germany uses letters A–F for different mints; France uses “A” for Paris, etc.)​. These marks let collectors trace a euro coin to the exact mint where it was struck.

These examples illustrate that while the concept of a mint mark on coins is universal, each country’s system reflects its tradition. Letters, stars, or symbols can all serve the same purpose: tying a coin to its place of production. Although examples above use letters and stars, some mints use national logos or creative symbols. Regardless of form, the mint mark’s job is the same – to act as a tiny fingerprint of the mint on its currency.

Mint Marks in United States Coinage

The United States provides a clear case study of mint mark evolution. The first U.S. Mint opened in Philadelphia in 1792; since it was the only facility, early Philadelphia coins had no mint mark​. When Congress authorized branch mints in the 1830s, marks became needed. By 1838, new mints in Charlotte, North Carolina (mint mark “C”) and Dahlonega, Georgia (“D”) were striking gold coins​.

That same year, the New Orleans Mint (O) opened for silver and minor coinage. Thus, an 1838 $5 gold Eagle minted at Charlotte has a “C” mint mark, while one from Dahlonega has “D.” Other branches soon followed: San Francisco opened in 1854 (“S”) and Denver in 1906 (“D”)​ (Denver reused “D” years after Dahlonega closed). In 1920 the U.S. even opened a branch in Manila (the Philippines); coins from there bear an “M”​. The U.S. has also placed mint marks on coins for territories and allied nations​.

The current U.S. mint marks are:

• P (Philadelphia): The original mint. Practically, Philadelphia coins had no mark until the 1940s and 1970s issues​. In 1979, when the Susan B. Anthony dollar was released, Philadelphia resumed using “P.” Since 1980, all U.S. coins except the cent have carried the “P” mark.
• D (Denver): Began 1906​. Uses “D.” (The letter “D” was previously used by Dahlonega in the 1830s–1860s.)
• S (San Francisco): Began 1854. Uses “S.” Today mostly for proofs and commemorative issues.
• W (West Point): Began 1984. Uses “W” on bullion and some commemoratives​. West Point originally struck only commemorative gold and silver eagles, but later some circulating commemoratives.
• M (Manila, Philippines): Used 1920–1922 on Philippine coinage under U.S. administration​.
• Historic (no longer used): C (Charlotte, 1838–1861), O (New Orleans, 1838–1909), CC (Carson City, 1870–1893)​.

A historical quirk: from 1965 to 1967, U.S. law removed all mint marks from circulating coins​. These coins (Washington quarters, Kennedy halves, Roosevelt dimes, etc.) display no mint letter by mandate, making them a unique set. Otherwise, U.S. coins place the mint mark near the date or on the reverse design.

For example, modern Lincoln cents show the mint mark above the date, while Washington quarters and Kennedy halves have it on the reverse. If you see a “P,” “D,” “S,” or “W” on a U.S. coin, you now know whether it came from Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, or West Point​.

Understanding these mint marks is crucial for coin collectors. The difference between, say, a 1940 nickel with “P” and the same date with “D” can be significant in rarity. After 1979, mint marks allowed collectors to easily distinguish coins from different mints once again.

Mint Marks and Coin Collecting

For numismatists, mint marks are a key aspect of collecting. In the early days of the hobby (19th century), collectors built date sets and largely ignored mint marks. However, A.G. Heaton’s 1893 research revealed that coins of the same date from different mints often have very different rarities​.

Since then, many collectors have sought complete sets by date and mint. For example, a Morgan dollar collector would want both the 1921-D and 1921-P to complete the 1921 set. Collectors even acquire coins by mint: a complete Lincoln cent collection might mean obtaining one penny from Philadelphia and one from Denver for each year. Collectors also note that mint marks distinguish proof and bullion issues (such as “S” proofs and “W” bullion coins).

A coin catalog always lists coins by date and mint, reflecting how essential the mint mark has become. In fact, many collectors maintain two albums – one organized by date, another by mint – and coin grading labels always include the mint mark. It is hard to overstate how much collectors rely on that little letter for identification and value.

Mint marks can greatly influence value. Generally, coins from low-output or short-lived mints command premiums. U.S. Morgan dollars from Carson City (“CC”) and Gobrecht dollars from Dahlonega (“D”) are classic examples; they often sell above their bullion content because so few were struck. In modern series, even a small difference in mintage makes one mint’s coins scarcer. For instance, of the two coins dated 1932 (P and D), the Denver quarter (1932-D) is key because so few were made, making it far rarer than the Philadelphia issue.

Collectors also chase mint-mark varieties. Coins struck without a mint mark (when normally present) or with an unexpected mark become numismatic curiosities. Proof coins usually carry a mint mark (older U.S. proofs had “S” for San Francisco), and special bullion coins have distinct marks. Errors related to mint marks (like double-punched letters or missing marks) are eagerly sought.

Even a common year can become collectible if one mint’s version is scarce. For example, a 1960-D Lincoln cent might seem ordinary, but a high-grade specimen is prized because it’s the Denver coin. Thus, collectors often treat the mint mark as an extra dimension of rarity.

In summary, the mint mark on coins is as important as the date to a collector. It creates sub-categories of coins and adds excitement to collecting. Entire specialties have formed around mint marks – there are clubs for Carson City collectors, Morgan dollar collectors by mint, and even specialists in mint-mark errors. With every coin, the mint mark tells part of the story of that coin’s journey from die to collection.

Notable Mint Marks and Rare Coins

Some mint-marked coins have become legendary among collectors. In U.S. coinage, famous examples include the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent (San Francisco mint, 484,000 struck) and the 1916-D Mercury dime (Denver mint, 264,000 struck). Both carry their respective “S” or “D” on the coin and are considered key dates. U.S. branch mint gold coins are also prized: an 1854-O $5 Gold Half Eagle (New Orleans) or an 1886-CC Morgan dollar (Carson City) fetch high prices​.

Even everyday coinage can become rare by mint: a 1960-D Lincoln cent or a 1968-S dime, though common in quantity, are watched by date-set collectors.

Internationally, there are similar stories. Canadian numismatists note the 1912-D silver dollar (Denver mint) as a key date. British colonial coins marked “H” for Birmingham or “I” for India can be scarce. In modern series, limited-run mint-mark coins draw interest: for example, American Silver Eagles struck at West Point (“W”) some years were only made in small numbers. Proof and commemorative issues often highlight their mint marks prominently. Collectors also study mint-mark errors; for instance, a mis-punched “CC” or a doubled “D” is a notable variety.

Even pieces we think of as mundane have mint-mark tales. For example, U.S. quarters of 1965–1967 all lack marks, making that period distinctive. Or a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar from Philadelphia was actually minted with a “P,” a first since the 18th century for that denomination. Worldwide, auction records show mint-mark rarities bringing premiums. In every case, the mint mark can be the difference between a common coin and a treasured collectible. An old saying in numismatics is that a coin is worth as much as its mint and date allow; indeed, the mint mark often makes a coin noteworthy.

Additional Insights on Mint Marks

For serious collectors and historians, mint marks often prompt deeper research. If a coin has an unexpected mark, one might investigate the mint’s history. Perhaps the coin was struck during a short-lived minting period, or it could be a pattern or trial strike. Numismatic journals sometimes publish new discoveries about rare mint-mark pieces (for example, the story of a newly found 1933-D Buffalo nickel).

Mint marks can confuse beginners. A common question is whether a coin without a mark is defective. Often, no mark simply means the main mint produced it. For instance, Philadelphia didn’t put “P” on coins until the late 20th century – so older Philadelphia coins naturally have no letter. Understanding mint policies helps: U.S. pennies from 1909–1978 in Philadelphia had no mark, and pennies of 1976–2016 from Philadelphia likewise had no letter (until “P” appeared in 2017). Coin catalogs and guides usually explain these norms, telling you that a missing mark is often normal for certain issues.

The way mint marks are added has itself evolved. On ancient coins, mint marks or magistrate initials were often punched into the die by hand, which is why medieval dies sometimes show a slightly rotated or duplicated mint letter (an interesting error!). On modern coins, the mint mark is usually engraved into the master die, resulting in very consistent letters. Specialists can sometimes identify the mint by the style or position of the mark. A poorly placed or misshapen mint mark can indicate a struck-by-hand process or even an altered coin.

Mint marks also intersect with legal and economic policies. In the United States, branch mints were often set up by act of Congress for strategic or economic reasons (gold discoveries, regional supply). Thus each mint mark reflects a chapter of U.S. history. In other countries, mint marks might honor particular facilities (e.g., an initial for “H” denoting the Heaton Mint). During conflicts, some nations changed or removed mint marks; for example, Nazi Germany moved its mint marks to avoid bombardment targets.

In popular culture, rare mint-mark coins make headlines. When an auction sells a 1916-D dime or a 1804-S silver dollar, news stories highlight the mint mark. These events remind us that the mint mark is more than a letter – it’s the key that unlocks a coin’s legacy.

Conclusion

Mint marks are a small but powerful element of coin design and history. The mint mark on coins connects each coin to its place of origin, serving as a hallmark of authenticity, quality, and heritage​. From ancient magistrates’ symbols to modern mint logos, these markings have helped maintain trust in currency and track coinage for centuries. Ultimately, paying attention to the mint mark can enrich any coin-collecting experience by linking every coin to a specific time and place in history.

For collectors and historians, mint marks provide indispensable clues: which mint struck the coin, what era it comes from, and even its role in a broader story. They have spawned entire collecting specialties, and some mint-marked issues have become famed rarities. In holding a coin stamped with “ROM,” “D,” or “W,” you hold a piece of history with a unique signature.

Understanding mint marks enriches your appreciation of coins. The tiny mint mark on coins is literally a stamp of origin. Noting it can transform an ordinary coin from pocket change into a living artifact of the mint where it was born. In the end, the mint mark on a coin reminds us that every piece of metal carries a story of human endeavor in finance and craft.

FAQs

Q: What is a mint mark on a coin?
A: A mint mark on a coin is a small letter, symbol, or inscription that identifies the mint facility where the coin was struck​. It acts like a signature for the mint, telling collectors and officials which mint produced the coin.

Q: Why do coins have mint marks?
A: Coins carry mint marks for accountability and identification. Historically, mint marks allowed authorities to trace coins to their mint in case of production problems​. Today, mint marks still indicate origin, help manage mint production, and create collectible varieties. They also build public confidence by revealing a coin’s source.

Q: How can I find the mint mark on a coin?
A: The mint mark’s location depends on the coin’s design and country. Often it’s near the date or the country’s name. For example, on modern U.S. pennies, the mint mark appears just above the date. On Washington quarters, it’s on the reverse below the motto. If a coin has no visible mint mark, it may be from the primary mint (like Philadelphia on old U.S. coins). Coin reference guides will specify exactly where to look on each type of coin.

Q: What do the letters (P, D, S, etc.) on U.S. coins mean?
A: In U.S. coinage, each letter stands for a mint: P = Philadelphia, D = Denver, S = San Francisco, W = West Point​. Historic letters include C (Charlotte), O (New Orleans), CC (Carson City), and M (Manila)​. These letters tell you which facility produced the coin. For example, a 1908-D nickel is from Denver, while a 1908-P nickel is Philadelphia.

Q: Are coins without mint marks worth more?
A: Not by default. Some coins lack a mint mark because they came from the main mint (e.g. early Philadelphia coins)​. For example, prior to 1979 U.S. pennies from Philadelphia have no mint mark, but that doesn’t make them more valuable than comparable marked coins. However, if a coin is missing a mark when it normally should have one, it could be a notable variety (or error). Also, U.S. coins from 1965–1967 have no mint marks by law​; those are just recognized varieties, not inherently worth more. As always, actual value depends on condition and demand, not just the presence of a mark.

Q: Why do some coins have no mint mark?
A: Often no mark simply means the country’s main mint struck the coin. In the U.S., early coins (all from Philadelphia) carried no letter​. In other cases, mint marks may be omitted intentionally: from 1965–1967, U.S. coins had no mark to discourage hoarding​. Some countries never put mint marks if only one mint operates. Always check historical mint policies: a missing mark can be normal or special.

Q: Can a coin’s mint mark ever change?
A: Once a coin is struck, its mint mark is fixed. Over time, though, the same letter can be used by different mints in different eras. For example, Dahlonega used “D” until 1861 and Denver later reused “D” after 1906​. The marks themselves don’t change on an existing coin; any discrepancy (like a dime dated 1964 with a “D” when Denver minted none that year) would mean an error or alteration. Mint marks remain constant on the finished coin.

Q: Do modern coins still use mint marks?
A: Yes, most modern coins have mint marks or similar identifiers. For example, current U.S. coins carry P, D, S, or W . Euro coins and other nations’ currencies also use mint initials or symbols. Some modern mints use privy marks (tiny images) in addition to or instead of a letter. Mint marks remain a standard feature of coin design and production.

Q: What is a privy mark, and how is it different from a mint mark?
A: A mint mark specifically names the mint of origin. A privy mark is a separate symbol used for special issues or commemorations. For instance, Canada’s small maple leaf on certain coins is a privy mark (not the mint initial)​. Privy marks might commemorate an event (like a bicentennial) or denote metal content, whereas mint marks simply label the mint.

Q: Are mint marks used on commemorative or bullion coins?
A: Yes. Modern commemorative, proof, and bullion coins usually use standard mint marks. For example, U.S. commemorative quarters or bullion eagles carry the P, D, S, or W mark. Canadian bullion coins bear P (Ottawa) or W (Winnipeg). The mint mark conventions apply to these issues just as with circulation coins.

Q: Does every coin denomination have a mint mark?
A: In most modern systems, yes. Placement can vary by denomination and design. For example, in U.S. coinage, pennies and nickels put the mark on the obverse near the date, while dimes, quarters, and halves put it on the reverse. The exact location is specified in coin references. Essentially, if a mint strikes that denomination, it will mark it somewhere on the coin.

Q: How are mint marks added to coins?
A: Mint marks are part of the die or hub from which coins are struck. The mint or engraver inscribes the symbol or letter into the die along with the date and design. On older coins, mint marks were often punched in by hand into the die by an official. On modern coins, the mint mark is usually incorporated into the master die when it is created, so it appears with every strike automatically.

Q: Do mint marks appear on paper money?
A: No. Mint marks apply only to coins. Paper currency uses other identifiers (such as serial numbers, plate numbers, or Federal Reserve seals) but not mint marks. Paper money is printed in presses, not “minted,” so it lacks a mint mark.

Q: Can mint marks indicate the metal content of a coin?
A: Not usually. Mint marks generally only show location. However, in special cases a mark or related symbol can signal composition. The classic example is the U.S. World War II nickel: a “P” above Monticello indicated it was the silver-alloy “war nickel”​. But in most cases, you should consult the coin’s type or official specifications to determine its metal.

Q: Can I trust that a coin’s mint mark is genuine?
A: Authentic mint marks are part of the original coin design. However, some coins have been altered by collectors or dealers (for instance, changing a common 1955 penny to a rarer 1955-D). If you suspect an altered mint mark, compare the font, size, and position to known genuine examples. Under magnification, an added mark may have irregular edges or alignment. Grading services and experienced collectors can help verify authenticity. Modern certified coins list the mint mark on the label.

Q: Where can I find information about mint marks for different countries?
A: Standard references include the U.S. “Red Book” for American coins and the Krause catalogs or world coin reference guides for international issues. Many national mints and collector associations publish guides or tables of mint marks. Online databases and numismatic forums also document mint mark usage worldwide.

Q: Is any special equipment needed to read mint marks?
A: Not usually; mint marks are intended to be visible with the naked eye. However, tiny or worn mint marks may require a loupe or magnifying glass. For very small or microscopically engraved marks (like some modern privy marks), specialty magnification might be needed. Coin guides will tell you exactly where to look for each series.

Each coin has its own mint mark story. By learning these tiny letters and symbols, collectors connect with the human and historical side of coinage. A mint mark might seem minor, but it unlocks the place and sometimes the circumstances of a coin’s creation. Appreciating that helps turn a simple coin into a piece of history.