On a nickel, the letter 'P' stands for Philadelphia, indicating that the coin was minted at the United States Mint facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This small letter or symbol found on a coin is known as a mint mark.
Understanding Mint Marks
A mint mark is a crucial element of a coin's design, functioning as an identifier for its origin. It is a small letter or symbol, part of the overall inscriptions (sometimes referred to as the coin's "legend"), that pinpoints the specific branch of the U.S. Mint where the coin was produced. These marks are vital for collectors and historians, offering insights into the coin's journey from production to circulation.
- Purpose: To identify the originating mint facility.
- Location: Mint marks are typically found on the obverse (front) or reverse (back) of U.S. coins, though their exact placement can vary depending on the coin series and year. On modern nickels, the mint mark is usually located on the obverse, near the date.
- Significance: Mint marks help track production numbers from different facilities and can influence a coin's rarity and value among collectors.
Current U.S. Mint Facilities and Their Marks
The United States Mint operates several facilities, each responsible for producing coinage for circulation, numismatic products, or bullion. The primary facilities that issue circulating coinage, and their corresponding mint marks, are:
| Mint Mark | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| P | Philadelphia | The main facility, responsible for producing a large portion of U.S. circulating coinage. The 'P' mint mark began appearing on nickels in 1942 (on the "Wartime" Jefferson Nickels) and consistently on most other circulating coinage starting in 1979, but only appeared on all circulating nickels starting in 2006. |
| D | Denver | Another major producer of circulating coins, serving the western United States. |
| S | San Francisco | Historically produced circulating coinage, but now primarily focuses on proof coins and special commemorative issues for collectors. |
| W | West Point | Primarily produces bullion coins and commemorative issues, occasionally striking circulating coins like certain quarters. |
It's worth noting that for many years, coins minted in Philadelphia did not bear a mint mark, particularly before 1979 for most denominations. However, the 'P' mint mark became a standard feature on most circulating U.S. coins (including nickels from 2006 onwards) to clearly identify their origin.
For more detailed information about U.S. coinage and mint marks, you can explore the official United States Mint website.
