The individual identifiers stamped on these coins denote the specific United States Mint facility where they were produced. These marks, typically a single letter, are critical for identifying the coin’s origin. For instance, an “S” indicates San Francisco, a “D” signifies Denver, an “O” denotes New Orleans, and a “CC” represents Carson City. Coins lacking a letter were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
Understanding these identifiers is paramount for numismatists, as they significantly influence a coin’s value and rarity. Certain mints produced fewer coins in specific years, making those examples more sought after by collectors. The historical context tied to each mint, such as the closure of the Carson City Mint, further enhances the appeal and collectibility of pieces bearing its designation.