The specific position of the mint’s identifier on the coin is a crucial element for collectors and numismatists. This small letter indicates where a particular Morgan Silver Dollar was produced. Its placement varies depending on the mint facility responsible for striking the coin. For example, coins struck in Philadelphia generally do not bear a mint mark; however, those produced in Carson City, Denver, New Orleans, or San Francisco will feature a designated letter.
Understanding this placement is fundamental in determining a coin’s rarity and value. Certain mint facilities produced fewer coins in specific years, resulting in some marked coins being more sought after than others. Furthermore, the presence and clarity of the mark can influence a coin’s grade and overall desirability among collectors. Historically, this feature provides insight into the economic activity and distribution of coinage across different regions of the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.