Philadelphia Coins With Mint Marks
Question: I was told that the lack of a mint mark on a United States coin meant that it was minted in Philadelphia. A coin dealer told me that the only coins with a P were the 1942-45 nickels. I found a Susan B. Anthony 1979 dollar with a P and also a 1983 Kennedy half dollar and 1985 and ’86 quarters with P on them. Does this mean that these coins are errors? I also would like to know if the Mint is still making the Eisenhower-clad dollars and, if not, what was the last year made? --J.H.S.
Answer: It’s true that the lack of a mint mark indicates a coin is from the Philadelphia Mint. It’s also true that the wartime Jefferson nickel was the first United States coin to carry the P designation, from 1942-1945. The letter was used to indicate the absence of the metal nickel, which was needed in the war effort. Now, interestingly, the coin is prized not only for the large letter but also because it contains silver, which has more intrinsic value than nickel.
However, as you indicate, other coins since then also carry the P designation. The coins you mention are not errors but regular issues. Other recent coins also carry the P mark, especially some of the later commemorative issues. While I haven’t seen it done, it might be interesting to put together a set of all the P issues. Because only modern issues would be involved, it wouldn’t have to be a great challenge.
As for the Eisenhower dollar, it was last issued in 1978. The short series was started in 1971 and was followed by the ill-fated Anthony dollar, which was down-sized and proved to be unpopular because it was often confused with the quarter. Eisenhower, however, has been in the numismatic news recently with the indication that a commemorative silver dollar will be issued in his honor in early 1990, marking the 100th anniversary of the former President’s birth. Again, this will be an opportunity to pair the new commemorative coin with the earlier dollars to create a nice Eisenhower set.
Q: I would like to have the following coins appraised: 1963, ‘64, ’65 and ’66 un peso, Estados Unidos Mexicanos; two cinco pesos 1948; two Estados Unidos Mexicanos 25 pesos; Juecos de la XIX Olympiada Mexico 1968; a Susan B. Anthony dollar, 1979-S (clear S); and a 1909 Barber quarter in extra-fine condition. --A.T.
A: Your Mexican pesos have little or no collector value; the cinco pesos are worth about $5 each; the 25 pesos are about $4 each; the Mexican Olympic coin is $4; the Anthony dollar is about $60 to $70 if a proof (and a clear S), and the Barber quarter is $1.75.
Q: I have a dollar bill, Series 1985, that has a white smudge on the top of Washington’s head, giving him a top-knot. There’s another smudge above his left shoulder. Is this a printing error that might enhance the value of the bill? --C.W.M.
A: Smudges such as you describe are not that uncommon. Your bill has little or no collector value.
Coin News
A four-piece gold proof set depicting Bermuda’s historic past has been struck by the British Royal Mint. The set is limited to a mintage of 500 worldwide with values of $100, $50, $25 and $10. The $100 piece (pictured) is representative of the Sea Venture, which was shipwrecked almost 400 years ago while en route to Virginia. Early Bermuda coinage was called hogge money (or hoggies), because a hog design was used to depict the wild animal left on the islands in the early 16th Century by a Spanish expedition. The 1989 Bermuda Hogge Collection sets are $1,495 from the British Royal Mint, P.O. Box 2570, Woodside, N.Y. 11377-9864; telephone (800) 221-1215.