A note about identifying these tiny mint marks: Sometimes the mint marks
are very clear and easy to see. Other times they are quite subtle and difficult
to pick out. The incuse "C" can appear as a tiny circle. The incuse
"B" can also be indistinct. The raised "B" is particularly
prone to problems due to wear, damage or poor striking. It often appears as a
little bump on the coin. Great care must be taken to identify some mint marks.
It often helps to use a magnifier and to use strong directional lighting. An
invisible mint mark can often be quite clear with the proper choice of
lighting.
The following mint marks are illustrated by
photos below:
Incuse "C"
Incuse "B" (normal)
Incuse "B" (inverted)
Raised "B"
Dot mint mark
1. Incuse "C"
Detail of Incuse "C"
2. Incuse "B"
Detail of Incuse
"B"
3. Incuse "B" (inverted B)
Detail of Incuse "B" (inverted B)
4. Raised "B"
Detail of Raised "B" (reverse types I and
II)
5. Dot mint mark (1874-1884)
Detail of Dot mint mark
The single dot is below the center of the
date just above the ornate.
