How to Find Mint Marks on World Coins
Coin collectors know that mint marks, the indicators that tell you where the coin was struck, can be the difference between a common coin and one that's priceless. They also know the mint mark is not always easy to find. While United States coins have mint marks that are pretty simple to spot, those on foreign coins can sometimes send you on a treasure hunt. But that hunt is part of the charm of coin collecting.
Things You'll Need
- An up-to-date book on foreign coins (See resources.)
- Magnifying glass or jewelers loop
- Coin catalog
- Coin holders
Instructions
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Read a current book on world coins that offers information and pictures of every coin and the location of the mint mark, as well as the current value. For example, if you're looking for a mint mark on a Euro that carries an image of the Pope, you should be able to see a picture that shows you the location of the mint mark just to the right of his face. You'll find the letter "R" that tells you the coin was minted in Rome. On many Canadian coins, the mint mark is below the date. This is also the case with many coins from Mexico and Russia. The Royal Mint of London puts its mint mark, a small diamond, below the first digit of the date.
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Sort your coins by country and examine each one carefully with a magnifying glass. Note that over time the locations of mint marks can change. Recently minted coins tend to have the mint mark under or near the date.
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Log your coins in a catalog or computer. For each coin you'll want to note the date, mint mark (if any) or origin, and condition. Your coin book will have detailed information regarding the condition of a coin.
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Tips & Warnings
Take your time. Rushing through coins to catalog them can often result in missing something unusual, like an error. Many coins have no mint marks but you can determine their origin in other ways. Euros have a "common side" which is the same on every coin, and a "national side" with a design commemorating the country of origin. So if you have a coin with an owl on one side, that coin is from Greece. Coins from Ireland feature a harp, while those from Spain carry the image of King Carlos. Handle coins carefully. A coin's value is determined by its condition, so dumping coins into a bag can only add nicks and lower their value.
Beware of Chinese counterfeits, The collecting market has been infiltrated by fakes. Learn the ways to tell the difference between a real coin and a forgery. Chinese fakes often have dates that look altered or off-center, and are frequently sold online. To help avoid counterfeits, always buy coins from a reputable dealer.
