Dates on coins are, beyond its use for quality control purposes, markers of time and important persons and events. E.g. regnal years - years of reign - were used on some coins to show the progress of a reign.

What does the date on a US coin mean?

In coin collecting, a key date refers to a date (or date and mint mark combination) of a given coin series or set that is harder to obtain than other dates in the series. Collectors who want a series in near uncirculated condition may find some date/mint combinations extremely rare.

What does it mean if a coin doesnt have a date?

Given that these nickels circulated very heavily for many decades, the wear and tear on them were quite prevalent. If the date is not present on the coin, the coin will not carry a numismatic premium. A coin collector must know the date to determine its value and see if it is a rare nickel or not.

What does better date mean in coin collecting?

What Are Better-Date Coins? When advertising certain rare coins and scarce coins, many coin dealers will refer to them as “better dates.” But what is a better-date coin? Its a coin that is tougher to find than the most common coins in the same series. Technically, all rare coins are also better-date coins.

What does the P stand for on a quarter?

The U.S. Mint is releasing a limited amount of “America the Beautiful” quarters with the “W” mint mark into circulation, a first for the Mint in 227 years. The “W” notation is for West Point, where the coins will be produced. The majority of minted coins in the U.S. carry a “D” for Denver or “P” for Philadelphia.

What is a key date penny?

Key dates are low mintage years. Key dates in the Lincoln cent series are the 1909-S V.D.B., 1909-S, 1914-D, 1922-D No D, 1924-D, and 1931-S. These dates are highly sought after by collectors and command a premium price even in lower grades. These are also the years that are most counterfeited.

What does the D stand for on pennies?

Denver Mint D stands for the Denver Mint, P stands for the Philadelphia Mint and “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. Whats the difference between a coins rim and its edge? The rim is the raised edge on both sides of the coin, while the edge is the outer border.