Where Is The Mint Mark On A 1924 Silver Dollar

Where is the mint mark on a 1924 silver dollar? If you’ve recently come into possession of a 1924 silver dollar and want to identify where it was minted, knowing the location of the mint mark is key. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide detailed images and descriptions showing you exactly where to find the mint mark on your coin.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: The mint mark on a 1924 silver dollar can be found on the reverse (back) of the coin, beside the eagle’s tail, and below the word “ONE”.

Identifying Key Features and Visual Markers on 1924 Silver Dollars

The Obverse (head side)

The obverse side of the 1924 Peace silver dollar features a left-facing profile portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, which signifies freedom. Her head is surrounded by the motto “In God We Trust” and the word “Liberty.” Underneath Lady Liberty are the date 1924 and the mint mark, if any.

There are a few key things to look for when examining the obverse of a Peace silver dollar:

• The mint mark, if any, will be located under the word “Liberty” next to the date 1924. Possible mint marks are S (San Francisco), and none (Philadelphia).
• Look closely at the details of Lady Liberty’s hair, cap, nose, lips, and neckline for signs of wear or defects. A fully-struck coin will show a strong definition.
• Examine the fields around Lady Liberty’s portrait to determine quality and condition. Solid, lustrous fields indicate a higher grade silver dollar.

The Reverse (Tails Side)

The reverse design depicts an American eagle perched on mountain peaks, holding an olive branch (symbolizing peace) and arrows (symbolizing power). The words “United States of America” encircle the top two-thirds of the coin.

Here is what you need to inspect on the reverse side:

• Check the details of the eagle’s feathers, legs, olive branches, arrows, and the texture of rocks for signs of wear.
• Scan the fields around the eagle for marks, scratches, or disturbances in the luster.
• Examine the rim for any bumps or flat spots caused by improper storage or cleaning.

In pristine condition, a 1924 silver dollar can be worth thousands. By carefully inspecting both sides and judging surface quality, you can determine the grade and collectibility.

Locating the Mint Mark on 1924 Silver Dollars

No Mint Mark = Philadelphia Mint

The Philadelphia Mint was the main facility for producing coinage in the United States in the early 20th century. If a 1924 silver dollar does not have a mint mark, that means it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

The coins produced for circulation at the Philadelphia Mint generally did not have mint marks.

D = Denver Mint

The Denver Mint opened in 1906 to help meet the demand for circulating coinage in the western United States. However, the 1924 and 1925 series were not minted in the Denver Mint facility.

S = San Francisco Mint

The San Francisco Mint opened much earlier than Denver in 1854 as a response to the California Gold Rush. The “S” mint mark on a 1924 silver dollar indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. The San Francisco facility struck fewer than 2 million 1924 Morgan silver dollars.

Tips for Reading Worn or Damaged Mint Marks

Trying to identify the mint mark on a worn or damaged 1924 silver dollar can be tricky. Over nearly a century of circulation, mint marks tended to wear down first as they were applied to an already detailed coin die surface.

However, there are some useful tips numismatists recommend when examining these valuable vintage coins:

Use a Magnifying Glass

A good magnifying glass with 5x-10x magnification allows you to examine the coin up close. Pay special attention to the space between the eagle’s tail feathers and the rim, where mint marks are located.

Sometimes a worn or partial letter is visible under magnification even if unclear to the naked eye.

Examine Under Direct Light

Position an angled desk lamp or another directional light source over the mint mark area. The shadows and highlights created can reveal the remnants of a mint mark plain as day. This is similar to the technique coin graders use when determining levels of wear.

Compare Against Images

There are many online guides with high-resolution images of Mint State, About Uncirculated, Extremely Fine, and other grades of 1924 silver dollars. Comparing your coin to images of coins certified by PCGS or NGC can provide a benchmark for just how clear you could expect the mint mark to be.

Consider the Mintage

Far more 1924 silver dollars were struck at the main Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark) than in San Francisco (S mintmark). So if the mint mark area is totally flat and indeterminable, chances are good it’s a “P” mint Philadelphia coin. Compare production totals:

• Philadelphia – 11,811,000
• San Francisco – 1,728,000

Weigh the Evidence

Along with inspecting the mint mark itself, evaluating the coin’s overall degree of wear and quality can provide circumstantial clues. A heavily circulated 1924 in G or VG condition is far more likely than a choice mint state 1924-S from the lower-mintage San Francisco Mint.

When In Doubt, Seek Professional Analysis

For especially valuable coins where identifying the mint is essential, numismatic authentication services like PCGS and NGC can definitively attribute them. They have handled countless thousands of these silver dollars over the decades.

Following these tips carefully, persistently examining the mint mark area under ideal lighting and magnification, and comparing against certified images, you should be able to identify the mint on most 1924 silver dollars. But when still uncertain, professional numismatic evaluation may be required.

Authenticating Your Coin’s Mint Mark

Determining if the mint mark on your 1924 silver dollar is genuine is an important step in authenticating the coin and assessing its value. Here are some tips from professional numismatists on verifying the authenticity of the mint mark:

Compare to Images of Genuine Coins

Finding images of 1924 silver dollars from reliable sources like the PCGS CoinFacts or NGC online references can help you visually inspect and compare details. Pay attention to the specific mint’s details.

For example, an “S” mint mark should match the placement, size, style on a known genuine coin.

Examine Under Magnification

Use a jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass for closer inspection. An authentic mint mark should have crisp, well-defined edges, spacing, and depth consistent with the coin’s design. Signs of alteration like evidence of file marks, indistinct shapes, or “blobby” appearances can indicate a fake mint mark.

Consult a Reputable Coin Dealer

Consulting a reputable coin dealer is recommended especially if visual inspection leaves any doubts about mint mark authenticity. Dealers have extensive experience with mint marks and access to authentication tools like certification services, specialized imaging devices, and chemical tests for identifying artificial surfaces or residues from adding mint marks.

The dealer can provide a professional opinion on the coin’s authenticity and approximate value range.

By using magnification, photographic comparisons, and expert opinions, a coin collector can feel confident about the authenticity of a 1924 silver dollar’s mint mark. These measures help ensure you don’t overpay for altered or counterfeit coins.

The Significance of 1924 Silver Dollar Mint Marks for Collectors

Mint Marks and Rarity

The 1924 silver dollar was minted at three different mints – Philadelphia (no mint mark), and San Francisco (S mint mark). The rarest and most valuable of the bunch is the 1924-S, with only 1.7 million minted compared to over 11 million from Philadelphia. Finding a high-grade example of the ’24-S is akin to striking silver – a coveted prize!

Why so scarce you ask? Records show that a good portion was melted down, possibly for silver content. Out of those surviving, most exhibit heavy wear and bag marks from years of use as currency. This scarcity and demand from historians and investors causes prices for AU/UNC 1924-S dollars to soar.

An astronomical $82,500 was paid for an MS-66 graded one at a 2018 Heritage Auction!

Impact on Numismatic Value

As alluded to already, condition and scarcity dramatically affect value. Let’s break it down using recent sold prices:

As you can see, the 1924-S commands a giant premium due to low supply and hot demand. Even in modest G-4 grade, it’s valued 7x higher than common Philadelphia issues. Finding one with lustrous, mark-free surfaces is like winning the numismatic lottery!

Bottom line – 1924 silver dollars with and without mint marks have historical significance. Yet the San Francisco version reigns supreme for collectors seeking that Holy Grail trophy piece. Once owned by a savvy collector, they seldom reappear on the open market. Better start checking those coin jars!

Where Is The Mint Mark On A 1924 Silver Dollar – Conclusion

As you can see, identifying the mint mark on a 1924 silver dollar is crucial for collectors looking to authenticate these coins and assess their rarity. Now that you know exactly where to find the mint mark and what the different mint abbreviations signify, you can easily use this guide to decode your own coin.

We hope you’ve found this overview on 1924 silver dollar mint marks useful. Happy collecting!