Where Is The Mint Mark On A 1925 Silver Dollar

Where is the mint mark on a 1925 silver dollar? Finding a rare and valuable silver dollar from 1925 can be an exciting experience for coin collectors and investors. But knowing where to check for the coin’s mint mark is crucial for properly identifying it and determining its true value.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The mint mark on a 1925 silver dollar can be found on the reverse (tails) side above the eagle’s tails, and below the word “ONE”.  Philadelphia-minted coins have no mint mark.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide a detailed overview of 1925 silver dollars including different types, mint marks, and conditions to help you locate and identify any markings on your coin.

Overview and History of 1925 Silver Dollars

The 1925 Peace silver dollar holds an intriguing place in numismatic history. Minted in smaller numbers than in previous years.

Production of silver dollars declined sharply in 1921 when the Pittman Act called for over 270 million silver dollars to be melted down to provide bullion for the UK. After the Act’s requirements were met in 1928, the remaining silver dollars from earlier years became increasingly scarce.

Where to Find the Mint Mark on a 1925 Silver Dollar

Reverse (Tails) Side Below Eagle Design

On most coins, including the 1925 silver dollar, the mint mark is located on the reverse (tails) side below the central eagle design. The mint mark indicates at which of the United States’ four coin-producing mints the coin was struck – Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), San Francisco (S), or New Orleans (O).

For a 1925 silver dollar specifically, you will need to turn the coin over and look above the eagle’s tail feathers. If there is no mint mark, then it was likely struck at the main Philadelphia mint. If there is a small S, in that location, then the coin was produced at the San Francisco.

No Mint Mark Means Struck at Philadelphia Mint

If there is no mint mark on a 1925 silver dollar above the eagle tail, then that means it was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. So a lack of mint mark can reliably indicate a Philadelphia origin for a 1925 coin.

This contrasts with the San Francisco mint which uses the respective mint marks to distinguish their coinage from the main Philadelphia issues. So you will never find a 1925-S silver dollar missing its mint mark – that would imply it was struck in Philadelphia instead.

A key date for the 1925 silver dollar series includes the 1925-S, which had lower mintages of 1.6 million.  By comparison, over 10 million 1925 Philadelphia dollars were struck, though high-grade uncirculated examples still carry a premium.

Identifying Different Mint Marks on 1925 Silver Dollars

Key Date San Francisco (S Mint) Dollars

The 1925 San Francisco silver dollars are highly sought-after by collectors as key date coins. Only 1,610,000 were minted that year, making them relatively scarce compared to Philadelphia coins.

An “S” mint mark can be found on the reverse side above the eagle’s tail feathers.

These coins were struck at the San Francisco mint, which opened in 1854 to meet growing demand during the California Gold Rush. The “S” mint typically produced fewer coins than the Philadelphia and Denver mints, adding to their collectibility.

Uncirculated 1925-S silver dollars are worth a considerable premium over other common date coins from the 1920s. Even well-worn examples can fetch upwards of $25. High-grade specimens in MS-65 or better condition have sold for over $2,500 at auction.

Denver (D) and Carson City (CC) Mint Dollars

You will not find a 1925-D or 1925-CC silver dollar, as those mints did not produce any that year. The Denver mint opened in 1906 and replaced the Carson City mint which operated from 1870-1893.

Coins struck at the former Carson City mint carry a “CC” mint mark. These coins have a distinct look and are favored by collectors for their historical connection to the mining boom years in Nevada.

By 1925, Carson City dollars had not been issued for over 30 years. The Denver mint struck their first silver dollars in 1921, which also feature a distinctive small “D” mint mark.

As you can see, Carson City dollars were only produced for a short window in the 19th century. This makes CC-mint coins highly desirable for their rarity. 

Determining Rarity, Condition, and Value of 1925 Dollars

1925 silver dollars are highly sought after by coin collectors and investors due to their rarity, historical significance, and potential value. As with all collectible coins, determining the true rarity, condition, and value of a 1925 silver dollar involves careful analysis by a knowledgeable professional.

Rarity

The 1925 silver dollar has one main rare subtype – the 1925-S Peace dollar. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), over 10 million standard 1925 Peace dollars were minted, compared to 1.6 million of the 1925-S version. This scarcity makes the 1925-S Peace dollar much more valuable to collectors.

Within the 1925-S subtype, two exceptional specimens stand out:

• The finest known 1925-S Peace dollar, graded PCGS MS68, sold at auction in 2021 for an incredible $156,000.
• The 12 currently authenticated examples of the 1925-S Peace dollar graded above MS64 are also highly coveted by advanced collectors.

So while common 1925 Peace dollars are not rare, the 1925-S subtypes in very fine condition are scarce, driving up their market value.

Condition

As with all coins, the condition of 1925 silver dollars plays a huge role in determining their worth to collectors and investors. Coins are graded on a numeric scale from 1 to 70, with 70 representing a perfect mint state specimen showing no signs of wear.

Higher grade 1925 silver dollars – especially in grades above MS63 – command exponentially higher market values. For example, while an MS63 1925-S Peace dollar may sell for around $300, an MS66 example could fetch over $6,000!

So carefully evaluating the condition and eye appeal of a 1925 dollar is critical for collectors seeking the best specimens for their collections or investors looking for maximum return potential.

Value

As a loose benchmark, common 1925 Philadelphia Peace dollars in circulated condition are worth roughly $25-50, while uncirculated MS60 examples trade for around $75-100.

For the scarcer 1925-S subtype, values rise sharply for coins grading MS63 or higher. For example:

• MS63: $250-$500
• MS65: $2,000-$4,000
• MS67: $15,000-$30,000+

The most exceptional, museum-quality 1925-S Peace dollars graded MS68 can sell for over $100,000 at auction.

When evaluating the value of a 1925 silver dollar, be sure to confirm the specific subtype, inspect the coin closely to judge eye appeal and technical grade, and consult multiple price guides or professional grading services to appraise the market value.

Tips for Storage, Handling and Authentication

Properly storing and handling your 1925 silver dollar is key to preserving its condition and value. Here are some tips:

Storage Tips

• Store coins in cool, dry conditions away from direct light or moisture – Ideal conditions are around 70°F and 40-50% relative humidity.
• Use coin holders, albums, or storage containers designed specifically for coins – These provide protection and prevent scratches or contact marks.
• For extra protection, slip coins into acid-free plastic sleeves or envelopes – Make sure the materials used are inert and won’t damage the surface of coins over time.
• Don’t clean coins – This can negatively impact a coin’s surface and drastically reduce value. Let a professional conserve and restore coins if needed.

Handling Tips

• Always hold coins by the edges – Avoid touching the front and back surfaces to prevent fingerprints and smudges.
• Wear cotton gloves while handling – The oils from bare hands can affect a silver dollar’s pristine finish.
• Use a soft, clean cloth to grip or move coins if needed – Microfiber cloths work well.
• When stacking or organizing coins, place soft fabric between each piece – This prevents surface-to-surface contact.

Authentication

Verifying the authenticity of rare coins like the 1925 silver dollar is critical. Here are some tips:

• Examine the coin’s weight, diameter, thickness, and other physical attributes – These should match official specifications.
• Inspect the coin under a magnifying glass or microscope – Look for proper mint marks, correct year date, detailed ridges on edges, etc.
• Evaluate the coin’s luster and patina – Artificial aging and surface effects are warning signs of counterfeits.
• Compare images and data to Photograde reference guides – These illustrate images of coins in different wear grades.
• Utilize services like PCGS or NGC to professionally grade and authenticate coins – Their certification labels confirm genuineness.

Following these best practices in storage, handling, and vetting helps maintain the integrity and value of your rare silver dollars over time.

Where Is The Mint Mark On A 1925 Silver Dollar – Conclusion

Finding and properly identifying a rare silver dollar from 1925 takes some detective work, but it can be extremely rewarding. Now that you know what mint marks to look for and where to locate them on the reverse of the coin, you’ll be better equipped to evaluate any potential finds and determine if you have a valuable collectible on your hands.

With this guide detailing the history and important design specifics of these coins, you have the background needed to safely handle a 1925 dollar and get it professionally authenticated if necessary. Happy treasure hunting!