Where is the mint mark on a 1978 dollar? 1978 featuring Dwight D. Eisenhower, can be interesting to collectors depending on condition, mint mark, and errors.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: the mint mark on a 1978 Eisenhower dollar can be found on the obverse (heads side) of the coin, just above the minting date. Now let’s explore this topic in more detail.
Eisenhower Dollar and Mint Marks
Background on the Eisenhower Dollar
Eisenhower dollar coin was minted from 1971 to 1978. The coin depicts Dwight D. Eisenhower, an American military officer and statesman who served as the 34th president of the United States from 1953 to 1961.
The US Mint hoped the small size dollar coin would replace the one dollar banknote, but it never caught on with the general public due to confusion with the quarter coin of similar size and feel.
What is a Mint Mark?
A mint mark indicates at which US Mint facility a coin was manufactured. Marks currently in use include no mint mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco), and W (West Point). Looking for mint marks is key for coin collectors looking to complete sets or identify rare and valuable versions of coins.
Location of Mint Marks on Coins
For Eisenhower dollars and most other coins, mint marks are located on the obverse (heads side) above the minting year. On earlier US coin issues, mint marks were placed in different locations like on the reverse or above the year.
Checking coin photos on authoritative sites like PCGS CoinFacts can help locate marks. Knowing mint mark locations is crucial for identifying coins.
| Total Susan B. Anthony dollars minted | 878,982,610 |
| Key dates and mintages | 1981-P (3,000,000) 1981-S (Proof, 4,061,033) |
So now you know where that 1978 Eisenhower dollar’s mint mark should be! Understanding minting details provides fascinating insights into our coins. The mark signifies an intriguing coin history.
Finding the Mint Mark on a 1978 Dollar
Examining the Reverse of the Coin
When trying to locate the mint mark on a 1978 dollar coin, the first thing you’ll want to do is turn the coin over and examine the reverse (tails) side. All mint marks on modern US coins are located on the reverse of the coin, usually near the bottom under the central design.
On most 1978 dollar coins, the mint mark will be found on the obverse side just above the minting year. It is stamped into the coin and should be clearly visible unless worn down from extensive circulation.
Some key things to look for when scanning this area of a 1978 dollar:
- A small letter “D” – This stands for the Denver mint
- A small letter “S” – This represents the San Francisco mint
- No mint mark – This indicates the coin was struck at the main US Mint in Philadelphia
Different Mint Marks Found on 1978 Dollars
While most 1978 dollars bear no mint mark because they were produced in huge numbers at the Philadelphia Mint, here is some additional information on the mint marks that can be found:
D Mint Mark
The “D” mint mark signifies the coin was struck at the Denver Mint facility. Located in Colorado, the Denver Mint produced a sizable number of 1978 dollars – 33,012,890 in total. Checking for this subtle “D” mark is key for identifying more valuable and semi-rare varieties from this mint.
S Mint Mark
The small “S” mint mark indicates the 1978 dollar originated from the San Francisco Mint in California. This venerable facility is known for producing lower mintage coin issues. Only 3,127,788 1978-S dollar coins were struck for inclusion in that year’s uncirculated Mint Set collector products.
Finding one is a nice bonus.
So when examining any 1978 dollar, be sure to carefully check the space near the minting year on the obverse. That’s where you’ll discover if it has a mint mark and where the coin was made.
This small detail can mean the difference between an ordinary 1978 dollar and a more uncommon variety.
The Significance of Mint Marks on Coin Value
How Mint Marks Affect Condition and Grading
Mint marks indicate which U.S. mint a coin was produced at. This can affect the coin’s value and grade, as some mints had better quality control than others. For example, coins from the San Francisco (S) and Carson City (CC) mints often have more collector appeal and fetch higher prices than Philadelphia coins from the same year.
The 1978-S dollar is considered very collectible since San Francisco tended to have lower mintages. Coins that went through fewer die strikes often show better details and have fewer surface marks. This allows them to achieve higher numeric grades when professionally assessed.
A stunning, pristine example could potentially grade MS-67 or MS-68.
Key Date Coins and Added Value
While mint marks impact condition, having a low mintage transforms a coin into a “key date.” Just around 3 million 1978-S dollars were produced, making it scarcer than issues from the previous and following years.
As “key dates” are harder to find, collectors pay enormous premiums over common date values.
For example, an average, circulated 1978 Philadelphia dollar may sell for only $15. But the 1978-S in very fine condition could retail for $75-100. Uncirculated, MS-65 examples have traded for up to $600 at auction. That’s a 40x increase for having the S mint mark!
Tips for Collecting and Caring for 1978 Dollars
Identifying Proofs and Business Strikes
When collecting 1978 dollars, it’s important to be able to distinguish between proof versions and regular business strike coins. Proofs have a mirror-like surface and intricate details on the design, while business strikes exhibit a more satiny luster.
One method for identifying proofs is through the coin’s weight – proofs tend to weigh slightly less than corresponding business strikes. Additionally, the edges and fields on proofs have a much cleaner, smoother appearance compared to circulation strikes.
While very few proof 1978 dollars exist, making authentication from an expert recommended, studying images of authenticated specimens can help train one’s eye through comparison of details like the depth and crispness of design elements and letters/numbers.
Safe Handling and Storage Suggestions
When caring for valuable 1978 dollars in one’s collection, smart precautions in handling and storing the coins can help preserve their condition and details.
Always hold coins by the edges and wear cotton gloves when manipulating them during study. Otherwise, the natural oils from bare hands can leave small fingerprints and smudges on the coin surfaces.
For long term storage, place coins in archival-quality rigid holders made of inert soft plastics like Mylar – never PVC – to best protect from contact and environmental damage. Air-tite brand holders with gaskets provide excellent, pocket-friendly capsules.
Store coins in a cool (<65°F), dark, and stable environment to prevent natural toning or spotting. And avoid rapid temperature and humidity fluctuations that can cause subtle condensation-related damage not immediately visible.
While periodic light cleaning by a professional may be warranted, repeated handling should be minimized and never attempt cleaning extremely valuable coins like proofs on your own without guidance.
Where Is The Mint Mark On A 1978 Dollar –
Conclusion
We’ve covered the critical details about mint marks on 1978 dollars, from their location on the obverse side above the minting year to how mint marks can impact a coin’s value and collections. Knowing what mint produced your coin provides key insights.
As you search your pockets and bank rolls or grow your collection, use a magnifying glass to spot those tiny mint marks that make certain coins extra special.
