The mint mark on a 1905 Indian Head penny, if present, is located below the wreath on the reverse side of the coin.
Identifying the Mint Mark on Your 1905 Indian Head Penny
Indian Head cents were primarily minted in two locations: the Philadelphia Mint and the San Francisco Mint. The presence and location of a mint mark indicate where the coin was produced.
- Philadelphia Mint (No Mint Mark): Many 1905 Indian Head pennies were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Coins produced at this facility do not feature a mint mark. If your 1905 penny has no letter below the wreath on the reverse, it was minted in Philadelphia.
- San Francisco Mint (S Mint Mark): For pennies minted at the San Francisco facility, an "S" mint mark is present. This "S" is specifically positioned below the wreath on the coin's reverse side.
To determine if your 1905 Indian Head penny has a mint mark, carefully inspect the area below the wreath on the back of the coin.
Mint Mark Locations at a Glance
| Mint Location | Mint Mark | Location on Coin (Reverse Side) |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | No mark below the wreath |
| San Francisco | S | Below the wreath |
Understanding mint marks is crucial for collectors, as they can significantly impact a coin's rarity and value. For instance, San Francisco minted coins often have lower mintage figures compared to their Philadelphia counterparts, making them more sought after.
