What was the reason for putting the mint marks on the obverse by the date instead of leaving it by the building on the reverse? About the FULL STEPS, why do the steps on BU original bankrolls seem worn off if they have not been circulated? David
The mintmark was on the reverse through 1964. It was then suspended due to a coin shortage which the Mint believed was in part due to collectors hoarding them. The mintmark was restored in 1968, only this time it was on the obverse. I'm not sure as to exactly why it was switched. Full steps are common on some issues, and virtually unheard of on others. The step area is directly opposite the high point on the obverse, and therefor competes with it for metal flow during the striking process. The right combinations of annealing and striking pressure, must all come together to produce full steps.
Great Question! Most U.S. coins had mintmarks on the reverse prior to 1965. When the Mint began using mintmarks again in 1968 all were moved to the Obverse. I have heard of no reason why this was changed. I will find out if there is anything written about it, and post that answer asap.
This comes from a Coin World article... "With the announcement Jan. 4, 1968, that Mint marks would return to coins, Mint Director Eva Adams made a major change in Mint mark application. To achieve uniformity, she directed that all Mint marks be placed on the obverse. She continued the practice of not placing Mint marks on coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint"
Great information. Do you know why they decided to place the P Mint mark on the Jefferson in 1980 (to date)? (I'm asking because I don't know).
I'm afraid I haven't been able to come up with much on that one. We all know that the SBA was first in 1979 to have the small "P" on the obverse, then all denominations except the cent, in 1980. Stella Hackel Sims was the Mint Diector during that period, but the exact reason as to "why" the addition of the mintmark is something I would like to know too. I heard a rumor once, that it was to promote morale among the employees at the Philadelphia Mint, but I have been unable to confirm that.
I have heard this same rumor. I have emailed a few dealers and the mint with this question. Maybe someone will respond with an answer.
Maybe it was further uniformity? They'd had all the mintmarks moved to the obverse to make it uniform, thus i suppose making them all have mintmarks was just another step towards conformity?
