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Message:: [QUOTE="illini420, post: 822930, member: 19423"]Welcome! The problem with these incuse indian gold coins is that the mintmark is the only feature of the coin that is raised above the fields of the coin.  So, like you mention, with even moderate wear, the mintmark is the one of the first parts of the coin to be worn away.   Not sure of any diagnostics, but the best way to go is to study the shapes of the "O" and the "D" mintmarks on higher graded coins where you can see them well and you'll be able to better tell which is which on a lower grade.  I can't tell you how many times I've had to look at a 1909 $5 for a minute or two just to make sure it was a "D" and not the "O" <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie1" alt=":)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />  In fact, it's so hard to tell sometimes, that I know people who have bought 1909 $5 coins certified by the major grading companies as 1909-D $5 coins, when in fact they are 1909-O!!!!  I've also heard stories of it going the other way too, having a 1909-O certified, when in fact the coin is a 1909-D.  Have to be very careful given the value of the New Orleans coin...  How about posting some pics if you can????[/QUOTE]