What is a mint master's mark?
A mint master's mark is a small symbol that identifies the mint master or mint director who was responsible for production when a coin was struck. It is a centuries-old tradition that some mints still continue on their euro coins.
The mint master's mark is not the same as a mint mark. A mint mark tells you which mint produced the coin, while the mint master's mark tells you who was in charge. A coin can carry both, as is the case on Dutch euro coins.
When a new mint master takes office, the mark changes. That means coins from the same country and design can exist with different mint master's marks, which makes them interesting for collectors who want to complete every variation.
Explore on Coinection
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the most common questions about Mint master's mark.
A mint mark identifies the mint where a coin was made. A mint master's mark identifies the person who was responsible for the mint at that time.
Not by itself. A change of mark can create a separate variation, but how scarce it is depends on how many coins were produced with that mark.