Why is there no mintmark on West Point minted pennies from 1974-1986?

[Guest]

Billions of pennies were minted at the West Point mint from 1974 to 1986. Unfortunately, they didn't have a mintmark. Why didn't they put a W mintmark on these coins? There has to be a reason. Were they afraid of hoarding of these pennies, especially in the first couple of years they were minted?

[enamel7]

I think the official reason is probably because only Philly and Denver are official mints for circulation coins. Since Philly cents are generic, no one would know the difference.

[bugo]

I think the official reason is probably because only Philly and Denver are official mints for circulation coins. Since Philly cents are generic, no one would know the difference.

But that doesn't explain the '68-'74 S mintmark pennies.

[enamel7]

During that time SF was still making business strike cents. It stopped after 1974.

[Maineman750]

Enamel may be correct, they made dimes with the W mint mark, but not for circulation. I've never seen an official answer that I can remember.

[GrumpyEd]

They also made cents at the branch mints in 65-66-67 without mint marks.