‘W’ Quarters with Privy Mark Announced

The period from May 8 to Sept. 2, 2020, marks the 75th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. In recognition of this significant anniversary, the U.S. Mint will manufacture “W” mintmark quarters that feature a special privy mark signifying the allied victory in World War II.

While circulating coins are typically made only in Philadelphia or Denver, these special circulating coins that bear the “W” mintmark are manufactured at the Mint facility at West Point.

The Mint released the first two 2020 “W” America the Beautiful (ATB) quarters, honoring the National Park of American Samoa (American Samoa) and the Weir Farm National Historic Site (Connecticut), on April 6. The coins will likely begin to appear in circulation within four to six weeks after the release date, according to the Mint. The first wave of National Park of American Samoa quarters bearing the “P” or “D” mintmark were released Feb. 3 and do not bear the privy mark.

Two million each of the first two 2020 “W” ATB quarters will be placed into circulation mixed among “P” and “D” quarters, with one million of each sent into circulation from the Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver. No “W” quarters will be mixed into bulk bags that are sold to coin dealers under the Mint’s bulk purchase program.

Privy marks are historically used on coins to reflect a unique aspect of their production or design. The special privy mark “V75” will appear on the coins’ obverse to symbolize the 75th anniversary of the allied victory of World War II. The Mint says it is proud to recognize the unity and determination of those who contributed to the war effort on the home front and to honor the more than 16 million Americans who served in the Armed Forces during the course of this struggle, more than 405,000 of whom made the ultimate sacrifice to the cause of democracy and peace.

The privy mark’s outline represents the aerial-view shape of the Rainbow Pool located at the West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C., that is now an integral part of the World War II Memorial. It was developed by Mint sculptor-engravers.

“We believe the ‘V75’ privy mark’s particular placement, adjacent to the portrait of our revered first President, is an indelible symbol and enduring reminder to all generations of the bravery of ordinary citizens who must go to war to ensure their freedom,” the Mint stated.

The “W” mintmark quarters are among a portfolio of numismatic products, some of which will also feature the “V75” privy mark. Detailed information about these numismatic products will be shared later this year, according to the Mint.

More information about the other “W” mintmark ATB quarters scheduled for release in 2020 is contingent on Mint manufacturing capacity and schedule, it says.

Watch a video with images of the coin here.