The number of coins that are made at an individual mint (where coins are made) in a given year can be a guide to rarity and value. We all like value! But what does that really mean?
How many coins were produced at an individual mint (where coins are made) in a given year can be a guide to rarity and value. If the reported mintage is extremely small, it makes sense the current dollar value could be very large.
A number of high quality, brand new low mintage coins have sold for more than $1,000.000. Sometimes, many coins from a specific year and mint were never placed in circulation for everyday commerce and were simply melted down. So even a reported “high” mintage coin from a particular year can be very rare due to specific circumstances.
Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, lots of coins from a specific year and mint were never placed in circulation, for everyday commerce. They were minted (made) and then simply melted down. Seems like a lot of wasted effort, but we have established that the coin world is its own bubble. If you have one of those coins that escaped the fire, you are a winner!
Moreover, even a reported “high” mintage coin from a particular year can be very rare due to specific circumstances. Earthquakes in San Francisco is just one example of fun ways the plans of the mint go awry.