Kenneth P. asks: How big is the “O” on the “HUGE O” 1854 Quarter?
Since one usually has only one coin at a time it’s difficult to identify mint mark types by size. There isn’t another coin to compare it to. The better way is to identify by characteristics. Several distinct punches were used to strike the 1854-O (New Orleans) quarter’s mint mark. The “Huge O” mint mark is characterized by very thick sides and a very crude shape. If you have a microscope with a built in measuring device, it should measure 1.75 x 1.65mm.