Philadelphia Mint: The Philadelphia Mint is the oldest mint in the United States, having been established in 1792. It is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it has played a significant role in the production of coins for circulation and for commemorative purposes. The Philadelphia Mint is known for producing the first coins for the United States, including the famous “Flowing Hair” silver dollar.
The first coins produced by the new US Mint were 11,178 copper cents. This was the first coin produced by the United States federal government. The design of the coin featured the image of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a design featuring a stylized eagle on the reverse.
Over the years, the Philadelphia Mint has undergone several expansions and renovations to keep up with the increasing demand for coins. It is currently one of the largest mints in the world and has the capacity to produce millions of coins per day. In addition to producing coins for circulation, the Philadelphia Mint also produces gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins. It is a major tourist attraction in Philadelphia, with a museum on the premises that showcases the history of the mint and the coin-making process.
Branch Mints
Denver Mint: The Denver Mint is a branch of the United States Mint that is located in Denver, Colorado. It was established in 1863 to help meet the demand for coins in the western United States. The Denver Mint has played a significant role in the production of coins for circulation, as well as gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins.
The Denver Mint has undergone multiple expansions to keep up with the increasing demand for coins. In addition to producing coins for circulation, the Denver Mint also produces commemorative coins and medals. It is a popular tourist attraction in Denver, with a museum on the premises that showcases the history of the mint and the coin-making process.
San Francisco Mint: Located in San Francisco, California, this mint was established in 1854. The San Francisco Mint produces a variety of coins for circulation, as well as gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins.
Some of the coins that the San Francisco Mint has produced in the past include the following:
- Circulating coins: The San Francisco Mint produces a variety of coins for circulation, including pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars. These coins are made for everyday use and are made from a variety of metals, such as copper, nickel, and copper-plated zinc.
- Commemorative coins: The San Francisco Mint has also produced commemorative coins to mark special occasions or to honor important figures. These coins are made in limited quantities and are typically made from precious metals, such as gold or silver.
- Proof coins: The San Francisco Mint is known for producing proof coins, which are specially made for collectors. These coins are made using a special process that results in a high-quality finish and are struck multiple times to create a mirror-like finish.
- Bullion coins: The San Francisco Mint also produces gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins. These coins are made for investors and are made from precious metals. They are not intended for circulation and are often sold at a premium over the spot price of the metal.
West Point Mint: The West Point Mint is a branch of the United States Mint that is located in West Point, New York. It was established in 1937 to help meet the increasing demand for coins during the Great Depression. Originally opened as a storage facility for silver bullion, it became a full branch mint in 1988.
The West Point Mint is known for producing a variety of coins, including the following:
- Commemorative coins: The West Point Mint has also produced commemorative coins to mark special occasions or to honor important figures. These coins are made in limited quantities and are typically made from precious metals, such as gold or silver.
- Bullion coins: The West Point Mint is known for producing the “American Buffalo” gold bullion coin and the “American Eagle” gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins. These coins are made for investors and are made from precious metals. They are not intended for circulation and are often sold at a premium over the spot price of the metal.
- Medals: The West Point Mint also produces medals to honor military personnel, public servants, and other individuals. These medals are typically made from precious metals and are not intended for circulation.
Closed Branch Mints
There have been several branch mints that have operated in the United States in the past, including one in the Philippines.
Charlotte Mint: Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, this mint was established in 1838 and operated until 1861. It was established to produce gold coins from the gold deposits that were discovered in the region.
Dahlonega Mint: Located in Dahlonega, Georgia, this mint was established in 1838 and operated until 1861. It was also established to produce gold coins from the gold deposits in the region.
New Orleans Mint: The New Orleans Mint was a branch of the United States Mint that was located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was established in 1838 and operated until 1909. The New Orleans Mint was established to produce coins from the gold and silver deposits in the region, and it played a significant role in the production of coins for circulation in the United States.
When Louisiana seceded from the Union in 1861, they seized the mint, all the bullion and continued to mint US coins. Later that year, the Confederate States of America took control of the operations. It was returned to US control in 1862.
The New Orleans Mint was known for producing gold, silver, and copper coins for circulation, and it was the only mint to produce both gold and silver coins during the Civil War. The New Orleans Mint was also a major producer of the famous “Morgan” silver dollar. In addition to producing coins for circulation, the New Orleans Mint also produced commemorative coins and medals.
Carson City Mint: The Carson City Mint was a branch of the United States Mint that was located in Carson City, Nevada. It was established in 1870 and operated until 1893. The Carson City Mint was established to produce coins from the gold and silver deposits in the region, and it played a significant role in the production of coins for circulation in the United States.
The Carson City Mint was known for producing gold and silver coins, and it is particularly famed for its production of the “Morgan” silver dollar. The Carson City Mint was also a major producer of other silver coins, such as half dollars and quarters. In addition to producing coins for circulation, the Carson City Mint also produced commemorative coins and medals.
The Carson City Mint was closed in 1893 due to declining demand for coins and economic conditions at the time. Today, the building is a National Historic Landmark which is open to the public as a museum.
Philippines Mint: The Philippines was a territory of the United States from 1898 to 1946, and during this time, there was a United States Mint located in Manila, the capital city. This mint was established in 1920 and operated until 1941. It produced coins for circulation in the Philippines, as well as other territories in the region. The Manila Mint was closed during World War II and never reopened. After the Philippines gained independence from the United States in 1946, the Central Bank of the Philippines took over the production of the country's coins.
These mints were all closed at different times for various reasons, such as changes in gold production and economic conditions.
There is a rich history of coinage production in the US since the founding of the nation. We're glad to help you explore it. When you have the opportunity, visit the mint facilities, present and past. They are an enjoyable way of spending the day, and kids love them, too! To learn more about this wonderful hobby, read Quick Guide to Coin Collecting, 2nd Edition.
