The Experience
Even though the U.S. capital moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., in 1800, the manufacture of coins and medals has stayed primarily in Philadelphia for the past two centuries. Though there are mints in Denver and San Francisco, at least half of the nation’s circulating coins and most of the commemorative medals are struck in this building; check the coins in your pocket for the trademark “P” that indicates its origin.
Visitors get to watch operations on the mint floor – from high above and behind protective glass, to be sure. Interactive displays depict the many presidential and honorary commemoratives designed and made here. You’ll also see early mint and coining equipment and rare and historic coins.
History
The first U.S. Mint opened in 1792 at 7th and Arch Streets, only two blocks from the current facility; it was the first new government structure in the new country. George Washington, who lived nearby, was said to have donated his own silver to make some of the first coins. The current building, opened in 1969, is the fourth Philadelphia Mint.