Hobbies And Interests
History
Erected in 1793, the Philadelphia Mint was the United States' first mint facility. Congress began planning and establishing the national mint one year earlier, and Philadelphia was the chosen site because the city was then the nation's capitol. Due in part to the gold rush, Congress decided in 1863 to add the Denver mint -- beginning as an assay office and becoming a working mint until 1904.
Coins
Coins manufactured in Philadelphia are marked with a "P," while Denver mint coins are marked with a "D" -- this distinction is important for coin collectors. The first American coins were produced in Philadelphia and made of gold, silver and copper; the original denominations included half-cent, half-dime and $2.50 pieces. It took one year for the Philadelphia Mint to press its first million coins -- the same task now takes only 30 minutes.
Tours
The Philadelphia Mint offers self-guided tours without a reservation and at no cost. Highlights of the Philadelphia facility include the nation's first coining press, the Key to the First Mint, the original Mint Deed signed by Andrew Jackson, Peter the Mint Eagle and a gold medal on display presented to General Anthony Wayne during the Revolutionary War for his capture of Stony Point. Reservations are free but are required for all visits to the Denver Mint -- you are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour. Photography, smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited in both facilities.
Free Education and Outreach Program
The Denver Mint has a free speakers program designed to teach K-12 students about the mint and its operations. Topics include monetary history, history of the Denver Mint, the coin production process and coin collection programs -- upon request, speakers also design specific programs based on a particular school's interests. The program is available for reservations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- special arrangements can be made.