United States Mint

Why go

United States Mint earns time because it offers a free self-guided route that makes industrial processes visible from above. Its central thread is coin production, monetary history and a working federal facility beside Independence Mall. Elevated windows look into active production areas when machinery is operating. Displays connect changing coin designs with national symbols and manufacturing techniques.

What to look for

• Elevated windows look into active production areas when machinery is operating.
• Displays connect changing coin designs with national symbols and manufacturing techniques.

The full story

United States Mint is best understood through coin production, monetary history and a working federal facility beside Independence Mall. The United States Mint primarily produces circulating coinage for the United States to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint was created by Congress with the Coinage Act of 1792, and originally placed within the Department of State. Per the terms of the Coinage Act, the first Mint building was in Philadelphia, then the capital of the United States; it was the first building of the Republic raised under the Constitution. Today, the Mint's headquarters are in Washington D.C. which is not a coin producing facility. It operates mint facilities in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point, New York and a bullion depository at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Official Mints were once also located in Carson City, Nevada, Charlotte, North Carolina, Dahlonega, Georgia, New Orleans, Louisiana, Washington, D.C.; and even in Manila, in the Philippines. Originally part of the State Department, the Mint was made an independent agency in 1799. It converted precious metals into standard coin for anyone's account with no seigniorage charge beyond the refining costs. Under the Coinage Act of 1873, the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury. It was placed under the auspices of the Treasurer of the United States in 1981. Legal tender coins of today are minted solely for the Treasury's account.

Useful to know

• Bring accepted identification and expect security screening.
• Check weekday tour access before arrival because production views and hours can change.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.