History

On April 2, 1792, Congress passed the Coinage Act, establishing the first national mint in the United States. Congress chose Philadelphia, what was then the nation’s capital, as the site of our first Mint. As gold fever spread across the U.S., branch Mints and assay offices opened to serve the needs of a growing nation. Although the Mint currently operates production facilities in Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver, and West Point, and a bullion depository at Fort Knox, many other facilities opened throughout our history. Use the resources below to learn more about Mint’s 225 years and counting as one of the federal government’s oldest agencies.


Women at the Mint

Drawing of women sitting around two tables weighing coins on scales.

The Mint was one of the first federal agencies to hire women, all the way back in 1795! A woman held the second highest position at the Mint even before women had the right to vote. Learn more about these trailblazing women.

“Then & Now” Video Corner

Watch one of our videos below, which feature 1940 footage from the U.S. National Archives.


San Francisco Mint Video Corner

Watch one of our videos below to learn more about the U.S. Mint in San Francisco.

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