United States Mint
Founded in 1792, the United States Mint is the nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and the world’s largest producer of bullion coins.
The first United States Mint building was in Philadelphia, then the capital of the United States.
The American Gold Eagle was the first official gold bullion coin released by the United States Mint in 1986.
The main United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox; the vault door is said to weigh an astonishing 22 tonnes.
The first branch was opened in Philadelphia, with additional mints and facilities added over time to serve growing national needs. Presently, the United States Mint operates six facilities and employs nearly 1,700 employees across the US. Manufacturing facilities in Philadelphia and Denver, producing coins of all denominations for circulation. Sculpting and engraving of coin and medal designs is performed in Philadelphia. Production of numismatic products, including bullion coins, is primarily performed in West Point. All four production facilities produce commemorative coins. The United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox stores and safeguards gold bullion reserves. Administrative and oversight functions are performed at the Mint Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The United States Mint produces a wide range of numismatic products including proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins, such as the American Buffalo (24-karat gold coins officially issued in 2005), America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coin (a series of 5-ounce .999 fine silver coins) and the American Eagle coin series.
