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United States Mint

Where pocket change and commemorative coins are made

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Location & Contact:

• 151 N. Independence Mall East Philadelphia, PA, 19106
• (215) 408-0112
• Visit Website

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; the trademark “P” on any coin indicates its origin in Philadelphia.

United States Mint visitors get to watch operations on the floor – from high above and behind protective glass, to be sure.

Interactive displays depict the many presidential and honorary commemoratives designed and made here, as well as early mint and coining equipment and rare and historic coins.

The History

At least half of the nation’s circulating coins are struck in this building.

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.

Things to Do

The Mint offers public tours on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. except on federal holidays. Summer hours extend to Saturdays.

With its own displays of rare and interesting coins, the gift shop is an attraction in itself.

Don’t Miss

Before he died, that stuffed bird in the lobby was the mint’s adopted pet; he was allowed to fly among the coins for good luck.

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U.S. Mint Philadelphia Tour: An Inside Look At How Coins Are Made At The Philadelphia Mint

By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez

Have you ever wanted to see how coins are made?

If so, then you might want to take a free tour of the United States Mint .

The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia is the main mint location where coins are made .

While Philadelphia is the site of the first official United States Mint , there are a total of 4 operating mint branch locations in the nation.

A visit to the U.S. Mint Philadelphia  means getting to see the process of turning a blank piece of metal into a finished coin ready for circulation.

However, don’t think a trip to the mint means getting any free samples! Souvenirs must be bought at the mint’s gift shop.

Here are some fun facts before you tour the Philadelphia Mint…

Philadelphia Mint Tours

The U.S. Mint Philadelphia tour is a free, self-guided tour of the facility .

It takes you through a walkway with windows that allow you to look at the numerous machines and processes required to make a coin in the U.S.

There are audio and visual aids throughout the tour which explain and illustrate the parts of the minting process as you are viewing them.

My Visit To The Philadelphia Mint

My family and I took a tour of the U.S. Mint Philadelphia when I was a teenager. We had to park our vehicle in a parking garage a couple blocks away. Once we passed security and got into the mint, we walked along the windowed corridors which overlook the minting process.

It was early November and there were very few other tourists at the Philadelphia Mint, which was nice — no waiting! Nor did we have to squeeze between people to catch a glimpse at the action going on inside the mint.

I was particularly interested at how large the operations were. Thousands of coins were being minted every minute!

There was an audio track which explained the stage in the minting process that was occurring wherever we were throughout the self-guided tour. That was nice, because I would not have known what I was looking at, were it not for the audio track . Honestly, all the minting machines at the Philadelphia Mint looked the same to me at the time.

I stopped by the gift shop afterwards. I got to push a button that struck an image onto a piece of bronze medal. The bronze medal cost $2.

For $4, I picked up a souvenir set of coins. This is a set of 6 pieces:

• 1 example of each of the 5 denominations struck for circulation at the Philadelphia Mint that year
• and 1 bronze medal honoring the Philadelphia U.S. Mint facility

Souvenir sets, however, are no longer being made.

Planning Your U.S. Mint Philadelphia Tour

Try to allow a good couple hours for your visit of the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. You will need time to pass security inspections, wait in line, take the tour, and then perhaps spend a few coins of your own at the Philadelphia Mint’s gift shop afterward.

Be sure you realize that the security laws may get in the way if you are hoping to take photos of the minting process.

While the security guards didn’t stop me from taking my cameras in with me, no photos are allowed inside the building, hence why there are no photos of the factory floor. Given the tight security at the mint, I would expect that this would be strictly enforced and would definitely not recommend trying to sneak a photo or two. — Source

The U.S. Mint, like most governmental agencies, is going to great lengths to ensure the protection and safety of both, facilities and people. To do this, the U.S. Mint restricts what you may bring along with you on a tour of the facility.

U.S. Mint Philadelphia tour hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The facility is closed on Federal holidays.

The Philadelphia Mint does not offer any parking on its property, but there are several parking lots and parking garages within a walking distance from the U.S. Mint Philadelphia. There are also public transportation services throughout downtown Philly.

Take A Virtual Tour Inside The U.S. Mint Philadelphia

If you can’t get a chance to stop by the Philadelphia Mint, then take a virtual tour of the U.S. Mint Philadelphia  online!

These videos will give you a good idea of what it’s like on a U.S. Mint Philadelphia tour:

Here is the official Handbook To The Self-Guided U.S. Mint Philadelphia Tour.

The Bottom Line

Going to Philadelphia to watch the United States Mint make coins is one of the most fascinating things a coin collector can do.

The U.S. Mint turns out tens of millions of coins a month.

At the lightning-fast speeds of the U.S. Mint machines, it can be dizzying to watch the action as you see thousands of blank pieces of metal turn into legal tender right before your eyes.

If you live in Philly or plan to be anywhere in the area of New Jersey, Delaware, or Pennsylvania for vacation, be sure to take a swing by the United States Mint in Philadelphia.

The tour is free and the experience is something you’ll never forget!

More About The Philadelphia U.S. Mint

• Establishment Of The U.S. Mint Philadelphia
• Historical And Fun Facts About The U.S. Mint
• 5 Reasons To Take A U.S. Mint Philadelphia Tour
• 8 Cool Facts About the Philadelphia Mint

I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century.

I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek.

I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!

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The nation's first mint in Philadelphia makes circulating coins, commemorative coins as authorized by Congress, and produces the dies for stamping coins and medals. Established in the 18th century, the mint was constructed as part of the Coinage Act, also known as the Mint Act, of 1792. On the US Mint at Philadelphia Tour, groups can see coins being created from 40 feet above the factory floor, meet Peter the Mint Eagle, view seven Favrile glass mosaics by Tiffany & Co., and more. The US Mint at Philadelphia Tour is a fascinating field trip experience for students, scouts, homeschoolers, and campers of all ages and one to remember for a lifetime.

contact info

Hrs: Weekdays 9AM-4:30PM.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by fieldtripdirectory.com.

Historic Site Lesson Plan

Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed; Boston’s Old State House, where the Boston Massacre and the American Revolution began; Washington D.C.’s National Mall, where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech; Virginia’s Jamestown settlement, the country’s first colony; Charleston’s Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired; New York’s Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants were introduced to their new home. All of these sites, significant to America’s history, can be visited, toured, and admired. While visiting one of the many historical sites around the country, consider the importance in preserving these sites.

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5 Reasons You Should Take a Tour of the United States Mint

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Chances are, the coins jingling in your pocket or purse were probably made right here in Philadelphia at the United States Mint. Philly has been striking U.S. coinage since 1792, back when the City of Brotherly Love was still the nation’s capital. In those days, the U.S. Mint was housed in a complex of three small buildings situated at 631 Filbert Street, where once there stood a whiskey distillery. Horsepower helped run the presses that stamped out our nation’s early coins.

Today, the original facility commonly referred to as “Ye Olde Mint” is long gone. So, too, are the horse-operated coin presses. The U.S. Mint has moved its Philadelphia headquarters three times since 1833, when Ye Olde Mint struck its last coin. Today, the United States Mint stands as a mammoth-sized, 1969-vintage building at 151 North Independence Mall East, right in the heart of the Historic District and just two blocks from the site of the original U.S. Mint.

Visiting the U.S. Mint is a unique experience. It’s one of only two places in the United States where you can see the manufacture of our nation’s circulating coinage; there is a branch location of the U.S. Mint in Denver, but the other currently operating mint locations in San Francisco and West Point, NY, don’t offer public tours .

Tours at the Philadelphia Mint require no reservation and are self-guided. Much of the tour is a walk through a glass-walled corridor that flies about 40 feet above the coin press room, where most of the money-making action takes place. One of the first things you’ll witness on the tour are large copper and nickel coils measuring 13 inches wide and up to 1,500 feet in length being fed into a machine that cuts out coin-sized circular pieces of metal called blanks. These blanks will soon be processed into a machine that strikes designs on each blank coin, which you’ll see further along the corridor.

What else makes a trip to the U.S. Mint great? Well, if seeing tens of thousands of dollars in shiny, newly minted coins isn’t enough for you, I’ve laid out five reasons why the Mint is worth a visit:

1. It’s So Convenient to Major Heritage Attractions

The U.S. Mint is right across the street from National Constitution Center and roughly two blocks north of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The Philadelphia Parking Authority offers an AutoPark garage at 41 6th Street, which is a short walk from the U.S. Mint. You’ll want to allow at least 1 hour to visit the Mint. So, at a minimum, that means you’ll spend $11.50 for 90 minutes of parking at that AutoPark—$16 for two hours. The Market-Frankford subway has a stop at 5th and Market streets, just one block from the Mint. If parking tolls and transit fares are bringing you down, don’t fret, because …

2. Admission to the U.S. Mint is Free!

See, so that’s not bad, right? Even if you shell out the $17 to cover the 10-hour parking fee along Independence Mall, at least you won’t need to pay a dime to get into the U.S. Mint. Remember, there are literally dozens of free things to do right in the heart of Philly, so you might as well build a whole day around your visit to the U.S. Mint. After all, staycations are fun.

3. Watch Money Get Made Right Before Your Very Eyes

The American Indian Head one-cent coin was produced by the United States Mint from 1859 to 1909 at the Philadelphia Mint. | Shutterstock.com

If you’ve ever been on a brewery tour or taken a trip over to Hersheypark to see the chocolate factory (the “real” factory tour closed in 1973, but at least you still get free chocolate at the end), you probably remember the joy of watching your favorite things come to life right before your very eyes. It’s pretty cool to see thousands of brand new coins roll off the presses and march off to circulation. Who knows—you may end up spending some of the very coins you saw get made. There’s just one problem … there are no free samples at the Mint.

• Philadelphia Mint Fun Fact:  Ever wanted to know what coins were made in Philly? Look for a little “P” near the date on nickels, dimes, and quarters made since 1980. That “P” is called a mintmark, and it identifies that coin as a Philadelphia-minted piece. Pennies without a letter under their dates were also made here in Philadelphia. Most, but not all, U.S. coins made before 1980 that don’t have a mintmark were also made in Philadelphia; by the way, a “D” identifies Denver coins, “S” represents coins from San Francisco, and the rarely seen “W” is stamped on West Point coins.

4. Meet Peter the Mint Eagle

Well, sorta … You see, Peter was a bald eagle who lived at the old Philadelphia Mint during the 1830s. He became something of a local celebrity. The Mint’s staff would let him out of the building to fly over the city during the day. Unfortunately, the beloved eagle was injured when the machinery he was perching on suddenly started. Despite attempts to save the ailing bird, he died at the Mint. His body was preserved and is now located inside the current Mint near the entrance. Many of today’s coin designers will still study Peter when they need inspiration for creating coin designs involving the nation’s official bird.

5. The Philadelphia Mint is One of the Largest Coining Facilities in the World

How about that? In fact, until January 2009, the Philadelphia Mint was the largest coining facility in the world. The Philly Mint covers some five acres of land and produces an average of 1 million coins every 30 minutes. Sound like a lot of coins? It was in the old days, that’s for sure—it would have taken the original Philadelphia Mint three years to strike that many coins.

• Philadelphia Mint Fun Fact No. 2:  More than 235 billion pennies have been minted in Philly since the first U.S. Mint facility opened here. Laid end to end, 235 billion pennies would wrap the earth more than 100 times.

Visiting the United States Mint

• Be sure tours are available on the day of your visit to the U.S. Mint. Generally, tour hours are from 9 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The Mint is closed during Federal holidays except for the summer holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. During summer, the U.S. Mint is also open on Saturdays from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday during those same hours on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. FYI: If you go on a weekend or holiday, you may not see anybody working the coining machines.
• Remember, the U.S. Mint security will ask all adults to show government-issued identification upon entry. The U.S. Mint is closed to the public during times when the Department of Homeland Security Threat Level is elevated to CODE ORANGE .
• If you or anybody else in your party has special needs, the officials at the U.S. Mint will be glad to assist. Just be sure to let arrival staff know of the special needs or request assistance in ahead of your visit by calling (215) 408-0110.
• While you’re at the Mint, make sure you swing by the David Rittenhouse Room on the mezzanine. That gallery, named for the first director of the United States Mint, is where you’ll find an extraordinary collection of rare and valuable old coins .
• Don’t forget to bring some spending money with you. There’s a unique gift shop where you can buy special-proof coin presentation sets and other interesting items. And, unlike many of those coin sets you see advertised on TV commercials at 3 in the morning, these are honest-to-goodness, made-at-the-U.S.-Mint ones that really do make memorable keepsakes.

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151 N. Independence Mall E. Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone: 215-408-0110 Region: Philadelphia & The Countryside

Would you like to actually watch money being made? See early coins and learn the story behind our nation's currency? Visit the Philadelphia Mint. Stroll through the visitor's gallery and view the modern coin-making process: huge machines that work 24 hours a day, five days a week. Then see the original coining press used in 1792.

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Public Tour of US Mint at Philadelphia, Photos and Tips

In Colonial Philadelphia, it took coiners three years to strike 1 million coins. Today, the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia can make that many in the time it takes to watch a 30-minute TV show.

How does it happen? You won’t find out sitting around the TV. The best way is to stop by the Philadelphia Mint and take their free tour. Bring your kids or grandchildren. They’ll love seeing all the coins from 40 feet above the factory floor and they’ll remember it forever.

On the downside, you and your kiddos will have to pass through a metal detector to start things off. Don’t forget your government-issued photo ID. Do forget your camera. They’re not allowed for security reasons. On the upside, you can primer your visit with this and more articles to come about the Philadelphia Mint.

We visited the Philadelphia Mint earlier this month for a private tour after similar trips to the San Francisco Mint and West Point Mint . Since we were there, we also went on the public tour. We enjoyed it twice — once like everyone else with the same security restrictions and another time with U.S. Mint officials so we had permission to snap some of the photos you’ve already seen as well as the larger ones below. These photos offer some insights on what you can look forward to when visiting the Mint, with upcoming CoinNews.net articles and photos offering information about what goes on behind the scenes.

Quick Links to Large Tour Photos and Tour Tips

Skip the chatter; take me to the large tour photos . I plan on visiting the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia, take me to the tips .

Newly Renovated Tour

Last year about 220,000 people went on the Philadelphia Mint public tour after it re-opened on July 3, 2012 following a six-month renovation project. The new tour created a hubbub in numismatic circles with visitor reviews overwhelmingly positive.

Reviews this year remain equally strong. To get to that point, the U.S. Mint contracted Quatrefoil Associates and spent $3.9 million to modernize the tour area for the first time since 1969. At a cost of about $250 per sq. foot, they got a bang for their buck. Much of the tour is museum-like, yet museum space often costs $500/sq. foot.

What to Expect on the Philadelphia Mint Public Tour

You can take as long as you like since the tour is self-guided. A thorough visit will consume about 1 1/2 – 2 hours. If you’re a coin collector, plan on the two hours. If you bring younger children and prefer a quicker trip, you could get a good one in about 45 minutes.

Starting with the lobby and moving up to the second-floor mezzanine, the experience has a warm museum feel and is most enjoyed by older children and adults. Here there are exhibits with mixings of coins, medals, plaster models and other artifacts with some dating back to the Mint’s very beginnings.

Descriptions and information about the Philadelphia Mint, its history, and exhibit contents are readily displayed. There’s also the David Rittenhouse Theater, named after the first Director of the United States Mint. Inside a short film traverses time as Founding Fathers discuss the pros and cons of creating American coinage. It ends with the April 2, 1792 passage of Coinage Act which established the U.S. Mint.

Get ready for some walking to view the factory floor. It’s worth it. Kids really take to this section of the tour. We could hear their excited chatter during our visits and watched them work the many interactive displays. While here, there’s no doubt you’re at the largest coin manufacturing facility in the world. The Philadelphia Mint sits on a city block. From 40 feet above, you’ll walk along one side of the plant and then make the return trip from the other side. That’s two blocks of activity.

Throughout this third-floor Gallery, you can look down and see robotic machinery in action. The factory tour is divided into color-coded areas to help identify the coin and medal making process with displays describing everything that’s happening below. Stages include artwork creation, die making, blanking, annealing and upsetting, striking, inspecting and bagging coins. Touchable examples are found along the tour to include plaster models, blanks, master hubs, dies, coins and coin errors. There are also many video and audio touch screen stations that let you dive deeper and watch the coinage process up close.

Let’s take a quick photo tour of some the tour exhibits.

Philadelphia Mint Tour Photos

What Photos are Missing?

Noticeably absent from the photos above are shots from the Gallery looking down to the factory floor. For security reasons, we were not allowed to take photos from these views. They are a highlight of the tour, showing the immensity of the factory and what happens there every day. Though we could not take photos from above, we did take them directly on the factory floor during our private tour. Stay tuned to CoinNews.net for these photos and more articles about the Mint.

If you’re looking to buy some coins or medals produced from the Philadelphia Mint or from the other U.S. Mint facilities, stop at the gift shop.

Located on the main floor in the lobby, exiting the tour takes your right through the gift shop. It’s one of the few places where you can buy a U.S. Mint product and immediately walk out with it in hand.

Tips in Planning Your Philadelphia Mint Tour

More than 4 billion coins have already come out of the Philadelphia Mint this year. The pace is the quickest since before the Great Recession, yet well under the Mint’s capacity. That means the factory floor will be humming with activity on some days but not on others.

We went on two different days and the experience was different for each. As an example, one day we saw how blanks were cut from massively large sheets of metal. It was a highlight. The other day these machines were silent.

Here are a few tips to plan your visit:

Visit the Mint’s tour page for updated tour hours and information. This Mint webpage also has a handy Tour Guide you can download. It’s the same brochure you’ll find at the beginning of the tour.

Remember, all visitors must go through a metal detector so plan accordingly.

Try getting there in the morning. You’ll likely get the chance to see more activity on the factory floor.

There are days that the tour is open on holidays, notably Memorial Day and Labor Day, but the factory floor is shut down. It’s also closed on many Fridays and all Saturdays. The tour is very good without anything happening on the floor, but your kids will enjoy it much more when the Mint is striking coins or medals.

Once inside, there is no photography, no smoking and no eating or drinking.

Finally, within a short distance from the Mint are other sites worth seeing, like:

the Liberty Bell,

Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed, and

Benjamin Franklin’s grave.

There’s also the Money in Motion Exhibit at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. We had high hopes for this one but were, frankly, disappointed in the experience.

Next Article in Series About the Philadelphia Mint

Stay tuned to CoinNews.net for an in-depth series of photos and articles about the Philadelphia Mint. The first one is scheduled for Friday, September 6. It will discuss coin designs and sculpting. Others will include die making, producing coins and striking bullion and collectible America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Coins.

Share news:

• Public Tour Photos of US Mint at Denver, Colorado
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• Public and Private Tours of Philadelphia Mint by CoinNews.net

This has been one of your most informative & pleasant posts in years. Now, if we could just get the Mint up & running on Saturdays AND Sundays, we would definitely increase both productivity and consumer satisfaction in one act. Thank you!

Good one. The quality of most posts is similar to Coin World. I prefer their magazine for reading. No better online than coin news. I read Dave Harper on Numismatic news too. Others gloss over; don’t take time. Love the photos.

Great article. I am reading this from Alaska and you answered why the eagles on coins are different. It is not the design. The eagle on display is different from the northern Pacific eagle. Likely eastern eagles were smaller with more white plumage.

Great web article. Didn’t know they renovated the tour area. Since photography isn’t allowed from the viewing area, I take it they still ban cameras including cell phones? Do they have lockers where you can stow phones/cameras while visiting the mint?

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United States Mint

Type: Free Attractions , Sightseeing

Last updated on June 7, 2021

10Best Says

151 N Independence Mall E Philadelphia, PA 19106-1886

215-408-0112

EXPERT TIPS BY: Sharon Nolan Philadelphia Local Expert

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United States Mint

This is no mere nickel-and-dime operation. The Philadelphia Mint has the capacity to produce 1.8 million coins an hour, 32 million coins per day, and 13.5 billion coins every year.

E Pluribus Unum. This motto is found on all United States coinage. It means "out of many, one," indicating that the United States is just that — a united confederacy comprising several states, each with its own laws. But, should each mint its own coins?

The First Mint: Who Will Make The Money?

The United States' first mint — indeed the first structure sanctioned by the United States government — was erected in 1792, just two blocks from the present site. Many citizens of the new nation were deeply suspicious of federal power. They were accustomed to using coins issued by their own state banks, along with various forms of foreign currency. The suggestion of a single federal mint producing a uniform coinage was disturbing.

A coalition championed by adamant federalist Alexander Hamilton prevailed in these debates. The result was both the First Bank of the United States and a United States Mint.

The First Mint was completed in the fall of 1792 in the capital city of Philadelphia. As a new capital city was being built along the banks of the Potomac, it was expected that the Mint would move there. Yet in 1800, when Washington, D.C., was ready, the government did not have the money to replace what was already an efficient operation. An Act of Congress in 1828 ensured that the Mint would remain permanently in Philadelphia.

The First Mint Needs Silver...

Inspecting the First Coins John Ward Dunsmore, 1915

A popular though apocryphal legend holds that the metal used to strike the first coins at the Mint came from the silver in George Washington's household goods. At the current site, you can view a painting by John Dunsmore, titled Inspecting the First Coins. The painting shows a seated Martha Washington surrounded by the President, Harry Voigt (who would become the first Chief Coiner), future President Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, David Rittenhouse, the Mint's first director, and a few others. Martha is poised to inspect the first coins minted. (The painting, completed over a century after the event, is not meant to be a historically accurate representation of who was actually present to inspect the first minted coins.)

Credit for the success of the Mint belongs in great part to David Rittenhouse. In Philadelphia today, his name graces the city's most fashionable address — Rittenhouse Square, about a mile west of the Historic District. Like Benjamin Franklin and John Bartram (see Bartram's Gardens in this Virtual Tour), he was one of those extraordinary men of early Philadelphia with diverse interests who made manifold contributions: he was a clockmaker, philosopher, surveyor, mathematician, politician and astronomer; he determined the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland long before Mason and Dixon; many credit him with having built the first telescope made in the United States; he constructed an orrery, a device familiar mostly to astronomers and crossword solvers — it's a clocklike mechanism that describes the position of the planets as they orbit the sun; and, he was director of the Mint for its crucial first three years.

The Second Mint: Need More Space

By the late 1820s the original Mint lacked the space and capacity to keep up with the demand for coinage. A new mint, designed by William Strictland in the classic style favored by the federal government of Andrew Jackson's era was finished in 1833. It was located on the corner of Juniper and Chestnut,, about a half mile west of its current location.

The Third Mint: A Roman Temple

Again, a larger Mint was needed. The third Mint, built in 1901, still stands (it now houses the Community College of Philadelphia). It is a block long and has a Roman temple's facade. Marble is ubiquitous. Massive Ionic columns lead to a lobby with vaulted ceilings which were bejeweled with seven Tiffany glass mosaics. The mosaics depicted ancient Roman methods of coinage. Two of the mosaics are seen today at the current Mint.

The Fourth and Present Mint: What's There Now?

You guessed it! Once more, a larger Mint was needed — but also one with better access to highways and with more sophisticated security.

As a result, the latest Mint lacks the intimacy of the first Mint and the majesty of the second and third edifices. It is white, boxy, and nearly windowless. Upon entering the present Mint, one must place purses, bags, and backpacks on an airport-like conveyor belt for x-ray examination. A sign warns that no videotaping or cameras are allowed. An escalator leads to a long hallway with interior plate-glass windows on one side and a display built into the wall along the other. On your self-guided tour, you look down at the various operations taking place. Signs on the work floor clearly identify the processes — Bonding, Blanking, Annealing, Riddling, Upsetting, Striking, Inspecting, Counting, and Bagging. Flames shoot out from the tops of the annealing furnaces where the coins are heated. Countless shiny dimes pour from coining presses into overflowing containers. Forklifts heavy with copper profiles of Abraham Lincoln plod toward vaults. There are frequent signs telling you not to touch the glass. Nonetheless, kids and adults alike press their noses excitedly onto the window to gasp at the scene below. By pressing buttons along the way, recorded information details what is going on.

On the hallway's other wall is a history of United States Mints and an exhibition featuring the nearly 300 people who have been awarded Congressional gold medals (most of which were minted in Philadelphia). The first gold medal was awarded to George Washington. All Presidents and many military heroes have received gold medals, which show a likeness of the recipient. Gold medals have also been awarded to a diverse list of Great Americans, including Jesse Owens, John Wayne, Bob Hope, Marian Anderson, Walt Disney, Jonas Salk, Lady Bird Johnson, Joe Louis, Elie Wiesel, Matthew C. Perry, Robert Frost, and Harry Chapin.

There is also one for George Foster Robinson, a Civil War soldier assigned to protect Lincoln's Secretary of State William Seward . On the fateful night Lincoln was assassinated, Seward was also targeted for assassination. Lewis Powell broke into the Secretary's quarters and rushed in on the sleeping Seward. Robinson interceded and though stabbed numerous times, managed to thwart the assailant and save Seward's life.

The Philadelphia mint also produces Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts awarded to military heroes.

Now you'll take the down escalator to the mezzanine where you find the David Rittenhouse Room. Exhibited are gold coins including the famed $20 pieces designed by the sculptor Augustus St. Gaudens. Also on display are early tools and hardware used to make coins and a deed to the original Mint.

Don't leave without seeing Peter, the Mint Eagle. As the story is told by Philadelphia historian John Francis Marion, early in the 19th century Peter adopted the Mint as his home and became a mascot. One day he was perched on a flywheel when it suddenly started. His wing was caught and broken and though tenderly cared for by his Mint mates, he died. Peter was mounted and is still with us today — the spirit of the past in the modern Mint. Some believe that Peter was the model for the eagle on the United States silver dollars (1836-39) and for the Flying Eagle cents (1856-58).

• There are today four United States mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point. The bullion depository at Fort Knox is also part of the Mint system.
• On October 19, 1995 — a typical day — the mint produced 30 million coins worth about one million dollars.
• The Philadelphia facility is the largest mint in the world.
• At the original Mint, a lone night watchman armed with a sword, pistol, and watchdog was responsible for security.
• Contrary to popular legend, George and Martha Washington did not donate the silver used to make the first coins.
• Baseball fans will appreciate that the narrator you hear when you press the buttons on the self-guided tour is the voice of the Phillies, the late, great Harry Kalas.
• Location: 5th and Arch Streets (Map)
• Architect: Vincent G. Kling and Associates
• Style: Modern monolith (this author's opinion)
• Built: 1969

General Tour Hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entrance closes at 4:15 p.m. Closed federal holidays.

All tours will be closed when the COVID-19 community level is HIGH in Philadelphia County. For more information about the operating status of Philadelphia Mint tours, call 215-408-0112.

• Official website for the U.S. Mint : www.usmint.gov

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Visiting the Philadelphia Mint

The United States Mint in Philadelphia offers admission to the building for a self-guided tour only.

151 Independence Mall East Philadelphia, PA 19106

The Mint is on 5th Street between Arch Street and Race Street, right across the street from the National Constitution Center.

SEPTA STOP : Market-Frankford

Parking : There is no parking at the Mint, but there is a 24 hour garage nearby at the Philadelphia Bourse .

Philadelphia Mint Hours:

Monday - Friday: 9am-430pm

Saturday (Memorial Day - Labor Day Only): 9am-430pm

The Mint is open to visitors on Saturday, Sunday and Monday over Memorial and Labor Day Weekends as well as on July 4.

You will have to go through security to enter the Mint. Large bags, weapons, food and drink are not permitted.

Photography is not permitted inside the Philadelphia Mint.

The Philadelphia Mint that you see now is the fourth mint, but the most efficient. The first Mint in the United States was built only 100 years from this building. On your visit to the Philadelphia Mint you will be able to see the first coin pressed used in 1792! The first one million coins minted here took about three years to make, but today it takes only half an hour.

Use the Philadelphia Mint's Self Guided Tour as you visit the building.

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Philadelphia Mint tours get new appearance

• By Paul Gilkes-Coin World Staff
• Published: Sep 2, 2012, 8 PM

Coin World image by Paul Gilkes.

Coin World images by Paul Gilkes.

Collectors planning a visit to the Philadelphia Mint will be treated to a newly renovated, and still free, self-guided tour that traces the U.S. Mint’s 220-year coinage history from 1792 to the present.

The tour area and visitors’ center was reopened to the public July 3 after a more than six-month, $3.9 million renovation executed by Quatrefoil of Laurel, Md. The tour includes exhibits showcasing an assemblage of the facility’s “heritage assets” of historical artifacts, tracing design, engraving and production techniques.

Visitors may also experience a view, from 40 feet above, of the production floor of the Philadelphia Mint, where they can watch coins being struck for circulation. Touch pads positioned in front of the viewing windows allow visitors to access still images and video clips of close-up operations as though they were right on the production floor.

The renovations were completed in advance of the Aug. 7 to 11 American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia. Tour hours were extended on the show dates to allow more show visitors to take the Mint tour.

The general footprint of the areas for the tour and exhibits remains the same as before the renovation.

Lobby mosaics

The lobby of the Fourth Philadelphia Mint has mounted on its walls seven glass mosaic panels — two oblong and five round — executed under the direction of Louis B. Tiffany for display at the Third Philadelphia Mint on Spring Garden Street upon its opening in 1901.

The Favrile glass panels, made by designs from William B. Van Ingen, illustrate the ancient Roman methods and processes of coinage and were originally commissioned by the U.S. Mint at a cost of $40,000. The seven panels were appraised at $420,000 in 1971, and have not been appraised since.

The glass mosaics were removed from the Third Philadelphia Mint for permanent display beginning in June 1971 at the Fourth Mint. The newer facility, located at Fifth and Arch streets, opened in 1969.

All of the glass panels underwent conservation and cleaning, according to Abbie Chessler, Quatrefoil’s co-founding partner and head of design.

Also on the first-floor, off the lobby, but underneath the second-floor mezzanine exhibit area, is the sales center and gift shop.

The sales center offering U.S. Mint numismatic products and related souvenirs closed for only two weeks during the larger project, for its own renovations. The sales center is operated by Aramark, which also operates the sales center outside the entrance to the guided tour and visitors center area of the Denver Mint.

The Philadelphia Mint sales center reopened to the public May 29 upon completion of its renovations.

Tammy McIntyre, Aramark’s general manager for the Philadelphia and Denver Mint gift shops, said June 6 that the undisclosed costs for the sales center renovation at the Philadelphia Mint were borne by Aramark.

The sales center was redesigned by Buffalo, N.Y.-based Thinking Outside the Square, found online at www.thinkoutsidethesquare.com/.

The mezzanine’s David Rittenhouse Theater, named after the U.S. Mint’s first director, invites visitors to view a video chronicling the establishment of the U.S. Mint and the nation’s monetary system through the passage of the Mint Act of April 2, 1792.

Mezzanine displays include the stuffed American bald eagle, Peter, who lived at the Philadelphia Mint circa 1830 to 1836 and was let out each night to fly around the city of Philadelphia. Peter died when one of his wings was irreparably damaged after being caught in the flywheel of a coinage press on which he had perched.

Peter is said to have been Engraver Christian Gobrecht’s model for the silver dollars from 1836 through 1839.

On the wall next to the eagle exhibit are two paintings: the 1914 painting Ye Olde Mint by Edwin Lamasure Jr., representing his conception of the first Mint facility in 1792; and John Ward Dunsmore’s 1915 artwork supposedly depicting George Washington, his wife, Martha, and other federal officials, including Rittenhouse, inspecting a tray of coins held by Henry Voigt, first chief coiner and superintendent.

Among the enclosed exhibits on view in the new tour area are the models used for the 1907 gold coinage designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Also on view is a display of wooden boxes from the New York Assay Office used for shipping bullion. The boxes are part of an exhibit outlining the history of the Fort Knox Bullion Depository in Kentucky, where more than 5,000 tons of the nation’s gold reserves are stored.

The Gallery

The walls and floor space of the corridors of the extensive third-floor gallery contribute to an understanding, through interactive exhibits, of how coins and medals are made.

For coin production, the exhibits trace the operations from design conception and execution (the U.S. Mint’s engraving staff is based at the Philadelphia Mint, augmented by outside artists from the Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program); to die making, blanking, annealing and upsetting (softening through heat and then forming a raised rim), striking, inspection and bagging.

Examples of blanks, dies, models and struck coins are among the historic artifacts on display in fixed exhibits.

Also displayed is the original Janvier reducing lathe from 1907, first used in the die-making process for the Saint-Gaudens gold coinage. The Janvier reducing lathes were mothballed less than six years ago when digital sculpturing and die production technology were introduced at the U.S. Mint.

Tom Jurkowsky, director of the U.S. Mint’s Office of Public Affairs, said it is hoped that if additional funds become available, more exhibits can be added to the public tour.

More than 200 historical Mint artifacts are currently on display.

For tour information, visit www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/ or call 215-408-0112. The gift shop’s telephone number is 215-408-0230. ¦

United States Mint - Philadelphia Tour

Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Tour is free and self-guided and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. The tour entrance actually closes at 4:15 p.m. and all visitors are expected to exit the facility by 4:30 p.m. Spring and summer-month visitors may experience a brief line to enter. Please consider this information as you make your plans to visit the Philadelphia Mint.

Best US mint!

Great place and a lot of fun! Shows the whole process of how coins are made. Great for a family trip or a coin expert.

Great Experience

Last summer, I went on a family trip to the Philadelphia Mint. It was a wonderful experience. They show the process followed to make coins. It’s very interesting for children as well. Five Stars

Great family outing

We had a really nice time at the mint. My children really took a liking to "my world" after our visit. Aaron

Love the Mint

I live just a short walk from the mint, it's amazing that it's open six days a week for free, you can go watch them make coins all day if you like. You can't beat free.

Reviews are sorted by date. They are not controlled by Numista. Only reviews posted less than 10 years ago are displayed.

Tickets & prices United States Mint

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Admission prices & discounts for tickets to United States Mint in Philadelphia

The following overview lists the admission prices and various discounts and discount codes for a visit to United States Mint in Philadelphia . All prices are displayed per age group or reduced rate group. You can also directly book your discounted online ticket for the United States Mint here, if available, or make a reservation to reserve a timeslot if applicable.

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Private Electric Cart Tour of Philadelphia

• Max Guests per cart 5
• Public Tour

Uncover the best of Philadelphia’s historical and cultural gems on an engaging two-hour electric cart tour, led by an expert local guide!

Your journey begins in the heart of Old City, where you’ll be transported back in time with visits to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. As your guide shares stories of the American Revolution, you’ll drive along picturesque Elfreth’s Alley, marvel at colonial architecture, and pass iconic sites like the Betsy Ross House and Benjamin Franklin’s grave.

Heading into Center City, you’ll encounter landmarks like Old City Hall and the vibrant Reading Terminal Market. As we make our way to the Parkway Museum District, we’ll stop at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to world-renowned collections and the famous Rocky statue and steps. You’ll also catch sight of the iconic LOVE Park sign and get a glimpse into the haunting history of Eastern State Penitentiary.

As we cruise through Chinatown, you’ll admire the colorful Friendship Arch, a gateway to one of the city’s top culinary scenes. The tour continues down the eclectic South Street, known for its counter-culture vibe, and you’ll be dazzled by the mesmerizing mosaics of the Magic Gardens as we return to our starting point.

Blending history, culture, and local knowledge, this two-hour electric cart tour offers an unforgettable way to experience Philadelphia’s top landmarks and diverse neighborhoods. Discover the city’s rich past and vibrant present, all in the comfort and convenience of an electric cart!

• Stop at the Rocky steps and statue for a quick pose and city skyline views
• Cover the top attractions of Philadelphia on a fun, guided electric cart tour!
• See historic landmarks in Old City like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin’s grave, and the US Mint
• Glide through bustling neighborhoods of Chinatown and Center City
• Hear the stories behind landmarks like the Reading Terminal Market, the LOVE Statue, and striking City Hall

Price Includes

Price Excludes

• Local English-speaking guide
• Electric Cart Transportation
• Additional food and drink
• Tips and gratuities for the guide

Pick-up Information

• Start times: 10am, 1pm
• Meeting Location: 474 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Outside the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Our tours use electric vehicles in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a healthier way to enjoy sightseeing in Philadelphia

Our tour guides emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses like those found in our historic Reading Terminal Market

Our tours highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage, choosing to feature such neighborhoods as Philadelphia’s Chinatown on our tour

We strive to include diversity in our storytelling, emphasizing the contribution of people who are often overlooked in American history

Independence Hall

Our electric cart tour explores Old City Philadelphia, home of Independence Hall. Your tour guide will introduce you to this significant historical landmark, famed as the birthplace of the United States where both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed.

Liberty Bell Center

Across from Independence Hall sits another icon of American history: the Liberty Bell! We’ll pass by this symbol of freedom as your tour guide provides some fascinating stories and background on the bell and its role in American culture over the years.

Betsy Ross House

Cruise past the beautiful Betsy Ross House, where the first American flag is said to have been sewn. Learn about the legendary Betsy Ross and how she reshaped colonial Philadelphia as a craftsman and a patriot.

Benjamin Franklin's Grave

 Learn about this Founding Father’s legacy and contributions to American society from the comfort of our electric cart. Your expert tour guide will tell you about all of Ben’s fascinating achievements as a printer, scientist, philanthropist, and politician.

Elfreth's Alley

Glide by picturesque Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously residential street. Enjoy the charming colonial-era homes as you hear tales of the early settlers who once walked these cobblestone paths. Discover the rich heritage and architectural beauty that make this neighborhood a living testament to Philadelphia’s past.

United States Mint, Philadelphia

Drive by the United States Mint of Philadelphia, where coins are crafted and history is made. Learn about the minting process, the evolution of currency in America, and the important role the mint plays in the nation’s economy.

Arch Street Meeting House

Discover Philadelphia’s religious heritage as we drive past Arch Street Meeting House. Learn about the Society of Friends, more commonly known as Quakers, and their crucial role in the founding of Philadelphia and the colony of Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

This labyrinth of intricate mosaic tile and mirror has become one of Philly’s most popular tourist destinations, and you’ll see why as your cart tour drives past this site along vibrant South Street.

South Street

 Our Philly sightseeing tour will cruise down South Street, known for its counter-culture and nightlife. You might want to return here after your electric cart tour to grab a bite and hit up the many shops that line this iconic street!

Rodin Museum

Experience art and culture on our tour as we pass by the Rodin Museum. Discover masterpieces by Auguste Rodin like “The Thinker” and learn about the museum’s impact on Philadelphia’s art scene.

Philadelphia Museum of Art / Rocky Steps and Statue

Cruise by the stunning Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to a world-renowned art collection. Here, you will have a chance to hop out of the cart and take a picture with the Rocky statue and climb up the iconic steps that play a prominent role in the film series.

Love Statue

Enjoy a scenic drive past the LOVE Statue, a symbol of Philadelphia’s love and unity. Learn about the park’s history and its significance as a public space in the city.

The ornate and towering City Hall dominates the Center City skyline. Learn about its design and its role in the city’s political history as your guide drives you around this incredible piece of 19th Century architecture.

Rittenhouse Square

One of Philly’s oldest parks, this gorgeous piece of green space sits in the middle of the chic Rittenhouse neighborhood. Check out the delicious restaurants and Victorian-era mansions that line its borders – definitely a place to return to for dinner following your sightseeing tour!

Eastern State Penitentiary

Explore Philadelphia’s darker history with a drive past Eastern State Penitentiary on our tour. Hear about its notorious inmates and haunting tales from this historic prison.

Washington Square

 Discover this beautiful park that was originally planned by William Penn. Today, you’ll find a memorial dedicated to George Washington and to the sacrifices made by his men during the American Revolution.

Society Hill

 Explore quaint Society Hill and its charming colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and rich cultural heritage.

Philadelphia Chinatown

Immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s cultural diversity with a drive through vibrant Chinatown. Discover its rich heritage, culinary delights, and bustling atmosphere.

Reading Terminal Market

Delight your senses with a drive past Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia’s famous foodie destination. Learn about its history, diverse vendors, and culinary traditions. Ask your tour guide for recommendations on where to eat in the famous market following your electric cart tour!

Philadelphia Convention Center

Experience Philadelphia’s modern amenities as we pass by the Philadelphia Convention Center. Learn about its role in hosting events, conferences, and cultural gatherings in the city.

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United States Mint Holiday Ornaments on Sale October 1

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will begin accepting orders for the 2024 editions of the Mighty Minters™ Ornament and the United States Mint Holiday Ornament on October 1 at noon ET. There are no household order limits for either ornament.

The Mint has offered the Holiday Ornaments for six consecutive years. This year, both ornaments feature an uncirculated 2024 Kennedy Half Dollar. An engraved version of the official United States Mint seal is on the back of the ornaments, along with “Made in the USA” and “©2024 U.S. Mint.” The ornaments are hand-crafted and produced in solid brass, and finished with imitation rhodium, giving some of its elements a silver sheen.

Mighty Minters Ornament The 2024 ornament—themed “Giving Gifts of Gratitude”—depicts Mighty Minters Lina, Eli, and Timothy delivering gifts. Timothy is pulling a sleigh bearing a large gift that displays the reverse of the Kennedy Half Dollar. A cheerful red ribbon adorns the top of the ornament with the words “2024” and “UNITED STATES MINT” on either side of the bow. Snowflakes are on each side of the ribbon.

The festive cardboard packaging replicates the ornament’s front design, while the back of the packaging contains descriptive information about the coin and the Mighty Minters on the ornament and the signature of the Mint Director.

2024 United States Mint Ornament This year, the ornament has a festive wreath-like design with the reverse (tails) of the half dollar displayed on the front. The words “UNITED STATES MINT” and “2024” encircle the coin with a tiny band of hollies and berries. Bright red poinsettias and green foliage form a wreath around the outer band.

The holiday ornament is housed in a blue box with a navy platform. The official United States Mint seal and the words “2024 United States Mint Ornament” are hot stamped in silver foil on the top of the lid. A separate certificate of authenticity is included that provides information about the coin and the ornament.

Both ornaments are priced at $35.00. To set up REMIND ME alerts, please visit:

• Mighty Minters Ornament – https://catalog.usmint.gov/mighty-minters-2024-ornament-24XT.html (product code 24XT)
• United States Mint Ornament – https://catalog.usmint.gov/united-states-mint-2024-ornament-24XU.html (product code 24XU)

The Holiday Ornaments are included in the Mint’s Subscription Program . Structured like a magazine subscription, this program affords customers the convenience of signing up to receive automatic shipments of products in a series. The shipments continue until the subscription is cancelled. For details, visit Subscriptions – US Mint Catalog Online .

The Holiday Ornaments will be available at the Mint’s sales centers at the Philadelphia Mint, 151 N. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (on 5th Street between Arch Street and Race Street); the Denver Mint, 320 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204 (on Cherokee Street, between West Colfax Avenue and West 14th Avenue); and the Mint Headquarters Coin Store in Washington, D.C., 801 9th St. NW, Washington, DC 20220.

Please use the Mint’s catalog site at https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468)

To view additional Holiday Ornaments, please visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/gift-ideas/collectible-ornaments/ .

About the United States Mint Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date of October 1, 2024, at noon EDT.

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