United States Mint
The United States Mint is the federal agency responsible for producing circulating coinage for the United States and managing the nation's bullion and numismatic coin programs.
Last updated October 30, 2026
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Overview
The United States Mint is the federal agency of the United States government responsible for the production of circulating coinage, bullion coins, and numismatic (collector) coins. It operates as a bureau within the Department of the Treasury and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Mint was established by the Coinage Act of 1792, making it one of the oldest continuously operating agencies of the U.S. federal government. Its original facility in Philadelphia served as the nation's first mint and the first federal building erected under the Constitution. Today the Mint operates production facilities in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point, along with a bullion depository at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The Philadelphia and Denver facilities produce circulating coins for commerce, while San Francisco and West Point focus primarily on proof, uncirculated, and bullion coins. The Mint also manages the sale of commemorative coins and other numismatic products directly to the public through its website and retail channels. The Mint's circulating coin production has been documented since 1880, with mintage figures tracked for each denomination and design. Over its history, the Mint has produced pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins, as well as historical gold and silver coins. Modern production is dominated by the penny, nickel, dime, and quarter, with the half dollar and dollar coins minted primarily for collectors. The Mint also produces the American Eagle and American Buffalo bullion coin series, which are popular among investors and collectors worldwide. As a government agency, the Mint does not operate for profit in the traditional corporate sense, but it generates revenue through seigniorage (the difference between the face value of coins and their production cost) and through the sale of numismatic and bullion products. The Mint's operations are funded through the U.S. Treasury, and its activities are subject to congressional oversight. The agency plays a critical role in ensuring the supply of coinage for commerce and in maintaining public confidence in U.S. currency.
History
The United States Mint was established by the Coinage Act of 1792, which created the nation's first mint in Philadelphia and established the U.S. dollar as the country's standard unit of currency. The Mint began producing coins in 1793, initially striking copper cents and half cents. Over the following decades, the Mint expanded its operations and opened branch facilities in other cities to serve the growing nation. In the 19th century, the Mint opened branches in New Orleans, Charlotte, Dahlonega, and San Francisco, primarily to process gold from regional discoveries. The San Francisco Mint, opened in 1854, became a major producer of gold and silver coins. The Denver Mint began operations in 1906 and remains one of the two primary circulating coin production facilities today. The 20th century brought significant changes to U.S. coinage. The Mint introduced new designs and compositions, including the Lincoln cent in 1909, the Buffalo nickel in 1913, and the Mercury dime and Walking Liberty half dollar in 1916. During World War II, the Mint produced nickels with alternative metals due to nickel shortages. In 1965, the Coinage Act removed silver from circulating dimes and quarters, and reduced the silver content of half dollars, marking a major shift to clad coinage. The modern era of the Mint has been characterized by the growth of numismatic and bullion programs. The American Eagle bullion coin program launched in 1986, followed by the American Buffalo series in 2006. The 50 State Quarters program (1999–2008) revitalized public interest in circulating coins, followed by the America the Beautiful Quarters (2010–2021) and the American Women Quarters (2022–2025). The Mint continues to operate production facilities in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point, and manages the U.S. Bullion Depository at Fort Knox. Its circulating coin production data has been publicly documented since 1880, providing a detailed record of U.S. coinage output.
- 2022
American Women Quarters program begins
- 2010
America the Beautiful Quarters program begins
- 2006
American Buffalo bullion series introduced
- 1999
50 State Quarters program begins
- 1986
American Eagle bullion coin program launched
- 1965
Coinage Act of 1965 removes silver from circulating dimes and quarters
- 1909
Lincoln cent introduced
- 1906
Denver Mint begins operations
- 1854
San Francisco Mint opens
- 1793
First coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint
Products and positioning
The United States Mint is the sole legal producer of U.S. coinage, positioned as a trusted public institution and a leading source of bullion and numismatic products for collectors and investors.
Lincoln cent
One-cent coin featuring Abraham Lincoln, first issued in 1909
Jefferson nickel
Five-cent coin featuring Thomas Jefferson
Roosevelt dime
Ten-cent coin featuring Franklin D. Roosevelt
Washington quarter
25-cent coin featuring George Washington, with rotating reverse designs
Kennedy half dollar
50-cent coin featuring John F. Kennedy
American Eagle bullion coins
Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion coins
American Buffalo bullion coins
24-karat gold bullion coins featuring the Buffalo nickel design
Marketing campaigns
- 50 State Quarters
- America the Beautiful Quarters
- American Women Quarters
Recent events
U.S. Mint launches Freedom 250 Race Medal[3]
Reported:
The United States Mint will launch a new $60 Freedom 250 Race Medal on Aug. 21, celebrating America's 250th anniversary and the first IndyCar race held in Washington, D.C. Preorders open at noon ET on Aug. 21 and run through Sept. 4, with product and mintage limits set at 15,000 medals.
U.S. Mint announces upcoming sale of 2019 American Eagle silver coin[4]
Reported:
The United States Mint announced that it would begin accepting orders for the 2019 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Enhanced Reverse Proof Coin on November 14 at noon EST, priced at $65.95. The coin’s production is limited to 30,000 units.
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