Following the enactment of the Constitution of the United States of America, the Founding Fathers decided it imperative to initiate a continental national mint. Enter the Coinage Act of 1792. This act, passed by congress on April 2, 1792, created the United States Mint and established a way to regulate the coinage in America.
At this time, Philadelphia was the nation’s capital, thus the United State’s first mint was built there. President George Washington assigned David Rittenhouse as the first Director of the Mint. Rittenhouse quickly purchased lots at 7th Street and Filbert Street and began construction. This would remain the bases of operation from 1792-1833.
The Modern Philadelphia Mint
After relocating two more times, The Philadelphia Mint returned two blocks from its original site in 1969, remaining there currently. Covering over five acres of ground in the city, the Philadelphia Mint is the World’s Largest Mint!
Today, the mint still provides many coin and manufacturing services. The facility creates circulating coins of all denominations as well as commemorative coins and the dies for stamping coins and medals. You can even take a tour of the facility if you’d like.