April 2: U.S. Mint Established (1792)
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people who design and manufacture coins.
History Note
On April 2, 1792, the U.S. Congress passed the Coinage Act. This established a national mint based in Philadelphia, which was then the capital of the United States. A “mint” is a factory that makes coins.
These are the original coins the mint was to make out of gold, silver, and copper:
Gold: Eagles, Half Eagles, and Quarter Eagles
Silver: Dollars, Half Dollars, Quarter Dollars, Dimes, and Half Dimes
Copper: Cents and Half Cents
The types of coins made, the metals used to make them, and the designs on the coins have changed over the centuries. In fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Mint created about 6 billion coins, with about half of those being pennies. Other current coins include nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollar coins. The U.S. Mint also makes special commemorative coins, bullion coins for investment purposes, and Congressional Gold Medals.
The U.S. Mint has in the past operated facilities in Charlotte, NC; Dahlonega, GA; New Orleans, LA; Carson City, NV; and Manila, Philippines. Currently the U.S. Mint has manufacturing facilities in Philadelphia, PA; Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA; and West Point, NY. It also stores gold owned by the federal government at Fort Knox, KY.
The U.S. Mint is part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The U.S. Bureau of Printing and Engraving (established in 1862) manufactures paper currency.
In 1793 the U.S. Mint purchased a dog named Nero to work with the nightwatchman to guard the facility. This image shows a U.S. Treasury seal created around 1800. The dog pictured in the seal is thought to honor Nero.
Learn More
Watch this video about how coins are made.
Find other resources about the U.S. Mint at Homeschool History.
