The United States Mint is temporarily closing public tours of its facilities in Philadelphia and Denver beginning Monday, March 16. The Denver and Philadelphia Mint gift shops and the Washington, DC coin store will also be temporarily closed. This action is being taken to reduce the risk of Mint employees’ exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
According to Mint Director David J. Ryder:
“[T]he health and safety of the Mint workforce is my highest priority. Many Mint employees interact with visitors from throughout the country and the world as tours are conducted. Public health officials are still learning about how COVID-19 spreads, so out of an abundance of caution, I have decided it is prudent to close our tours, gift shops and coin store. I understand this is an inconvenience to people who were looking forward to seeing how we mint our nation’s coins and medals, but my employees and their well-being are my greatest concern. We intend for this to be a temporary rather than a permanent closure. The Mint will continue to fulfill its mission of protecting our nation’s strategic assets and producing trusted currency, while also taking appropriate precautions given current public health risks.”
Ryder went on to state that no Mint employees have tested positive for COVID -19.
The Mint will announce the resumption of public tours as well as its gift shops and coin store through a press release and via social media.
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About the U.S. Mint
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.
The U.S. Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The Mint’s numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.
