When the framers of the U.S. Constitution created a new government for their untried Republic, they realized the critical need for a respected monetary system. Up to that point, currency in the U.S. included a mix of foreign and colonial currency, livestock, and produce. Soon after the Constitution’s ratification, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton personally prepared plans for a national Mint.
On April 2, 1792, Congress passed The Coinage Act, which created the Mint and authorized construction of a Mint building in Philadelphia, what was then the nation’s capital. This was the first federal building erected under the Constitution. In 1873, the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury. Learn more about the history of the Mint.
Since our institution’s founding in 1792, the Mint has taken great pride in rendering the story of our nation in coins. To hold a coin or medal produced by the Mint is to connect to the founding principles of our nation and the makings of our economy.
Watch the video below to see how the Mint has made coins over the years.
Upcoming New Releases …..
- MARCH 20 – Kennedy 2018 Half-Dollar, 200 Coin Bag
Leadership
Acting Deputy Director David M. Croft joined the U.S. Mint in 2007 as the Plant Manager of the Denver Mint. He transferred to Washington, DC in 2014 and held positions as the Associate Director of Manufacturing and Acting Chief Administrative Officer before becoming the Acting Deputy Director in February 2018. Read his full biography on the Director’s Office page.
Legislation
Congress authorizes every coin and most medals that the U.S. Mint manufactures and oversees the Mint’s operations under its Public Enterprise Fund (PEF).
Consumer Alerts
Information about coin-related products from private companies and coin-related issues relevant to consumers.
Upcoming Events
Join us for coin launch events, coin forums, and conferences.
Design Competitions
Please visit this page for updates regarding public coin design competitions, including current call-for-artists and announcements about winning designs.
- 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Competition
The United States Mint will accept submissions for this competition starting May 1, 2017. - 2018 Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Design Competition
Winner Announcement: June 2017
- WWI Centennial 2018 Commemorative Coin Design Competition
Winner Announcement: Coming Soon
