Making a Mint
| 1792: |
The United States Mint is born!
Congress passes the Coinage Act, creating the Bureau of the Mint to make gold, silver, and copper coins.
The Mint builds its own building in Philadelphia, the nation's capital at the time.
The first coins struck are "half dimes" made from someone's silverware—probably George and Martha Washington's. Harnessed horses power the coin-stamping machines. |
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| 1793: |
President George Washington appoints David Rittenhouse, scientist, as the first Director of the Mint.
The Mint produces its first circulating coins: copper cents and half cents.
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Introduction
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Making A Mint
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Striking Out
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Mining Materials
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Moving Forward
Building and Rebuilding | Presidents and Peace | Secret Stores | Search for Value
60's | 70's | 80's | 90's | Today
Building and Rebuilding | Presidents and Peace | Secret Stores | Search for Value
60's | 70's | 80's | 90's | Today