Countdown to America's 250th Anniversary Historical Timeline of the U.S. Mint
- 1700s
- 1800s
- 1900s
- 2000s
- 2010s
- 2020s
1776
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are appointed by the Continental Congress to work on creating a device for the seal of the United States of America. The first of three committees assigned to the task which will take six more years and the contributions of 14 men to complete.
April 19
Congress appointed a Committee “to examine and ascertain the value of the several species of gold and silver coins and the proportions they ought to bear to the Spanish milled dollar.”
September 2
Thomas Jefferson submits a report to Congress on the value of various coins, by decimal unit in dollars and parts of a dollar. (Believed to be the first attempt to use a decimal method for the nation’s monetary system.)
1777
February 20
A Congressional committee recommends that a Mint be established. The Treasury Board is tasked to plan and regulate the Mint and its devices to be stamped on the coins. No follow-up action taken at this time. (Earliest known record of Congressional interest to establish a mint.)
1778
July 9
The Articles of Confederation give States the authority to strike their own coins.
September 26
A Committee is selected to design the Treasury Seal (found on U.S. money). Much of the original design is still used today and is part of the Mint Seal.
1781
April 30
Alexander Hamilton sends Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance, his proposed articles of incorporation for a National Bank. Article 10 included “…the power of coining to the amount of half its stock, the quantity of alloy &c. being determined by Congress…”
1782
January 15
Robert Morris reports to Congress, requesting authority to establish a mint. He recommends that the coining costs be paid by the people using its services.
1784
April 26
Thomas Jefferson reviews Morris’s 1782 report, responding with “Notes on Coinage,” drafted in March and April. He agrees on the “decimal proportions” but feels the unit is too small for daily transactions and recommends the Spanish dollar as the monetary unit. It’s already in use and is a “convenient size” of measurement for “monetary arithmetic.”
May 28
The Continental Congress authorizes 3 Commissioners for the Board of Treasury.
1785
May 13
The Grand Committee of the Continental Congress decides that the unit of American money will be the silver dollar, with all coins in a decimal ratio to each other.
1786
April 12
A Report of the Board of Treasury Relative to the Establishment of a Mint is submitted to the Continental Congress. (Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, Vol. 31, p. 160)
September 21
Board of Treasury submits its Ordinance for the Establishment of the Mint of the United States of America to the Continental Congress. (Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, Vol. 31, p.682)
October 16-17
The Continental Congress authorizes the establishment of a mint for the coinage of gold, silver, and copper. The Treasury Board describes the duties of top Mint Officers. Congress resolved that the Assay Master shall be allowed a salary of $600 a year and the Master Coiner, $1,000. (Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, Vol. 31, p.882)
1787
April 20-21
The Congressional Committee reports it prefers to produce coinage “by contract”, rather than “a public expense”, and chooses a proposal submitted by James Jarvis. Congress passes the Report on Copper Coinage, authorizing the Board of Treasury to contract for 300 tons of copper coin of Federal standard from James Jarvis. The coins will be struck at the expense of the contractor, with all monies from the contract to be applied to reducing the domestic debt and the premium to pay off interest on the foreign debt. (Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, Vol. 32, p.221-225)
September 17
Constitution is signed by members of the Constitutional Convention. Constitution granted Congress the power to coin money, regulate its value, and provide for punishment of counterfeiting. States were explicitly prohibited from coining money.
1789
September
The Treasury Department is established on September 2. It is the second oldest department in the Federal Government. On September 11, Alexander Hamilton of New York is nominated by President Washington and confirmed by the Senate as the first Secretary of the Treasury (1789-1795). He is the first of several Secretaries nominated and confirmed on the same day, and the first of seven foreign-born Secretaries of the Treasury.
1790
January 8
Washington encourages Congress to develop a uniform currency for the nation.
1791
January 28
Alexander Hamilton submits his Report on the Subject of A Mint to Congress, and the results of the U.S. Government’s first financial review on the silver content of the Spanish dollar.
March 3
Congress authorizes a Mint in a resolution.
1792
April 2
Congressional legislation creates a national mint “at the seat of the government of the United States,” and regulates coinage. It authorizes the Mint to make coins of gold (Eagles, Half Eagles and Quarter Eagles), silver (Dollars, Half Dollars, Quarter Dollars, Dimes, and Half Dimes), and copper (Cents and Half Cents). The Act also authorizes the President to construct buildings in Philadelphia. (The Mint was the first Federal building erected under the Constitution). The Director’s annual salary is set at $2,000. Annual salaries for the assayer and chief coiner will be $1,500; for the engraver and treasurer—$1,200; for clerks—$500; and “customary and reasonable” wages for workmen and servants according to their “respective stations and occupations.”
April 13
David Rittenhouse of Pennsylvania is appointed 1st Director of the Mint by President Washington.
May 8
Congressional legislation authorizes the Director of the Mint to “contract for and purchase a quantity of copper, not exceeding one hundred and fifty tons… to be coined at the Mint into cents and half cents.”
1793
The first coins struck are “half dimes”, believed to be made from silverware provided by George and Martha Washington.
January
A “Dog for the Yard” is purchased for $3 by the Mint as protection on January 6. On January 28, President Washington appoints Henry Voigt as Chief Coiner.
March 3
The first circulating coins–11,178 copper cents–are delivered.
December 31
Jefferson resigns as Secretary of State.
1794
April 3
President Washington appoints Henry William DeSaussure of South Carolina 2nd Director of the Mint. He serves the second shortest term, resigning in less than four months. President Washington nominates Albion Cox as first Assayer for the Mint. (Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate, Vol. I, p.149)
1795
October
On October 10, the first two women are employed in the Mint to work as adjusters. On October 28, President Washington appoints Elias Boudinot of New Jersey 3rd Director of the Mint. He serves the 6th longest-term: 9 years and 9 months.
1797
The Mint in Philadelphia closes in the summer and autumn due to outbreaks of yellow fever.
1799
The Mint becomes an independent agency reporting directly to the President.
1801
Following a tradition started by France and Great Britain, the new United States begins making large silver and bronze medals to present as signs of peace to American Indian chiefs and warriors. Lewis and Clark use these medals in their travels across the nation with the Corps of Discovery. The medals are produced at the Mint in Philadelphia, under the orders of the Secretary of War. Initially called “Indian Peace Medals,” today they are produced as the “Presidential Medal Series.”
January 20
The Treasury Department Building is damaged by fire. John Adams joins the bucket brigade.
March 3
Congressional legislation directs the Mint to remain in Philadelphia until March 1803. (Note: Mint Officials were not in favor of relocating the facility to the newly established Federal City in Washington, and addressed their concerns many times. Legislation extending the Mint’s stay in Philadelphia appears throughout the early 1800’s. Most extensions were for five years. At some point Congress seems to have tired of these extensions. The Act of May 19, 1828, leaves the facility in Philadelphia “until otherwise provided by law.”)
1802
The Philadelphia Mint closes in the summer and autumn due to yellow fever outbreaks.
1806
January 17
President Jefferson appoints Robert Patterson, LL.D., of Pennsylvania, 4th Director of the Mint. He serves the 2nd second longest term: 18 ½ years.
1808
April 1
Extends the authority of the Mint to remain at Philadelphia for a “…further term of five years…”
1814
August 24
The Treasury Department is burned by the British.
1824
July 15
President Monroe appoints Samuel Moore, M.D., of Pennsylvania, 5th Director of the Mint. He serves the 4th longest term: 11 years.
1826
July 4
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both die on this date (Jefferson dies first), 50 years from the day they both signed the Declaration of Independence.
1828
May 19
Congressional legislation “…continues the Mint at Philadelphia until otherwise provided by law…”
1829
July 4
Cornerstone is laid for a new Mint building at the corner of Juniper and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia. New building is finally occupied in 1833.
1833
March 31
Treasury Building is burned to the ground by arsonists. Congress demands a fire-proof building. Result is current Treasury Building of Greek design built by architects Robert Mills, Ammi Young, and Alfred B. Mullett between 1836 and 1869.
1835
March 3
Congressional legislation establishes branch Mints at New Orleans, Louisiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Dahlonega, Georgia. Their mint marks are: New Orleans (“O”), Charlotte (“C”), and Dahlonega (“D”). They are placed “under the control and regulation” of the Director of the Mint, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. This is the first time Congress gives the Treasury Department supervisory authority over the Mint.
May 26
President Jackson appoints Robert Maskell Patterson, M.D., of Pennsylvania, 6th Director of the Mint. He is the son of the 4th Mint Director, Robert Patterson, M.D., and serves the 3rd longest term. 16 years.
1836
March 23
The first steam press is put in place, increasing the speed of coin production.
1837
January 18
Congressional legislation revises some Mint functions and the regulation of coins. Specifies Mint officer: “a Director, a treasurer, an assayer, a melter and a refiner, a chief coiner and an engraver, …appointed by the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.” The Director reports to the President of the United States on an annual basis, and to the Secretary of the Treasury from time to time. (This is the first piece of major legislation for the Mint since its creation in 1792.)
1844
April 2
Congressional legislation “…Prescribes the manner in which oaths may be taken by officers of the branch mint.”
1849
March 3
Congressional legislation authorizes the coinage of gold dollars and double eagles.
1850
Over 40 women are hired at the Philadelphia Mint by Mint Director Robert Maskell.
1851
July 1
President Fillmore appoints George N. Eckfeldt, M.D., of Pennsylvania, 7th Director of the Mint.
1852
July 3
Congressional legislation establishes a branch mint in California. The Treasury secretary is authorized to choose the location.
1853
March 3
Act of Congress establishes an Assay Office in New York City. Mint locates office on Wall Street.
April 4
President Pierce appoints Thomas M. Pettit of Pennsylvania 8th Director of the Mint. He serves the shortest term: 2 months.
June
President Pierce appoints Hon. James Ross Snowden, LL.D., of Pennsylvania, 9th Director of the Mint on June 3. On June 30, L.A. Birdsall becomes first Superintendent of the United States Branch Mint in San Francisco.
1857
February 21
Legal Tender properties of foreign coins in the United States are withdrawn. Treasury Department increases control over the Mint; the Director is now required to submit some of his regulations to the Secretary of the Treasury for review and approval.
1860
Clark, Gruber & Co., John Parsons & Co., and John Conway & Co., who manufacture $5 and $10 gold pieces, are the major companies producing territorial “coinage” in the Denver area from 1860 through 1862.
1861
From January to April, Confederate forces seize the branch mints at New Orleans, Louisiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Dahlonega, Georgia. Coining operations continue until May, when the mints are closed. Confederate troops use the Charlotte Mint as a headquarters throughout the war.
May
President Lincoln appoints James Pollock, A.M., LL.D., of Pennsylvania, 10th Director of the Mint, and that facility’s First Superintendent. He serves until 1866.
1862
April 21
Congressional legislation establishes a branch mint at Denver “exclusively for the coinage of gold”, the sum of $75,000 is appropriated to meet the expenses for fiscal year 1863.
November 25
Congressional committee makes a formal offer of $25,000 for the Clark, Gruber & Co. plant, through the Treasury Secretary. The offer is accepted.
1863
March 3
Congressional legislation establishes a branch mint at Carson City, Nevada. The mint mark is “CC”.
September
The Denver Branch Mint opens. Operations are confined to the melting, refining, assaying, and stamping of bullion, and the return of the same to depositors in “unparted bars, stamped with the weight and fineness.”
1864
April 22
Congress authorizes coinage of the two-cent piece. The Director of the Mint, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, places the motto In God We Trust on the bronze 2-cent piece. This is the first time the motto appeared on a coin.
July 2
Congress appropriates $300,000 to purchase a site and construct buildings for the Branch Mint at San Francisco.
July 4
Congressional legislation establishes a branch mint at Dalles City, Oregon. This mint is short-lived. Congress donates the building to the state for educational purposes in March 1875.
1865
March 3
Congressional legislation authorizes coinage of the three-cent coin.
1866
January 1
The motto "In God We Trust" appears on gold and silver coins, with the exception of the dime, which is too small.
April 7
Congressional legislation states that only a deceased person may appear in portraits on bank notes and other paper money. (Coins are not mentioned in the legislation.)
May 16
The nickel five-cent coin is authorized by Congress, to replace the smaller silver five-cent coin.
September
President Andrew Johnson appoints William Millward of Pennsylvania, 11th Director of the Mint. He serves the 3rd shortest term: 6 months.
1867
April 4
President Johnson appoints Henry Richard Linderman, M.D., of Pennsylvania, 12th Director of the Mint.
1869
February 19
Act of Congress establishes an Assay Office at Boise in the Territory of Idaho.
May
President Grant re-appoints James Pollock, A.M., L.L.D, of Pennsylvania, 13th Director of the Mint.
He is the first of three Mint Directors to serve two non-consecutive terms.
1870
Abraham Curry becomes first Superintendent of the U.S. Mint in Carson City, Nevada.
1873
President Grant re-appoints Henry Richard Linderman of Pennsylvania 14th Director of the Mint. He is the second of three Mint Directors to serve two non-consecutive terms. Grant appoints outgoing Mint Director James Pollock 1st Superintendent of the Philadelphia Mint.
February 12
Legislation establishes the Mint as a bureau of the Treasury Department, moving the Director’s Office from Philadelphia to the Treasury Building in Washington, DC. The Superintendent becomes the senior Mint officer at the Philadelphia Mint. (Second major piece of legislation for the Mint since it was established in 1792.)
1874
January 29
Legislation authorizes the Mint to produce coins for any foreign nation, as long as it does not interfere with coinage production required for the United States. Fees charged for this activity must include labor, materials, and use of the equipment.
May 12
Act of Congress establishes an assay office at Helena, in the Territory of Montana. Funds are approved to construct a building and to purchase machinery.
November 5
Completed San Francisco Mint, designed by Treasury Supervising Architect Alfred B. Mullett, is turn over to Superintendent A. H. LaGrange.
December 4
King Kalakaua I of Hawaii visits the San Francisco Mint.
1876
The first foreign coinage order is executed and completed for the Government of Venezuela within the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876.
1877
March 3
Congress appropriates $500 for “fitting up an assay laboratory in the office of the Director of the Mint.” Laboratory is established by 1885 on the top floor of the Treasury Building where coins were tested for 90 years.
1878
February 28
The Bland-Allison Act authorizes the coinage of the silver dollar.
1879
President Hayes appoints Horatio C. Burchard of Illinois 15th Director of the Mint. Hayes appoints Col. A. Loudon Snowden, nephew of former Mint Director James Ross Snowden, 2nd Superintendent of the Philadelphia Mint.
1881
February 1
Act of Congress establishes an assay Office at St. Louis.
1885
President Cleveland appoints James P. Kimball of Pennsylvania 16th Director of the Mint. He is the first metallurgist to be named Director of the Mint.
1887
November 4
Dr. M. F. Bonzano, melter and refiner at the New Orleans Mint, in 1861, submits a letter to Mint Director James Kimball telling him that no Confederate coins were produced at the New Orleans Mint and the United States dies of 1860 and 1861 were defaced in front of him and other mint officers.
1889
President Harrison appoints Edward O. Leech of Washington, DC 17th Director of the Mint. He is the first of only two appointees from the Nation’s Capital.
1890
July 14
The Sherman Silver Purchase Act is approved.
September 26
The Act of September 26, 1890, amends Revised Statute 3510, by authorizing a procedure for new coin designs generally known today as “the 25-year law”. A portion of the legislation states that “no change in the design or die of any coin shall be made oftener that once in twenty-five years from and including the year of the first adoption of the design, model, die, or hub for the same coin.” Another legislative Act, approved the same day, discontinues the three dollar gold, one-dollar gold, and three-cent nickel coins.
1892
August 5
Public Law No. 203, 52nd Congress, authorizes first commemorative coin produced by the Mint, a 50-cent piece, known as the Columbia half dollar, for the World Columbian Exposition.
1893
President Grover Cleveland appoints Robert E. Preston of Washington, DC as 18th Director of the Mint. Second of only two appointees from the Nation’s Capital.
1896
April 30
A site for the Denver Mint is purchased at a cost of $60,261.71.
June 11
Act of Congress establishes an assay office at Deadwood, South Dakota.
1897
Frank A. Leach begins a ten-year career (1897-1907) as Superintendent of the U.S. Mint in San Francisco. He is Superintendent at the time of the April 1906 earthquake.
1898
President McKinley appoints (and Theodore Roosevelt re-appoints in 1903) George E. Roberts of Iowa 19th Director of the Mint. He serves the 8th longest term: 9 years and 5 months.
May 21
Act of Congress establishes an assay office at Seattle, Washington.
1899
March 3
Public Law No. 188, 55th Congress, authorizes the coinage of silver dollars, to commemorate the erection of a monument to General Lafayette, in the city of Paris, France. (It is the first time George Washington appears on a U.S. coin, and the first commemorative coin produced as a dollar denomination.)
1900
April 14
The Gold Standard Act fixes the value of the dollar against gold and the United States goes off the bimetallism standard.
1901
June 13
Ceremonies mark the completion of the third Philadelphia Mint building on Spring Garden Street. Cost of building and site was $2,000,000. “No pains have been spared to provide this mint with the best machinery to be had, and…it will be…a model institution.”
1902
June 28
Public Law No.182, 57th Congress, authorizes the coinage of the Louisiana Exposition commemorative gold dollars. These are the first commemorative gold coins, produced with two different obverse portrait designs: one with the profile of Thomas Jefferson, the other with William McKinley.
1904
The ‘new’ Denver Mint building opens.
April 13
Public Law No. 111, 58th Congress, authorizes the coinage of the Lewis and Clark Exposition commemorative gold dollar.
1905
November 23
Mint employee George Edward Adams, is arrested and charged with stealing gold from deposits while they are awaiting assay. He is indicted, pleads guilty to two counts totaling $45,000 in stolen gold, and is sentenced to 10 years hard labor.
1906
February 1
Coinage operations begin at the Denver Mint.
March 1
Coinage operations are suspended at the New Orleans Mint due to lack of bullion for silver coinage.
April 18
The (Old) San Francisco Mint becomes the financial hub and lifeline for the city after a massive earthquake levels the area, destroying the sub treasury and all the banks. (The structure and its contents are saved from fire by the superintendent and employees. As the only financial institution able to conduct city business the Mint acts as a treasury for relief fund efforts to assist those in need.)
1907
President Theodore Roosevelt appoints Frank A. Leach of California the 20th Mint Director. Although one of the Mint’s major facilities is in California, to date, only one Mint Director has been appointed from that state.
1908
May 18
Congressional legislation restores the motto, “In God We Trust” to the coins of the United States.
May 30
Congressional legislation establishes an assay office in Salt Lake City, Utah.
1909
President Taft appoints A. Piatt Andrew of Massachusetts the 21st Mint Director. The only Mint Director from Massachusetts, he serves the 4th shortest-term: 8 months.
August 2
The Lincoln cent is issued, featuring Abraham Lincoln in profile, to honor the 100th anniversary of his birth. It is the first circulating coin to show a real person, and a President of the United States.
1910
President Taft re-appoints George E. Roberts of Iowa the 22nd Director of the Mint. He is the 3rd Director to serve two non-consecutive terms.
1912
July 6
Public Resolution No. 42 [S.J. Res. 111] recognizes Captain Arthur Henry Rostron, his officers and crew of the steamship Carpathia, for their “heroic service” in rescuing 704 lives from the wreck of the Titanic. The legislation authorizes the President to make a “suitable gold medal” to award the Captain from available money in the Treasury (no more than $1000). John Flanagan designs the medal, but it is produced privately and does not involve the Mint. Flanagan is later chosen to design the Washington Quarter dollar.
1913
March 1
The medal for the Carpathia is delivered to the White House and presented to Captain Rostron by President William Howard Taft the following day.
1915
President Wilson appoints Robert W. Wooley of Virginia as the 23rd Director of the Mint
January 16
Public Law No. 233, 63rd Congress, authorizes the coinage of commemorative gold and silver coins for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
February 23
Public Law No. 20, 64th Congress, authorizes the coinage of a McKinley commemorative gold dollar in commemoration of the erection of a memorial to the late President of the United States.
1916
President Wilson appoints Friedrich J.H. von Engelken of Florida 24th Director of the Mint. He also serves the 4th shortest term: 6 months.
1917
President Wilson appoints Raymond T. Baker of Nevada 25th Director of the Mint. He was the first mining prospector to be named Mint Director.
1918
The Illinois Centennial Half Dollar commemorative coin is issued for the 100th anniversary of the admission of Illinois into the union. It is the first U.S. Mint coin to honor such an event and features Lincoln in profile on the obverse.
1920
May 10
Public Law No. 200, 66th Congress [H.R. 12824] authorizes the coinage of 100,000 50-cent pieces to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the admission of the State of Alabama into the Union.
1921
The Peace Dollar is issued to commemorate peace between the United States, Germany, and Austria. It is produced from 1921-1928, and 1934-1935.
1922
President Harding appoints Frank E. Scobey of Ohio the 26th Director of the Mint, the first of three Mint Directors from Ohio.
February 2
Public Law No. 137, 67th Congress, authorizes the coinage of a Grant Memorial gold dollar and a Grant memorial silver dollar in commemoration of the centenary of the birth of General Ulysses S. Grant.
1923
President Calvin Coolidge appoints Robert J. Grant of Colorado 27th Director of the Mint. His term is the 7th longest: 9 ½ years.
1923
January 24
Public Law No. 391, 67th Congress, authorizes the coinage of 50-cent pieces in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine. The coin features James Monroe and John Quincy Adams in profile on the obverse.
February 26
Public Law No. 440, 67th Congress, authorizes the coinage of 50-cent pieces in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the settling of New Netherlands, in 1624, by Walloons, French and Belgian Huguenots, under the Dutch West India Company.
1926
The Sesquicentennial of American Independence commemorative half dollar is issued. The obverse features presidents Washington and Coolidge in profile. This is the first time the portrait of a president appears on a coin in his own lifetime.
1932
The new quarter dollar depicts George Washington, his third appearance on a United States coin.
1933
President Franklin Roosevelt orders a bank holiday, closing banks for four days to prevent a crisis and the hoarding of gold and silver coin or bullion or currency.
1918
The Illinois Centennial Half Dollar commemorative coin is issued for the 100th anniversary of the admission of Illinois into the union. It is the first U.S. Mint coin to honor such an event and features Lincoln in profile on the obverse.
April 5
President Franklin Roosevelt forbids the hoarding of gold and requires delivery of gold coins to the federal government. Citizens are no longer allowed to own gold coins, bullion, or certificates. The Mint stopped producing gold coins by Executive Order.
April 26
President Franklin Roosevelt appoints Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming 28th Director of the Mint. She is the first woman appointed Mint Director and serves the longest term in the Mint’s history: 20 years. She is related to John Tayloe who built the Tayloe house and convinced others to build homes and live in the new capital of Washington, DC rather than in Georgetown.
1934
January 30
The Gold Reserve Act withdraws gold coins from circulation, provides for the devaluation of the dollar’s gold content, and creates the Exchange Stabilization Fund.
1937
January 13
The first shipment of gold is made to the new U.S. Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
May 15
A new building opens for the San Francisco Mint, which has outgrown the “Granite Lady.”
1938
Thomas Jefferson’s portrait appears on the nickel.
March 21
President Franklin Roosevelt re-appoints Nellie Tayloe Ross for a second term as Director of the Mint.
1942
Second War Powers Act changes the alloy of the five-cent coin to copper, silver, and manganese.
1943
The content of the cent coins is changed to zinc-coated steel due to copper shortage during World War II.
March 30
President Roosevelt nominates Nellie Tayloe Ross for a third term as Director of the Mint.
1946
The Mint places the portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the dime to commemorate the former president's support for the March of Dimes.
August 7
Public Law 610, 79th Congress, authorizes the coinage of 50-cent pieces to “commemorate the life and perpetuate the ideals and teachings of Booker T. Washington.”
1948
March 23
President Truman re-appoints Nellie Tayloe Ross to an unprecedented 4th term as Director of the Mint.
1953
November 19
Coin distribution is transferred from the Treasurer to the Bureau of the Mint.
1954
President Eisenhower appoints William H Brett of Ohio the 29th Director of the Mint. Position was vacant for over one year.
1955
Coinage operations are discontinued at the San Francisco Mint.
July 11
Public Law 140 (H.R. 619) provides that all United States currency shall bear the inscription "In God We Trust".
1956
July 30
"In God We Trust" is declared a national motto.
1959
The wheat design on the reverse of the Lincoln cent is replaced with the Lincoln Memorial, for the 150th Anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.
1961
September 21
President Kennedy appoints Eva Adams of Nevada the 30th Director of the Mint. She is the second woman appointed to this position and begins a long tradition.
1963
December 30
President Johnson approves Public Law No. 88-256, authorizing the John F. Kennedy Half Dollar.
1964
February 11
The first of the new Kennedy half dollars for general circulation are struck at the mints in Philadelphia and Denver.
1965
July 23
President Johnson approves the Coinage Act of 1965, which removes silver from circulating coins and authorizes that clad coins be used instead for the half dollar, quarter dollar, and dimes. (Third piece of major legislation since the establishment of the Mint in 1792.)
August 23
The Philadelphia Mint starts production of the new clad quarters, authorized by the Coinage Act of 1965. These are the first coins to bear the date “1965”. The quarters are released for circulation throughout the United States on November 1.
September 1
Under the Coinage Act of 1965, minting operations at the San Francisco Assay Office is reactivated with the striking of pennies.
September 17
Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for the fourth Mint building located near Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
December
On December 6, the Philadelphia Mint starts production of the new clad dimes with the date “1965”. The first minor coins bearing the date “1965” are struck on December 29: the five-cent cupro-nickel and bronze one-cent coins. On December 30, the Denver Mint begins production of the new clad silver half dollars under the Coinage Act of 1965.
1966
September 20
President Lyndon Johnson re-appoints Eva Adams to a second term as 30th Director of the Mint. Ms. Adams is permitted to extend her term into the next Presidential administration in order to allow her to officiate at the opening of the new Philadelphia Mint on which she worked during her entire tenure.
1968
March 19
Congressional legislation eliminates the requirement that 25% of U.S. currency be backed in gold freeing $10.4 billion in gold reserves to meet international demands.
1969
The Philadelphia Mint moves to its fourth location.
March 28
President Nixon appoints Mary Brooks of Idaho 31st Director of the Mint. She is the first of two Mint Directors from that state. Sworn in on September 18, Mary Brooks is the third woman to become Director of the Mint.
1970
January 16
Mint Director Mary Brooks presents a joint Special Achievement Award to Mint employees Philip B. Neisser and Morris V. Boley, for their invention of the clad metal combinations to be used in the production of dimes, quarters, and half dollars. The inventors assigned that patent and all rights to the process to the United States Government, and shared a $5,000 cash award.
1971
President Eisenhower copper-clad and silver-clad dollars are produced for the first time.
July 27
President Nixon presents the first proof Eisenhower dollar to Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower in the White House. Treasury Secretary John Connally and the Director of the Mint are also present.
1972
The San Francisco Mint’s former building, the “Granite Lady,” is partially restored and reopened as a museum.
August 18
The Mint announces that the cupro-nickel specimen of the circulating Eisenhower dollar coin will be included in the 1973 proof coin sets produced by the United States Mint.
1973
October 18
Public Law 93-127, 93d Congress, S. 1141, is signed by President Nixon. The legislation authorizes new coin designs for the reverse of the circulating dollar, half dollar, and quarter dollar, to commemorate the Bicentennial of the American Revolution. New designs will be selected through a nationwide competition open to all sculptors who are citizens of the United States. Each of the three winners will be awarded $5,000. It is the first time in history that designs on circulating coins will be changed to celebrate an anniversary of American Independence.
1974
Mint Laboratory moves out of space it occupied for almost 90 years in the Treasury Building to Mint headquarters in downtown Washington.
April 30
President Nixon re-appoints Mary Brooks as the 31st Director of the Mint.
December 31
President Ford lifts the 40-year ban, enacted in 1933, on gold ownership by U.S. citizens.
1975
July 07
The first Bicentennial half dollars are released in Minneapolis.
August 18
The Bicentennial quarter is released in Chicago.
September 11
Mint Director Mary Brooks announces that the Mint breaks with traditional ordering procedures for special coins, offering 40% silver Bicentennial coins under a new Bulk Rate Program that’s open to all persons.
October 13
The Bicentennial dollar is first made available to the public in Atlanta. The obverse carries a profile of Eisenhower.
October 17
Public Law 94-117 authorizes the Mint to strike medals in commemoration of the bicentennials of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Marine Corps. The Treasury Department honors the Mint and 11 of its employees for outstanding achievement and cost-savings suggestions at the Department’s 1975 Annual Awards Ceremony.
November 28
The Mint announces that the 1976 regular Proof and Uncirculated Coin Sets will contain the Variety II Eisenhower dollar. The Variety I dollars were included in the 1975 regular Uncirculated Coin Sets and in the 1975 regular Proof Coin Sets.
December 23
Congressional legislation authorized the President of the United States to present a silver medal to Brigadier General Charles E. Yeager, U.S. Air Force, equivalent to non- combat Medal of Honor, for contributing immeasurably to aerospace science by risking his life in piloting the XS-1 research plane faster than the speed of sound on October 14.
1976
April 1
Public Law 94-257 authorizes the striking of medals to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the last surviving signer of the Declaration.
September 12
Azie Taylor Morton begins term as the first African-American and the first African-American woman appointed Treasurer of the United States.
October 5
President Carter presents gold medals made by the U.S. Mint under Public Law 96-20 to transatlantic balloonists Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman in a White House ceremony.
October 26
President Carter appoints Stella Hackel of Vermont 32nd Director of the Mint. She is the 4th woman appointed Director of the Mint.
1978
October 10
Public Law 95-447, authorizes the production of a dollar showing Susan B. Anthony, the first non-mythical woman to appear on a circulating coin
November 10
Congressional legislation authorizes the American Arts Gold Medallion Act (Public Law 95- 630). The medallions will be sold to the general public at a competitive price equal to the free market price of the gold content plus the cost of manufacture and overhead expenses including marketing costs. The medallion is the first gold piece produced and issued by the Mint since the 1930s.
December 13
Mint Director Stella Hackel leads a delegation of officials from Congress, the Federal Reserve System, and Treasury to start the coin presses at the Philadelphia Mint to strike the new Susan B. Anthony dollar. The Mint’s Chief Sculptor and Engraver Frank Gasparro is honored for his work on the coin.
1980
March 6
A Congressional Gold Medal honoring John Wayne is presented to the late actor’s family in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.
July 15
The American Arts Gold Medallions are offered by the Treasury Department for sale on a mail order basis through U.S. Postal Offices nationwide.
1981
June 5
President Reagan appoints Donna Pope of Ohio as the 33rd Director of the Mint. She is the fifth woman Mint Director and serves the fifth longest term: 10 years and 1 month.
October 27
Elizabeth Jones is sworn in as Chief Sculptor-Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the Philadelphia Mint. The first woman to hold that position in the history of the Mint.
December 21
Secretary of the Treasury Donald Regan officially places the Bureau of the Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing under the Treasurer of the United States.
December 23
Public Law 97-104 authorizes the U.S. Mint to strike up to 10 million silver commemorative half dollars in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the nation’s first President, George Washington. The coin carries the date 1982, and is the first commemorative coin since the 1950s.
1982
The cent’s composition is changed to copper-plated zinc instead of copper.
1984
The name of the Bureau of the Mint is changed to the United States Mint.
May 17
Public Law 98-285 authorizes a Congressional gold medal to be presented to the widow of Roy Wilkins, Aminda Badeau Wilkins, in recognition of his contributions to the civil rights movement.
June 25
Denver strikes the $10 1984 Commemorative Olympic Gold Coin , the 1st gold coin for the U.S. Government in 50 years.
1985
April 19
President Reagan presents a gold medal to Elie Wiesel in recognition of his accomplishments as a teacher, critic, and humanitarian.
July 9
Public Law 99-61 authorizing the Statue of Liberty Coin Program is signed by President Reagan. The legislation authorizes the Mint to strike up to 500,000 five-dollar gold coins, 10 million one-dollar silver coins, and 25 million half-dollar clad coins to commemorate the statue’s 1986 centennial.
October 18
First Strike of the Statue of Liberty gold proof coin takes place.
1986
June 5
President Reagan re-appoints Donna Pope to a second term as the 33rd Director of the Mint.
September 8
The American Eagle Gold Bullion Coin is struck. The is the 3rd program at the Mint involving gold after 50 years.
October 29
U.S. Treasury Secretary James A. Baker, III strikes the one-dollar American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin, the first investment grade silver bullion coin in history issued by the United States Mint.
1988
March 31
The West Point Bullion Depository becomes an official United States branch Mint. San Francisco Mint, an assay office since 1962, is once again given Mint status. (Public Law 100-274)
1990
The Eisenhower Centennial commemorative dollar is issued. It features a double profile of Eisenhower facing left as a five-star general and facing right as President of the United States.
November 15
The President signs Public Law 101-585, authorizing the issuance of annual silver proof sets.
1991
The Mount Rushmore Gold Anniversary commemorative coins are issued. Each of the 3 coins includes Mount Rushmore, with the carved likenesses of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, (Teddy) Roosevelt, and Lincoln.
1992
July 17
The White House 200th Anniversary Commemorative Dollar goes on sale. The obverse features the north portico of the White House.
September 3
President George H.W. Bush appoints David J. Ryder of Idaho as the 34th Director of the Mint.
He is the second of two Mint Directors from that state.
1993
The Bill of Rights commemorative coins are issued. James Madison is featured n the obverse of all 3 coins (gold five dollar, dollar, and half dollar).
1994
The Thomas Jefferson commemorative dollar is issued and features Jefferson in profile on the obverse.
March 25
President Clinton appoints Philip N. Diehl of Texas 35th Director of the Mint. He is the first Mint Director appointed from Texas.
1997
January 6
Secretary Robert Rubin authorizes the Mint to produce the nation’s first platinum coins.
December 1
The United States $1 Coin Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-124), Section 4) authorizes the production of a dollar coin, golden in color, and having visual features that make the coin readily discernible. The Secretary of the Treasury was to select the design.
December 1
Congressional legislation (Public Law 105-124) authorizes the redesign of quarters, “to honor the unique Federal republic of 50 States that comprise the United States.”
1998
The United States Mint catalog goes online. Also, the Mint invites the public to help choose a design for the new dollar coin, and more than 300,000 people visit our Web site.
July 9
Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin accepts the recommendation of the Dollar Coin Advisory Committee to depict Sacagawea, a young Shoshone woman who contributed to the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
1999
The groundbreaking 50 State Quarters™ Program begins-a 10-year program in which the quarter’s reverse design is changed five times every year for ten years, once for each state in the Union. The first coins released are Delaware (January), Pennsylvania (March), New Jersey (May), Georgia (July), and Connecticut (October).
The George Washington Death Bicentennial commemorative gold five dollar coin is issued, featuring Laura Gardin Fraser’s profile of Washington originally planned for the quarter dollar.
July 23
Twelve 22-karat gold Sacagawea Golden Dollars fly on Space Shuttle. The U.S. Mint’s new dollar coin, depicting the pioneering Indian woman who was the guide for Lewis and Clark, flew on the mission led by another pioneer, Eileen Collins, the first woman ever to command a space ship.
September 8
President Clinton appoints Jay W. Johnson of Wisconsin 36th Director of the Mint. He is the first of two Mint Directors appointed from that state.
2000
The Sacagawea Golden Dollar is released into circulation.
January
The Massachusetts State Quarter is released on January 3. On the 18th, the United States Mint begins shipping the new Sacagawea Golden dollar coin to the Federal Reserve Banks for distribution.
March 13
Maryland State Quarter is released.
April 17
The United States Mint announces that the Library of Congress Commemorative Coins, celebrating its 200th anniversary, will be available April 24.
May
South Carolina State Quarter is released on the 22nd. On May 31, Jay W. Johnson of Wisconsin is sworn in as the 36th Director of the Mint.
July 27
Congressional Gold Medal [P.L. 106-250; 114 Stat 622-623] is approved for Pope John Paul II, for his “many and enduring contributions to peace and religious understanding.” Congressional Gold Medal [P.L. 106-251; 114 Stat 624-625] is approved for Ronald and Nancy Reagan, for their “service to the nation”.
August 7
New Hampshire State Quarter released.
October 16
Virginia State Quarter is released.
December 21
Congressional Medal [P.L. 106-554; 114 Stat. 2763A-311-2763a-312] is approved for the Navaho Code Talkers, “in recognition of the contribution of the original 29 Navaho Marine Corps Radio Operators, who distinguished themselves in performing a unique, highly successful communications operation that greatly assisted in saving countless lives and hastening the end of World War II in the Pacific.” Silver medals were given to each person who qualified as a Navajo Code Talker.
2001
January 2
New York State Quarter is released.
March 12
North Carolina State Quarter is released.
May 21
Rhode Island State Quarter is released.
June 29
President George W. Bush appoints Henrietta Holsman Fore of Nevada the 37th Director of the Mint making her sixth woman appointed as the Director of the Mint, and the second woman appointed from the state of Nevada.
July 26
Nomination hearings held in the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on Henrietta Holsman Fore as Director of the Mint.
August
U.S. Senate confirms Henrietta Holsman Fore as Director of the Mint on the 3rd. On August 6, Vermont State Quarter is released. On the 7th, Henrietta Holsman Fore is sworn in as the 37th Director of the United States Mint.
October 15
Kentucky State Quarter is released.
2002
January
Tennessee State Quarter is released on January 2. On the 16th, Congressional Gold Medal [P.L. 107-127; 115 Stat. 2405-2406] is approved for General Henry H. Shelton, “as a military leader in coordinating the planning, strategy, and execution of the United States and NATO combat action and…invaluable contributions to the United States and to the successful return to peace in the Balkans as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”
March
Ohio State Quarter is released on March 11. On the 19th, the United States Mint announces new prices for its bronze medals, effective April 19, 2002. This is the first official price increase since 1995. The “…large three-inch bronze multi-strike duplicate medals are increased from $24.50 to $38.00. The 1-1/2 inch bronze medals from $2.50 to $3.00; and the 1-5/16 inch bronze medals from $1.00 to $2.75...”
May 20
Louisiana State Quarter is released.
August 2
Indiana State Quarter is released.
October 15
Mississippi State Quarter is released.
2003
Artistic Infusion Program is established to enrich and invigorate the design of United States coins and medals by establishing a pool of outside artists who create and submit new designs for selected coin and medal projects.
January 2
Illinois State Quarter is released.
March 17
Alabama State Quarter is released.
June 2
Maine State Quarter is released.
August 4
Missouri State Quarter is released.
October
Arkansas State Quarter is released on October 20. On the 29th, Congressional Gold Medal [P.L. 108-101; 117 Stat. 1195-1197] is approved for Jackie Robinson for his “legacy and personal achievements” and “many contributions to the nation.”
December
On December 6, Congressional Gold Medal [P.L. 108-162; 117 Stat. 2017-2019] is approved for Dr. Dorothy Height for her contribution “as one of the preeminent social and civil rights activists of her time, particularly in the struggle for equality, social justice, and human rights for all people.” On the 15th, Congressional Gold Medal [P.L. 108-180; 117 Stat. 2645-2647] is approved for Reverend Joseph DeLaine, Harry Briggs, Eliza Briggs, and Levi Pearson in recognition of their contributions “to the Nation as pioneers in the effort to desegregate public schools that led directly to the landmark desegregation case of Brown et al. v. the Board of Education of Topeka et al.”
2004
Westward Journey Nickel Series begins for the redesign of the Jefferson five-cent coin in commemoration of the bicentennials of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
January 26
Michigan State Quarter is released.
March 29
Florida State Quarter is released.
June 1
Texas State Quarter is released.
August 30
Iowa State Quarter is released.
October 25
Wisconsin State Quarter is released.
2005
January
On January 19, Anna Escobedo Cabral is sworn in as the 42nd Treasurer of the United States. California State Quarter is released on the 31st.
April 4
Minnesota State Quarter is released.
June 6
Oregon State Quarter is released.
August 29
Kansas State Quarter is released.
October 14
West Virginia State Quarter is released.
December 22
Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-145) authorized the “Redesign and Issuance of Circulating $1 Coins Honoring Each of the Presidents of the United States” (Section 102, amending U.S. Code Title 31, Section 5112). The law also authorized gold coins honoring the First Spouses.
2006
January 31
Nevada State Quarter is released.
April
Nebraska State Quarter is released on April 3. On the 11th, Congress, in P.L. 109-213, authorizes the Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen, in recognition of their “unique military record…which inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.”
June
Colorado State Quarter is released on June 14. On the 29th, President George W. Bush appoints Edmund C. Moy of Wisconsin 38th Director of the United States Mint. He is the second of two Mint Directors appointed from that state.
July
Henry M. Paulson is sworn in as the 74th Secretary of the Treasury on July 10. On the 26th, Edmund C. Moy is confirmed by the Senate as the 38th Director of the Mint.
August 28
North Dakota State Quarter is released.
September 5
Edmund C. Moy is sworn in as the 38th Director of the Mint by Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson.
November 6
South Dakota State Quarter is released.
2007
January 29
Montana State Quarter is released.
February 15
George Washington Dollar Coin released into circulation. First of the new $1 coins honoring former United States Presidents.
April 2
Washington State Quarter is released.
May 17
John Adams Dollar Coin, honoring the second President of the United States, is released into circulation; first coin to feature the image of President Adams.
June 19
Martha Washington and Abigail Adams coins and medals are released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
August
Idaho State Quarter is released on August 3. On the 16th, Thomas Jefferson Dollar Coin, honoring the third President of the United States, is released to the public. This is the second coin to feature Jefferson, who appeared on several issues of the nickel. On August 30, Thomas Jefferson Liberty coin and medal are released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
September
Wyoming State Quarter is released.
November
Utah State Quarter is released on November 5. On the 15th, James Madison Dollar Coin, honoring the fourth President of the United States, is released into circulation. On the 19th, Dolley Payne Todd Madison coin and medal is released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
2008
January
First strike of Oklahoma State Quarter took place in a ceremony at the United States Mint at Denver on January 9. On the 28th, the coin is released.
February
James Monroe Dollar Coin is released to the public at Ashlawn-Highland, the estate of James Monroe, on February 14. Valentine’s Day is chosen because Monroe’s daughter, Maria Hester, was married in the first White House wedding. On February 28, Elizabeth Monroe coin and medal is released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
March 13
Mint Director Edmund Moy announces the United States Mint will recreate Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ original ultra-high relief Liberty $20 Gold piece, in a collectible 24-karat gold coin for sale to the public.
April 7
New Mexico State Quarter is released into circulation at a quarter launch in the Old State Capitol in Santa Fe.
May
John Quincy Adams Dollar Coin is released to the public on May 15. On the 29th, Louisa Adams coin and medal is released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
June 2
Arizona State Quarter, the 48th State Quarter, is released into circulation at the quarter launch at the State Capital in Phoenix.
July 24
Mint Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz wins the American Numismatic Association’s 2008 Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture.
August
Andrew Jackson Dollar Coin is first released to the public at the Hermitage, Jackson’s historic home outside Nashville, Tennessee, on August 14. On the 25th, Alaska State Quarter is released. On August 28, Andrew Jackson Liberty coin and medal is released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
September 22
Lincoln One-Cent Designs emblematic of Lincoln’s career and celebrating the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth on February 12, 1809, is unveiled at a ceremony, led by Mint Director Edmund C. Moy, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.
November
Hawaii State Quarter is released on November 3. On the 13th, Martin Van Buren Dollar Coin is first released to the public. On the 24th, first strike occurs at West Point Mint of digitally reproduced Ultra High Relief version of Augustus Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle ($20) Gold Coin. On November 25, Martin Van Buren Liberty coin and medal is released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
2009
January
Ultra High Relief digitally reproduced version of Augustus Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle Coin is released on January 22. Created by 21st century technology, four stars are added to represent 50 states, and "In God We Trust" is added that was not on the 1907 coin. It is made of 24 karat gold rather than the original 21 karat gold. On January 26, District of Columbia Quarter is released.
February
On the 12th, the Mint releases first redesigned Lincoln One-Cent Coin in 50 years at Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, Hodgenville, Kentucky, in a ceremony honoring the 200th anniversary of his birth. On the 19th, William Henry Harrison Presidential $1 Golden Coin first released. On February 24, DC Quarter launch is held in public ceremony at the Smithsonian’s newly renovated National Museum of American History.
March
Anna Harrison coin and medal released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program on March 5. On the 26th, Mint issues the first coin with readable braille at the National Federation of the Blind headquarters in Baltimore. On March 30, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Quarter is released.
May
On May 14, the Mint releases second redesigned Lincoln One-Cent Coin. On the 19th, a ceremony honors America’s 10th President John Tyler at the Tyler family home, Sherwood Forest Plantation, near Charles City, Virginia. The ceremony included Deputy Mint Director Andrew Brunhart and President Tyler’s grandson, Harrison Tyler. On the 21st, John Tyler Presidential $1 Golden Coin is released. On May 26, Guam Territorial Quarter is released.
July 2
Letitia Tyler coin and medal released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
August
On August 6, Julia Tyler coin and medal is released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program. On the 13th, the Mint releases third redesigned Lincoln One-Cent Coin. On the 20th, James K. Polk Presidential $1 Golden Coin is released.
September
On September 3, Sarah Polk coin and medal is released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program. On the 9th, the Mint announces its new circulating Quarter series, the America the Beautiful Quarters™, honoring 56 sites in America’s National Parks, National Forests, and National Wildlife Refuges. On September 28, U.S. Virgin Islands Territorial Quarter is released.
November
On November 12, the Mint releases fourth redesigned Lincoln One-Cent Coin. On the 19th, Zachary Taylor Presidential $1 Golden Coin is released. On November 30, Northern Marianas Territorial Quarter is released.
December 3
Margaret Taylor coin and medal is released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
2010
January 25
The 2010 Native American $1 Coin makes its official debut at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian George Gustav Heye Center in Manhattan’s financial district.
February
On February 18, President Millard Fillmore Dollar Coin goes into circulation. On the 25th, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar commemorative coin is released.
March
Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II are honored with Congressional Gold Medals during a ceremony at the Capitol on March 10. On the 18th, Abigail Fillmore coin and medal is released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program. On March 23, Boy Scouts of American Centennial Silver Dollar is released. On the 24th, designs for the 2010 America the Beautiful Quarters™ are unveiled and include designs for Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas; Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming; Yosemite National Park in California; Grand Canyon in Arizona. and Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon.
April
Redesigned Lincoln One-Cent Coin released on April 2. On the 19th, Hot Springs, Arkansas Quarter is released. On April 20, the official launch ceremony of the Hot Springs Arkansas Quarter held in Hot Springs on the anniversary of the passage of the 1832 act which reserved the springs “for the future disposal of the United States.”
May 20
President Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin is released into circulation.
June
Yellowstone National Park Quarter is released into circulation on June 1. On the 3rd, an official launch is held near the iconic Old Faithful geyser in scenic Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Also on the 3rd, Jane Pierce First Spouse gold coin is released.
November
Mount Hood National Forest Quarter is released into circulation on November 15. On the 18th, Abraham Lincoln Presidential $1 Coin is released into circulation.
December
On December 2, Mary Todd Lincoln gold coin and bronze medal is released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program. On the 14th, the Coin Modernization, Oversight, and Continuity Act of 2010 is signed into law authorizing the Mint to research and develop alternative materials for circulating coins, and then report to Congress biennially. Also that day, the American Eagle Palladium Bullion Coin Act of 2010 is passed into law authorizing the Mint to issue troy ounce, .9995 fine palladium coins. On the 20th, Edmund C. Moy, the 38th Director of the United States Mint, announces his resignation effective January 9, 2011.
2011
February
On February 17, Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin is released into circulation. On the 25th, the 2011 Medal of Honor Commemorative Coins go on sale.
May
On May 5, Eliza Johnson First Spouse gold coin and bronze medal are released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program. On the 19th, Ulysses S. Grant Presidential $1 Coin is released into circulation.
June
On June 13, Olympic National Park Quarter is released into circulation. On the 23rd, Julia Grant First Spouse gold coin and bronze medal released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
August
On the 18th, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential $1 Coin is released into circulation. On August 29, the Vicksburg National Military Park Quarter is released.
September
On September 1, Lucy Hayes First Spouse gold coin and bronze medal are released. On the 11th, 2011 September 11 National Medal released to observe the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.
November
Chickasaw National Recreation Area of Oklahoma Quarter is released on November 14. On the 17th, James Abram Garfield Presidential $1 Coin released into circulation. On November 21, Edith Roosevelt First Spouse gold coin and bronze medal are released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
December 1
Lucretia Garfield First Spouse gold coin and bronze medal are released through the First Spouse Coin and Medal Program.
2012
January 23
El Yunque National Forest Quarter is released.
April 2
Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarter is released.
June 11
Acadia National Park Quarter is released.
August 27
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Quarter is released.
November 5
Denali National Park and Preserve Quarter is released.
2013
January 28
White Mountain National Forest Quarter is released.
April 1
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial Quarter is released.
June 10
Great Basin National Park Quarter is released.
August 26
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Quarter is released.
November 4
Mount Rushmore National Memorial Quarter is released.
2014
January 27
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Quarter is released.
March 31
Shenandoah National Park Quarter is released.
June 9
Arches National Park Quarter is released.
August 25
Great Sand Dunes National Park Quarter is released.
November 3
Everglades National Park Quarter is released.
2015
San Francisco Mint installs a robotics loop that triples the speed of proof coin set packaging.
February 9
Homestead National Monument of America Quarter is released.
April 13
Kisatchie National Forest Quarter is released.
June 22
Blue Ridge Parkway Quarter is released.
September 14
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Quarter is released.
November 16
Saratoga National Historical Park Quarter is released.
2016
February 1
Shawnee National Forest Quarter is released.
April 4
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Quarter is released.
June 6
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Quarter is released.
August 29
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Quarter is released.
November 14
Fort Moultrie (Fort Sumter National Monument) Quarter is released.
2017
Philadelphia’s mint mark, "P," appears on the one cent coin for the first time. This change is only for the 2017 issued cents, in honor of the Mint’s 225th anniversary.
February 6
Effigy Mounds National Monument Quarter is released.
April 3
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Quarter is released.
April 6
The 2017 American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin is released. The design is unique in that it portrays Liberty as an African-American woman, a departure from previous classic designs.
June 5
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Quarter is released.
August 24
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, and Congressional representatives visit the vaults at Fort Knox. The vaults open to non-Mint personnel for the first time since 1974.
August 28
Ellis Island Quarter is released.
September 25
Sales begin for palladium coins. West Point struck America’s first palladium coins as part of the American Eagle Palladium Bullion program.
November 13
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Quarter is released.
2018
February 5
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Quarter is released.
April 9
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Quarter is released.
June 11
Voyageurs National Park Quarter is released.
August 27
Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter is released.
November 13
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge Quarter is released.
2019
West Point produces 10 million 2019 America the Beautiful Quarters--two million of each of the year's five designs--for circulation. It is the first time the "W" mint mark has appeared on circulating coins.
February 4
Lowell National Historical Park Quarter is released.
April 1
American Memorial Park Quarter is released.
June 3
War in the Pacific National Historical Park Quarter is released.
August 26
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Quarter is released.
November 4
Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Quarter is released.
2020
February 3
National Park of American Samoa Quarter is released.
April 6
Weir Farm National Historic Site Quarter is released.
June 1
Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve Quarter is released.
August 31
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Quarter is released.
November 16
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Quarter is released.
2021
The Mint releases updated renditions of two popular historic coins: the Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars. 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the last year of minting of the Morgan Dollar and the first year of minting of the Peace Dollar.
February 1
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Quarter is released.
April 5
Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter is released. The coin depicts the historic crossing of the Delaware River in preparation for a surprise attack on British and Hessian soldiers during the American Revolutionary War.
2022
January
Mint begins shipping the Maya Angelou Quarter. This is the first coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program.
March 21
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Dr. Sally Ride.
June 6
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Wilma Mankiller.
August 15
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Nina Otero-Warren.
October 24
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Ana May Wong.
2023
January 3
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Bessie Coleman.
March 27
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Edith Kanakaʻole.
June 5
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Eleanor Roosevelt.
August 14
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Jovita Idar.
October 23
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Maria Tallchief.
2024
The U.S. Mint and The Royal Mint partner to create a collaborative design, pairing the figures of Liberty and Britannia on a coin for the first time. The chief engravers of each mint created a harmonious and balanced design celebrating both nation’s symbols, which have been used on coins for hundreds of years.
January 2
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Dr. Pauli Murray.
March 25
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring the Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink.
June 3
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Dr. Mary Edwards Walker.
August 7
Mint begins shipping American Women Quarters™ Program coins honoring Celia Cruz.