United States Mint

United States Mint Products at BGASC

Some of the most popular bullion coins on the market are courtesy of the US Mint. The US Mint is America’s sole producer of legal tender coinage in the United States, yet they also produce everything from bullion coinage, to proof coins, to even bars and medals. With so many popular coin collections to choose from, you can learn all about them and the US Mint, right here at BGASC.

US Mint History

In 1792, Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1792, also known as the Mint Act. This act established the creation of the US Mint and the regulation of coinage in the United States. This act provided the framework for the production and design of most all coins going forward.

The US Mint was constructed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with David Rittenhouse serving as the first Director of the US Mint. Circulation coins though weren’t struck until the following year.

Under the Coinage Act of 1873, the US Mint became a part of the Department of the Treasury.

From 1794 to 1964, the US Mint used silver in their circulation coinage. From 1794 to 1836, coins were made from 89.2% silver. This was upgraded to 90% in 1836 and lasted until 1964.

However, by 1986 the US Mint started making their own bullion coins, which have now become some of the most popular in the world.

Currently, the US Mint has 6 different locations:

• Washington DC: Headquarters
• Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
• Denver Mint (D mint mark)
• San Francisco Mint (S mint mark)
• West Point Mint (W mint mark)
• Fort Knox: Serves as a secure depository

Over the years, there have been other branches of the US Mint that have since been closed down.

• Carson City Mint (1870-1885, 1889-1893)
• Charlotte Mint (1838-1861)
• Dahlonega Mint (1838-1861)
• New Orleans Mint (1838-1861, 1879-1909)
• Manila Mint: (1861-1898, 1920-1922, 1925-1941)

American Eagle Series

In 1986, the US Mint began both the American Gold Eagle and the American Silver Eagle Series. The gold series debuted with 4 BU weights and 1 proof coin, while silver coins debuted with a proof strike and a BU version. BU coins in both gold and silver have been issued every year since they debuted. Proof strikes have also been released annually, except for 2009, due to economic uncertainty. Burnished coins were added to both series later on and have been issued every year except in 2009 and 2010.

The Mint also issues American Platinum Eagles, which debuted in 1997 and has been released annually ever since. Coins are struck in both BU and proof. American Palladium Eagles were introduced in 2017 and are issued annually as well. Each year either 1 or 2 strikes are released, over the years this has included BU, proof, reverse proof, and burnished coins.

American Golf Buffalo Series

The US Mint started another bullion coin program in 2006 thanks to the 2005 Presidential $1 Coin Act. This act mandated presidential $1 coins, a First Spouse Series to go alongside it, and the creation of the American Golf Buffalo Series.

The American Gold Buffalo Series is unique as it creates these coins in .999 pure gold, whereas American Gold Eagles use just .9167 pure gold. Much like both American Eagle coin programs, the US Mint brought a popular design from the past to feature on these coins. The design of the obverse and reverse are from James Earle Fraser and the Buffalo Nickel which were first struck back in 1913.

America the Beautiful Series

One of the more unique coin programs issued by the US Mint is the America the Beautiful Series. This series contains 56 coins and ran from 2010 to 2021, with 5 being released each year, and the final one in 2021.

Each release shows the effigy of George Washington on the obverse with a unique national park, historic site, or monument on the reverse. All 50 states, Washington DC, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the South Virgin Islands are all featured in the series. Each coin is made from 5 Troy oz of .999 pure silver.

Other US Mint Coinage

• Silver Dollars: These popular coins contain actual silver content such as the Morgan Silver Dollar (1878-1921) and the Peace Silver Dollar (1921-1935).
• Junk Silver: At BGASC, we offer 90%/40%/35% US Silver Coins. These circulation coins are typically bought in bulk for their silver content as they offer little numismatic value.
• Commemorative Gold: The US Mint will release commemorative gold frequently for special events or anniversaries.
• Pre-1933 US Gold: Gold was used in circulation coinage up until 1933. At BGASC, we have a wide selection of pre-33 gold products such as $20 double eagles and $10 eagles.

United States Mint Questions

For any questions involving products from the US Mint, call the BGASC team today at 888-992-4272. Our team is also readily available via email or through our online chat feature.