When you flip through the coins in your pocket, you will find individual letters or symbols on each of the obverse, or front, faces. These mint marks are clues for coin collectors. They indicate which U.S. mint the coin originates from. The country has six mint facilities, though only four produce currency. Learn more about them in the following guide.

The 6 U.S. Mint Locations

1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Fondly nicknamed “The Mother Mint,” the Philadelphia facility was the first mint built in the U.S. When it was established in 1792, the city was the nation’s capital, and all coins being used in the U.S. were from other countries. Today, it makes coin and medal dies, uncirculated coin sets, and circulating and commemorative coins.

2. Fort Knox, Kentucky

Although this facility does not produce coins, the U.S. Bullion Depository was the first facility opened to store gold. It was built in 1936.

3. Denver, Colorado

In 1862, this U.S. mint was established in response to the local gold rush. Today, it is the single largest producer of coins in the world. In addition to making coin dies, uncirculated coin sets, and circulating and commemorative coins, the Denver mint stores silver and gold.

4. San Francisco, California

This U.S. mint was also built to store gold during the California Gold Rush. It was established in 1854 and moved to a larger facility in 1874. Because of the grand stone structure it resides in, this mint is nicknamed “The Granite Lady.” It produces proof coins, coin dies, and commemorative coins.

5. Washington, DC

The nation’s capital houses the Mint headquarters, but the facility does not produce coins. You can take tours of this facility while its employees work on research, marketing, and coin laws. 

6. West Point, New York

The country’s newest mint is located in West Point, though it was originally a bullion depository established in 1938. In 1988, it was dubbed the West Point Mint. This facility produces American Eagle proof and uncirculated bullion coins in precious metals as well as commemorative coins.

If you are an avid coin collector interested in learning more about the country’s currency, head to Coins Plus of Cincinnati, OH. They are proud to be the city’s only "National Award Winning and PNG Dealer.” In addition to selling and buying from coin collectors, they also appraise other treasures, from jewelry to postage stamps. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website, or call (513) 621-1996.