United States Mint
The Basics
The nation’s first capital city, Philadelphia has been home to the United States Mint since 1792, and while the capital moved to Washington DC, Philadelphia still produces the majority of US coins in circulation today. In addition to watching the production of coins and learning how money is made from educational displays, visitors can admire finished products and specialty coin proof sets in the gift shop.xa0You can visit the United States Mint independently—tours are self-guided—or stop by on a Philadelphia walking tour or hop-on hop-off bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This free and educational attraction is a great stop for families.
- Adults must provide government-issued IDs upon entry.
- Photography, eating, and drinking are prohibited inside.
- While there are multiple US Mint production facilities across the US, the Philadelphia and Denver locations are the only ones that offer public tours.
- The US Mint is wheelchair accessible, but some parts of the operations are difficult to see from a wheelchair.
- Tours typically take about 45 minutes and no reservations are required.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
The US Mint is located on 5th Street between Arch Street and Race Street in Philadelphia’s Historic District. There is no on-site parking available so it is best to visit on foot or by public transportation. Local buses, subways, and trolleys service the area and there is a subway stop (Market-Frankford Line) one block from the Mint. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop at the Mint.
When to Get There
The US Mint is open to public tours on weekdays. It is closed to the public during times when the Department of Homeland Security Threat Level is elevated to code orange (high risk).
What to See in Philadelphia’s Historic District
While you’re in the heart of the nation’s first capital city, don’t miss the rest of the historic highlights. Visit the original 2,080-pound Liberty Bell and learn about its history at the Liberty Bell Center. See where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were born at Independence Hall. Plus, take a stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, known as the nation’s oldest residential street.
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- Christ Church
- Benjamin Franklin’s Grave
- National Constitution Center
- Arch Street Meeting House
- Betsy Ross House
- Independence Visitor Center
- National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH)
- Franklin Court
- President's House
- Elfreth's Alley
- Independence Mall
- Liberty Bell Center
- National Liberty Museum
- Carpenters' Hall
- Congress Hall in Philadelphia