The West Point Mint in New York’s Hudson Valley is one of the most secure and prolific facilities in the United States Mint system, although it is often overshadowed by its counterparts in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. West Point is essential to the United States Mint as well as numismatic history more broadly. It plays a vital role in the nation’s coinage, producing high-value bullion, commemorative issues, and special editions.
The coins minted at West Point highlight its history, unique contributions, and the technologies that elevate its products.
West Point Mint History and Milestones
The West Point Mint was established in 1937 as the West Point Bullion Depository and the facility was designed to store substantial amounts of silver, earning the nickname “The Fort Knox of Silver.” Though it lacked formal U.S. Mint status, it began striking coins without mint marks, beginning with Lincoln Memorial cents in 1974.
Between 1977 and 1979, West Point Mint began producing Washington quarters which would have been indistinguishable from Philadelphia minted quarters. The first coin to bear the “W” mint mark was the 1984 $10 Olympic Torch Bearers gold coin. In 1988, West Point was granted full status as a U.S. Mint branch and was added to the National Register of Historic Places that same year.
Legacy and Distinctions
The West Point Mint holds about 22% of the nation’s gold reserves (more than 54 million ounces) and remains a secure site for U.S. bullion. It is a 170-by-256-foot, single-story reinforced concrete structure with guard turrets at each corner and a heavily restricted perimeter.
Its dual role as a production and storage facility makes West Point unique and significant among U.S. mints.
Coins Produced at West Point
Bullion Issues
| Type | Issue | Years Minted |
| American Gold Eagle | Various denominations | 1986 – Present |
| American Silver Eagle | One-ounce silver | 1986 – Present |
| American Platinum Eagle | Various denominations | 1997 – Present |
| American Buffalo Gold | One ounce gold | 2006 – Present |
| American Eagle Palladium | .9995 palladium | 2017 – Present |
Commemorative Coins
West Point has contributed to numerous silver and gold commemorative coins honoring American history and culture.
| Issue | Year |
| Olympic Torch Bearers $10 Gold Coin | 1984 |
| Statue of Liberty $5 Gold Coin | 1986 |
| U.S. Constitution $5 Gold Coin | 1987 |
| Mount Rushmore $5 Gold Coin | 1991 |
| World War II 50th Anniversary Proof Silver Dollar | 1993 |
| Women in Military Service Memorial Silver Dollar | 1994 |
| West Point Military Academy Bicentennial Silver Dollar | 2002 |
Special Edition and Other Issues
| Issue | Variety | Year |
| Roosevelt Dime | Issued in Mint Sets (1.5 million mintage) | 1996 |
| Sacagawea Dollar | Part of the Native American set (90,000 mintage) | 2015 |
| Lincoln Cents | Proof, Reverse Proof, and Uncirculated | 2019 |
| Washington Quarters | Part of the ATB Series. (2 million of each design were issued) | 2019 |
| Jefferson Nickels | Proof and Reverse Proof | 2020 |
Other Notable West Point Coins
| Issue | Year |
| Lowell National Park Quarter | 2019 |
| American Memorial Park Quarter | 2019 |
| Frank Church River of No Return Quarter | 2019 |
| Weir Farm National Park Quarter | 2020 |
| Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park Quarter | 2020 |
| Salt River Bay National Park Quarter | 2020 |
West Point’s Enduring Role in U.S. Coinage
The West Point Mint is a symbol of craftsmanship, security, and collector prestige today. Its “W” mint mark signals limited mintage and premium quality, especially for bullion and commemorative issues.
The Mint’s contributions to American coinage are widespread, from unmarked Lincoln cents to American Gold Eagles, and from Olympic tributes to modern commemoratives. Few of its coins are classified as rarities, but many are deeply appreciated for their design, significance, and production quality. Whether you collect for history or design, West Point Mint coins link to American heritage and the evolution of modern minting excellence.
