Producing gold coins and silver coins, among other precious metals products, has been the responsibility of the U.S. Mint since its existence. However, minting coins in 1792 was not nearly as efficient a process as it is today.
Here is a brief history of different production techniques the U.S. Mint has used:
Screw Press
In 1792, the Philadelphia Mint made coins using a well-established process. The screw press requires a furnace to heat the metals to the proper smelting temperature. Once heated, the metals were flattened into sheets by passing them through rollers multiple times. Once at the proper thickness, coin blanks, also known as planchets, would be punched out of the metal sheets. Then the planchets were fed into the large screw press that held the die stamps for each coin set. Harnessed horses were used to drive the machinery and press the die into the blank coin.
Coins Minted
Silver Half Disme (pronounced “deem”): These were the first coins struck under federal authority. They are small silver coins, roughly equivalent to today’s half dime.
Silver Disme: This is another denomination minted in 1792. It was also a small silver coin, but its production was limited.
Copper Cent: The Mint produced a small number of copper cents in 1792, although they were not widely circulated.
The Steam-Powered Press
While metals still had to be smelted, pressed, and punched, the steam-powered press harnessed the power of a toggle joint mechanism. It increased the number of coins that could be produced. The steam-powered press also featured a collar that automatically held the planchets in the center of the die, ensuring fewer errors in the process.
Coins Minted
Seated Liberty Silver Dollars: Minted from 1840 onwards, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock holding a shield and a staff, with various modifications over the years.
Seated Liberty Half Dollars: Minted from 1839 onwards, with a similar design to the silver dollars, portraying Liberty seated on a rock.
Seated Liberty Quarters: Introduced in 1838, featuring the seated Liberty design on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
Seated Liberty Dimes: Also introduced in 1837, displaying the seated Liberty motif on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse.
Minting in the Modern Age
Electricity dramatically increased the speed at which metals could be weighed and coins could be produced. Today, the U.S. Mint can manufacture more than 75 million coins in just 24 hours.
Current Production Process
Today’s methods hearken back to those used in 1792 but have been streamlined and modernized by contemporary technological advances. Metals arrive at various mint locations in coils 1,500 feet long. Planchets are then punched from these coils. Once punched, they go through a series of preparation processes where they are softened then cooled and washed then dried, their rims get raised in an upsetting mill and finally, they are pressed into coins. Throughout the process, the mint uses scanners and scales to check the metal content and ensure the coins have the proper purity.
Popular Modern Coins Minted by the U.S. Mint
American Silver Eagle: Since its introduction in 1986, the American Silver Eagle has become one of the most popular bullion coins in the world. It features Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.
American Gold Eagle: Introduced in 1986, the American Gold Eagle is a favorite among gold bullion investors and collectors. It features Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic Liberty design on the obverse and a family of eagles on the reverse.
America the Beautiful Quarters: Launched in 2010, the America the Beautiful Quarters program honors national parks and other national sites with unique designs on the reverse of each coin. These quarters have garnered significant interest from collectors due to their diverse themes and limited mintages.
Kennedy Half Dollar: Though less widely circulated than in the past, the Kennedy Half Dollar remains popular among collectors. Special editions, such as the 90% silver 1964 issue and various commemorative releases, attract particular attention.
Statehood Quarters: Issued from 1999 to 2008, the Statehood Quarters program featured designs representing each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories. These quarters sparked widespread interest and are collected individually and as complete sets.
Native American Dollar: Introduced in 2009, the Native American Dollar series features annually changing reverse designs highlighting the contributions and achievements of Native Americans. These coins often appeal to collectors interested in history and culture.
Backed by the United States government and boasting more than two centuries of production, the U.S. Mint is one of the most well-established producers of precious metals products. U.S. Gold and Silver coins are widely recognized as solid investments all around the world.
