Editing United States Mint (section)

== History ==

=== Founding ===

The United States Mint was established by the '''Coinage Act of 1792''', making it one of the first federal agencies created by the new nation. Philadelphia, then the nation's capital, was the natural location for the mint.

The first Mint building was constructed at 7th Street and Arch Street in 1792—the first building erected by the federal government under the Constitution. President George Washington reportedly donated silver from his personal collection to be melted into the nation's first coins.

=== The Four Philadelphia Mints ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Mint !! Location !! Years !! Status
|-
| First Mint || 7th & Arch Streets || 1792-1833 || Demolished
|-
| Second Mint || Juniper & Chestnut Streets || 1833-1901 || Demolished 1907
|-
| Third Mint || Spring Garden & 17th Streets || 1901-1969 || Now Community College of Philadelphia
|-
| Fourth Mint || 5th & Arch Streets || 1969-present || Active
|}

=== First Mint (1792-1833) ===

The '''First Mint''' was a modest three-story brick building. It produced the nation's first coins, including the 1793 Chain Cent. The Mint's original equipment was hand-operated, and early coin production was laborious.

=== Second Mint (1833-1901) ===

The '''Second Mint''' was designed by William Strickland in the Greek Revival style. It was considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in America but was demolished in 1907 despite preservation efforts.

=== Third Mint (1901-1969) ===

The '''Third Mint''' was a massive granite structure designed to meet growing coinage demands. After the Mint relocated in 1969, the building was converted into the '''Community College of Philadelphia''', which it remains today.

=== Current Mint (1969-Present) ===

The '''Fourth and current Mint''' was designed by Vincent Kling and opened in 1969. The modernist building occupies an entire city block adjacent to Independence Mall and was designed for efficiency in high-volume coin production.