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.
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.
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).
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.
