The first federal mint and the institutional center of early United States coinage, now a high-capacity producer of circulating, numismatic, and medallic work.
Why it matters
Philadelphia issues span the entire federal series. The absence of a mint mark often matters as much as P, and the 2017-P cent is a useful reminder that mark conventions are date- and denomination-specific.
History
Production began in temporary and purpose-built structures near Seventh and Arch Streets. The Mint moved to Juniper and Chestnut Streets in 1833, to Spring Garden Street in 1901, and to its present Independence Mall facility in 1969. Its uninterrupted institutional role anchors the histories of die making, engraving, medals, and modern circulation production.