The year: 1849. The event: the California Gold Rush. The effect: a brand new location for the United States Mint. The branch: San Francisco, California. The rest: is history.
Today, the San Francisco Mint is a major player for the United States Mint overall. Although it does not produce circulating coins and does not entertain visitors, it does produce both clad and silver Proof sets as well as commemorative coins as approved by Congress. Most recently, it took on the additional proof American Silver Eagle release that began in 2018. Let us explore the vital role this branch of the mother Mint has played since the mid-1800’s up until now.
San Francisco Beginnings
After the Gold Rush began in 1849, thousands of people flocked to the state of California to mine the precious metal. It was not too long before people were seeing the danger in shipping the mined gold all the way to Philadelphia to produce coins, especially after the demand increased. In 1852, a branch of the United States Mint in California was proposed to Congress and by 1854, the San Francisco Mint would open its doors to accept deposits from miners in the West. In its first year, the new branch would produce $4,084,207 in gold coins.
Second Location
By 1874, the San Francisco production would outgrow its building and move to a second location called “The Granite Lady” due to the building resembling an ancient Greek temple. With a solid foundation due to its architect Alfred B. Mullett, the building on 88 Fifth Street would be one of the few to survive the earthquake that occurred in 1906 and devastated the city. The natural disaster would also cause a fire to the building which would, in the end, only damage the gas system. The Mint would close its doors and production for a brief time before opening back up after fixing the damage.
Third/Current Location
After the Mint was recovered after the earthquake and fire, production would continue until 1937 when the San Francisco Mint would then move to its third and current location. In 1955, the branch would close up shop for 13 years until beginning production again in 1968 after they took over Philadelphia’s proof coin production responsibilities. To be even more technical, The Coinage Act of 1965 would allow the San Francisco Assay Office, which was the status it was given in 1962, to produce pennies. It was not until 1975 that the San Francisco Mint would be deemed the unofficial-official branch for proof only struck coins. Although, they did assist in the production of the Susan B. Anthony circulating coins from 1979-1981. It would be in 1988 that the San Francisco facility would regain its status as a branch of the United States Mint.
Sources: USA Coinbook; United States Mint