Monday’s Must See: The Denver Mint
Alicia and I first talked about The Denver Mint back in December, but it is worth mentioning again and is most certainly a Must See when visiting the Mile High City.
There are six United States Mint facilities across this country, each of them devoted to a certain division of minting all of that glorious money. Physical tours are available in only two cities and Denver is one of them!
You have to make a reservation, but the process is simple and absolutely free. Go online or walk up to the Reservations Booth at The Mint itself which is located on the east side of the building on Cherokee Street between 14th Avenue and Colfax Avenue. There is a list of do’s and don’ts- as it is a federal building, but they spell it all out nicely and nothing is unmanageable. Unless, of course, you were just dying to take photos of money being made - cameras are not allowed inside the Mint.
The Denver Mint- located at 320 Colfax Avenue- really takes up a full city block. The outside of the building is stunning in its forbidden nature. The grey building is unassuming with its old world architecture peeking out from the secure rod iron bars that surround it. It is built a level up from the street- using the small flight of stairs one must walk up to enter as another opposing factor. All of this may have worked back when it was built in 1862 to keep people away, but today it sort of adds to its charm.
The Denver Mint is the largest producer coins in the world. This alone is a reason to stop by and say hi to the money before it becomes money. However, there are plenty of other reasons to visit The Mint and some of them have nothing to do with money. The interior of the lobby and walkways are gorgeous. Marble columns and brass plated entryways, an elevator in the middle of a spiral staircase with an old guard post above it (they have a “guard” in there on duty at all times - he’s a mannequin now, but there once was a human being in that small space!). There are displays of coins from the earliest form of trade and all around the world, as well as the old machinery that made these coins. Naturally, you will see the up to date technology used to make the coins of today and the future with all the workers in full view. Much of the original interior is intact from the first days of the Mint, save of course the updates to technology. It really has to be seen to be believed, and unfortunately we cannot show you photos so you’ll have to see it for yourself!Just outside of the Tours Information Booth is the U.S. Mint gift shop, where you can purchase coins that have never been in circulation (in “mint condition”, if you will), sheets of uncut dollar bills, and other items such as books and collectibles. If it has to do with U.S. Currency, the Gift Shop will have it! Even if you don’t buy anything, it is still worth a look around, as they have rare coins on display also.
Come on out to Denver and The Denver Mint to get down and dirty with money- we promise, you won’t have buyer’s remorse.
Tags: Money, The Denver Mint, Tours - Guided, U.S.-MintRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Attractions, Family Fun, History & Information, Museums, Must-See Sights, Shopping, Tours - Guided or Self-Guided
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