Congress introduced the United States Mint on April 2, 1792. In 1799, it became an independent agency and was placed within the Treasury Department. The mint possesses locations at Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point and has had many other locations through history.
The United States has gold bullion reserves that are protected by the Fort Knox Bullion Depository and the Mint at the West Point Bullion Depository.Marketing programs are also managed by the United States Mint. They are responsible for the production of collectible coins, national medals, Silver Bullion Coins, American Eagle Gold Coins, and commemorative coins that celebrate national events and milestones.
The Mint takes care of the following functions:
• Produces bullion, domestic coins, and foreign coins
• Manufactures and sells commemorative medals
• Designs, produces, and markets unique coins
• Safeguards and controls the transfer of bullion to different locations
• Distributes silver and gold for approved uses
• Distributes coinage to Federal Reserve Banks from the Mint locations