San Francisco Mint

Gazing up at the San Francisco Mint, did you ever imagine the sheer amount of wealth it once held? The San Francisco Mint stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this city. It has witnessed history unfold, from the feverish rush of the Gold Rush to the devastating earthquake of 1906. The San Francisco Mint began its operations in 1854, a direct response to the influx of gold flooding into the city during the Gold Rush. Its initial location, a modest building on Commercial Street, quickly proved inadequate for the task. Within a year, the San Francisco Mint had transformed $4 million in gold bullion into gleaming coins. By 1874, operations moved to a grander structure, the “Old San Francisco Mint,” a Greek Revival masterpiece designed by Alfred B. Mullett. Built with thick sandstone walls and a granite foundation, this building became known as the “Granite Lady.” It was designed with a unique feature, a fully enclosed central courtyard with a well. This ingenious design proved its worth during the 1906 earthquake and fire. When the inferno swept through the city, the intense heat melted the Mint’s windows and shattered stone blocks. The courtyard well, however, helped to contain the blaze. It saved the structure and the immense wealth within its vaults. At the time, the San Francisco Mint held a staggering $300 million in gold. That’s about one-third of the entire United States gold reserves. Superintendent Frank A. Leach and his staff bravely defended the Mint and its precious cargo. Their courage prevented a national crisis. The Mint quickly resumed operations. It became a vital source of financial stability in the ravaged city. The San Francisco Mint continued at this location until 1937. Then a new, more modern facility was built on Hermann Street. The “Granite Lady” was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and a California Historical Landmark in 1974. Today, the San Francisco Mint primarily produces proof coins and commemorative sets. The legacy of the “S” mint mark continues. It represents the quality and craftsmanship born from the crucible of the Gold Rush.