Old San Francisco Mint

Heritage Buildings

Emilie

Published on 13/03/2025

This point of interest is available as audio on the tour: Visit San Francisco, From skycrapers to fortune cookies

That huge columned building right in front of you is the Old San Francisco Mint. It’s a branch of the United States Mint, an independent government agency responsible for producing and putting American coins in circulation. The Old Mint you see here opened its doors in 1854, right in the middle of the gold rush era. Back then, it was crucial to convert the abundant gold into official currency. It is said that, during its prime, this Mint, fondly nicknamed the Granite Lady, held nearly a third of all of the nation’s wealth! These days, you won’t find people bringing in their gold nuggets anymore. The Mint’s focus has shifted to producing special coins and coin sets for collectors, known as “prestige coins.” Despite its transformation, the building itself has stood the test of time, surviving the great earthquake and earning itself a National Historic Monumentdesignation in 1961. Today, besides its historical significance, the Old Mint serves as a versatile venue for various events, ranging from elegant salons and galas to weddings and private gatherings. It’s a piece of history that continues to play a role in the vibrant life of San Francisco.