Collecting coins is one of the oldest hobbies in the world. I started collecting pennies as a teenager. My sons started collecting them last year. So when I had a few hours to explore Philadelphia, I made it a point to visit the United States Mint.

The interactive, self-guided tour is perfect for people of all ages. Here’s a little of what you can expect when you visit the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.

Getting to the US Mint at Independence Mall

The U.S. Mint is located in downtown Philadelphia, across the street from Independence National Historic Park. The U.S. Mint does not provide parking, but there is paid parking below the Independence Mall.

Once parked, come to ground level and head north (away from Independence Hall). The U.S. Mint will be on the east side of the street at the northeast corner of the park.

Visitors are required to go through a screening process and metal detector to enter the U.S. Mint. Adults may also be required to show a government issued ID. Once through security, you can pick up a booklet and begin your self-guided tour.

Sadly, no photography is allowed inside the U.S. Mint for security purposes, which is why this post contains no photos from inside the building.

Learn About the History of Coins

Each floor of the U.S. Mint is full of history. The second floor is where you start the official tour.

There is a little theater with a brief presentation on the early years of discussions about the monetary system the new nation would adopt.

Visitors also get to see the first press used to stamp the coins used in America’s early years (around 1792). There are numerous displays of coins throughout history as well, so you’ll get a good sense of how the coins have changed over time.

The exhibit that impressed me the most was a timeline of U.S. history. Visitors were asked to pull out a coin from their pocket and find the year the coin was minted, then compare it to the timeline. What history has that coin experienced in its lifetime?

The oldest penny I own is an Indian Head penny from 1889. That penny has survived two turns of the century, two world wars, the Great Depression, landing a man on the moon and so much more. Take a look at a coin you have and think about what history that coin has experienced.

See How Coins are Designed and Produced

The third floor of the U.S. Mint is where visitors get to observe the process of coin making. It begins with the art and design process. The tour is interactive with hands-on exhibits that are perfect for kids. I designed my own quarter and included the elements that are required by law to be included on all U.S. coins. Sadly, I wasn’t able to have my one-of-a-kind quarter printed.

After learning about the design and how the metal die is made, you can observe the actual coin-making process through windows 40 feet above the factory floor. Each viewing area has an interactive touch-screen map to help you know what each machine does.

You get to see the coins punched out of sheets of metal, stamped with the coin’s design on both sides, bagged and prepped for distribution. You even learn what happens to coins that have errors and how they are waffled and recycled. It’s cool to learn about each step in the process.

After filling your mind with knowledge, you can empty your wallet in the gift shop. Haha!

Start Your Own Coin Collection

The gift shop is a great place to get started in collecting coins. You can find the books and other resources. The cashiers are also helpful in answering any questions you may have. You can find proof sets, uncirculated sets and even rare coins.

I started collecting U.S. pennies when I was in middle school. I chose pennies because they were the least costly to pull out of my spending account. But you can collect any denomination of coin. But I’ve also collected state quarters, and more recently, the national park quarters.

Follow these simple steps to help you get started with coin collecting:

1. Purchase a coin storage folder. You can find them online, or at a local book store or coin collecting shop.
2. Look through your own coins to see what slots of you book you can fill in. Know where to look on the coin for where it was minted (S = San Francisco Mint; D = Denver Mint; P or no letter = Philadelphia Mint). You’ll find it next to the year the coin was minted.
3. Google your nearest coin shop and pay them a visit. They often have bins of older pennies you can look through to help fill in your book. Once you’ve gone through the bins, you can look at any coins they’ve already pulled out and packaged up. Those are usually the ones that are in nicer condition or less common (meaning they cost a little more). It’s not unheard of to pay several dollars for an older penny.

Looking for another place to visit while in Philadelphia? Check out my gust post on Tips for Family Trips about Valley Forge.

Discover more ideas for your next family vacation.

The Details

Address: 5th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106-1886

Parking: There are various parking garages throughout the area, including one below Independence Hall. Parking fees vary by location and are charged by the hour. You can estimate $15-$25 depending on the amount of time you explore the area.

Cost: Tours of the museum are free and self-guided. But you may want some money for the gift shop.

Hours: Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During the summer they may be open on Saturdays and holidays (call (215) 408-0112 for weekend and holiday hours during the summer).

Website: https://www.usmint.gov/

Phone: 1-800-USA-MINT (or 1-800-872-6468)

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