San Francisco Mint

In January of 1848, gold flakes were discovered at Sutter's Mill triggering one of the most important chapters in U.S. History— The California Gold Rush!

It was from this era of the Gold Rush Days that the need for a Western Frontier Mint in San Francisco was born.

Within a few years, the gold mines out West produced an abundance of gold bullion, gold nuggets, and gold dust. Yet, there was an acute shortage of circulating legal tender gold coins in the Wild West. To relieve the problem, Congress authorized the establishment of a branch US Mint in the California Territory to strike the much needed gold coins and silver dollars.

The San Francisco Mint Opens in 1854
San Francisco was chosen as the site of the new branch of the U.S. Mint. Due to its proximity to the Gold Rush district, it was easy to move gold and silver to the mint. The San Francisco Mint began operation in 1854.

Rare, Historic US Mint Gold
Today, the San Francisco Mint is the United State Mint famous for many rare, legendary issues. Some dates are recognized as being elusive, scarce, or rare including one of the great American coin rarities, the 1870-S $3 piece valued today at well over one million dollars.

All coins struck at the San Francisco Mint are distinguished by the "S" Mint Mark.


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Closeup of "S" Mint Mark on a $5 Liberty gold piece