U.S. Mint's First Director

David Rittenhouse was the first director of the U.S. Mint. He was a world famous astronomer. He also made the compass (shown at right) for George Washington. However the first run of coins from the newly minted mint was not astronomical. Apparently, it was 11,178 pennies. One of them is considered proof quality. It sold in 2004 for nearly $400,000. The coin did not meet with critical acclaim.