The Good Old Days

Security was much more lax back then.

Further, the original Mint was located adjacent to a small lot owned by a private individual who maintained rights of passage through Mint property, thus disrupting daily work.

Scandal?

George Washington's Second Director of the Mint, Henry William de Saussure, served only four months. The first gold coin was minted during his short tenure. Political rivals Jefferson and Hamilton both wanted control of the mint. Mr. de Saussure wrote a letter defending his job as director of the mint. However, it is diffcult to find details of the controversy.

The University of South Carolina has a college named after de Saussure. There is no hint of scandal at the mint on that page.

Add This To My Wish List

Canada Creates 100 kilo gold coin. It's face value is $1 million and costs over $2 million. It is as large as a car tire giving new meaning to the phrase "spare change."

Presidential Coin Firsts

The new $1 Presidential Coins has two firsts:

• First U.S. Coin with edge lettering.
• First U.S. Coin without the word "Liberty" engraved.