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.

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.

You Know Your Currency Is Cooked When...

Melt a penny, go to jail. There are some exceptions.

Some of the exceptions allow for small amounts of these coins to be exported as pocket change, and for recreational and numismatic purposes. Other exceptions include the treatment of minor quantities of these coins for educational, amusement, novelty, jewelry and similar purposes.

They do mention that a penny's copper is worth more than the penny. This is especially sad because a penny is only 2.5% copper.