The great interest shown in numismatics and antiquities nowadays has
caused this imperfect endeavor to collate some of the interesting
historical data still in existence regarding the first United States
Mint, and also at the same time preserve by means of photographs and
descriptions the present appearance of the old buildings.
Practically every chronological list of important events which have
happened in the United States records the establishment of the first
United States Mint in Philadelphia in 1792, and if anyone has the time
and inclination to investigate the history and coinage of the mint
for the first forty (40) years of its existence, and publish to the
numismatic world the result of his research, I shall be satisfied if my
efforts here should furnish the slightest inspiration.
Numismatists very rarely, if ever, pay any attention to the persons who
made their rare and valuable specimens of coins, and probably still less
attention to the places where they were made.
The great majority of the rare United States coins were made in buildings
still standing at 37 and 39 North Seventh Street, Philadelphia, or, to
be more exact, in the coinage building in the rear of these numbers.
Until recently these buildings were unmarked, and the people of the
neighborhood in a great many instances were unaware of the fact that for
a period of forty (40) years all of the United States coins were made
so near at hand. Those who daily walked past the buildings had nothing
to direct their attention to them, and it is safe to say that not five
hundred persons in Philadelphia could point out what at one time was one
of the most important buildings in the United States, as well as the
first erected under authority of Congress for Federal purposes.
The author purchased the buildings and feels that it is his duty to do
what he can to describe them before they are demolished, and also at the
same time publish such data in his possession as may prove interesting
or valuable to the limited few who collect rare coins or are in any way
interested in what was an exceedingly important department of our early
national life.