I'm familiar with that story, but i was under the impression it took place at the San Francisco Mint.
I heard that story and also back when they bought gold dust from miners in the 19th century that the workers there would slick up their hair with grease and sprinkle dust from purchases into their hair and wash it out that evening. The SF mint was a happening place to see back in the late 1970s and early 1980s when they had the gold bar display and all the pioneer gold coins.
I have toured the DC facility. I thought that the last time I checked the FW facility did NOT offer free tours, I am very glad to learn that I was mistaken. I want to take our group of Cub Scouts there now.
The Carson City Mint/Museum is a great tour. They have an annual coin show also.:yes: They still mint cc Silver rounds on that cc Press #1.:hail: I have three. Not far away is the Northwest Territorial Mint and the Virginia City Mint, both private mints. I also have rounds from both.:hail:
I've toured the Mint in Philly and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in DC. I enjoyed the DC tour more. I'll have to see about getting a tour through my Congressman; I didn't know they existed until now. The Mint in Philly was pretty dead when I toured it a few years ago. My dad and I were the only two people until we were exiting and saw a group going in. I don't remember anything about the SF Mint when I was there ten years ago.
SF mint does not do tours, nor has it ever as far as I know. The old SF mint is a disused building they sometimes rent out for events, but not much else. Guy
Before the 1989 earthquake, the Old SF Mint did give tours – when I lived in the area, I took the tour several times. I’m not sure if they resumed tours after the quake, but it was closed for many years due to damage. It also had a gift shop were I bought most of my mint products, as I was able to cherrypick better coins.
I go to the Philadelphia Mint a few times during the year and PU the latest Quarter and Dollar. I usually park on Arch St near Ben Franklins grave. I don't go during the summer just to many people visiting