and picked up a couple of items. I saw 2 2016 gold SLQ one was in a wood box and the other in a leather looking thing. The one in the wood box was $50 higher that the other. I did get 2 of the 2016W Uncirculated ASE and they are really nice. Stopped and checked out Ben Franklin's grave , he's fine.
When I was there a few years ago the tour was self-guided and involved walking down a long hallway, reading text on the wall and looking down at the presses. It was okay, but the Denver mint tour was far far far far better. There a tour guide explained everything, told stories about the mint's history and took questions all along the tour. I felt a little lonely after taking the Philadelphia tour. Of course I would still recommend going regardless.
It's still the same tour. It's an excellent place to contemplate a numismatic question, in an inspiring environment, without being pestered.
Thanks for sharing your trip story. I have always wanted to take a tour of a US mint. Reminded me of my latest leaf peeping trip. I accidentally took a photo of the mint at West Point from a nearby State Highway. Picture is not great as I was trying to photograph the leaves. Fantastic views at this lookout on 9w. I will download it later.