I believe that I read that there is a US Mint store in Washington DC where you can just buy coins without having to go through the US Mint Web Site. My Dad is in Washington DC checking out the WW2 memorial with my grandpa. He was wondering where it is at so he can get some gold buffs. Please let me know. Thanks Tom
Yes, there is a kiosk at union station and you can also buy coins directly from the mint headquarters. I was just there last summer and hand picked my annual stuff like the proof sets and uncirculated set. I have to admit when I first saw the new mint buidling I was a little disappointed. I expected something a little older and more traditional. But after a second look, I aprove! They actually incorporated classic coin designs into the side of the building. Here are a couple pictures I took: Me in front of the Mint Headquarters Coin designs in the building #1 Coin designs in the building #2 Just tell you dad to go through the doors behind me in the first picture and he will have no problem finding the coin counter! The address is easy enough to read... - Jake
Thanks for sharing the pictures. I thought the coins on the building are a great touch. Can't wait to see it in person.
Don't get too excited, I live in DC and go to both locations (Union Station and 9th St.) from time to time. Both are very small, just an 8' counter with a few proof sets and ASE on display.
I have bought many coins at store here in the Philadelphia Mint. The last few years it is it has been contracted out to private company that has done a nice job. They sell the coins for the same price as the mint and many time have other coins from earlier years still in stock. The only problem is since 911 there is more security to get in the mint. Anyone who has never walked through the mint is missing a great tour where you look from the glass windows above the mints workroom floors. Amazing when you see all the coins being produced. Been through it maybe like 100 times.
AWsome!!!! I love the Big coins on the wall.... I wonder if I could get some giant plaster or something replicas of old Classic Coins??? I'd like a Morgan, Peace, maybe an Walkin Lib, a Bison, etc.. When I redo my basement, I want to do it in a old stone type and I'd like to have big coin 10"-12"-or maybe 14"s inset into the stone....
The only time I made it to the Philly mint, there wasn't any glass - just wire mesh. I wonder how much that dates me?
I had some time to kill about two weeks ago when I was in DC so I went over to the Mint (although it is not the Mint, it is the Bureau of Printing and Engraving or something like that). Anyway, they did have a small gift shop. The only coins they had available for sale were the 2006 proof and silver proof sets. No 2007 coins. It was disappointing. Someone said to go to Union Station but I did not have the time.
I was there a few years ago. Basically my family vacation that year. I got to decide where to go within reason. It is a good tour. I'd love to go again, that'd be neat. I never made it to the gift shop though. We didn't have time. Oh well. Hope your dad is having fun! Phoenix
The Philly Mint has a nice little gift shop where you can buy coins. They had proof sets there all the way back to 1968 I believe. The tour is very nice. The next time we go to Philly we're taking all of our kids there to see Independence Mall and the Mint. If you've ever been to the Philly Mint, I recommend you eat lunch at what they call "The Bourse". Great Food!!
I believe they replaced the wire mesh with the glass panels around the same time they replaced the wooden wheel with the "hi-tech" rubber tire. lol
Just dug this topic up because I would like to know whether anything has changed since "back then". Those of you who live in/near Washington DC or have been there lately, what do those two stores - the "kiosk" at Union Station and the "sales counter" at the Mint HQ - offer these days? Will be there next month, and no, going to Philadelphia is not an option ... Christian
