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United States Mint

320 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado
6 Reviews
Type: Museums & Monuments and Guided Tours
Ages: Ages 7 — adult
Cost: Free
Hours of operation: 8am-2pm, weekdays

The United States Mint at Denver manufactures all denominations of circulating coins, coin dies, the Denver "D" portion of the annual uncirculated coin sets and commemorative coins authorized by the U. S. Congress. It also stores gold and silver bullion. Be sure to make a reservation by using the Mint website. The tours run from 8am to 2pm on all weekdays, but not on federal holidays.

All visitors, including children, are subject to a security screening before entering the building. Photography, smoking, eating and drinking are not allowed in the building.


6 Reviews for United States Mint

January 24 2012
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Worth the trip!"

Years ago I remember traveling to Denver and visiting the mint.  I remember that I thought it was pretty neat and even left with a penny bracelet (that I still have somewhere.)  When we planned a trip to Denver I wanted to go back and experience it again with my family.  I read some of the reviews here, but I would like to add my own in hopes of providing some information that could be helpful.  
We were traveling with a 2 year old and a 4 year old.  From what I read it was not recommended for the 2 year old.  I was not sure if that meant that he could come or not. He was welcomed in and the tour is a lot shorter than I remember and he endured just fine.  My 4 year old thought it was pretty neat.  There are a lot of interesting artifacts to see as well.  As I mentioned the tour is really short, but interesting.  Make reservations on line, that way you do not have to take chances on the standby line.  There are no pictures allowed inside and you will have to go through security to get it, so plan ahead.  There is a small gift shop, the prices are high, and it is worth checking out the offerings from the guy on the sidewalk if he is there, his prices were much better.
Over all worth going to, but it is only going to take a very small part of your day.

July 08 2011
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Very Interesting"

Denver Mint is a fun, educational place to visit. The tour takes a half hour and usually you get to see the machines making and counting coins. My only complaints is that you have to make reservations several weeks in advance or stand in line at 7:30 am to get on a tour. Also security is stricter than the airport.

B'sMom
B'sMom
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December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Older ones will appreciate it more"

The tour is extremely informative & you get to see some really great stuff - the coin making process, old parts of the buildings, old equipment, etc. The tour lasts about 40 minutes & can bore little ones. On the plus side, it takes place in three large areas & they can sort of wander around a tiny bit (WITH supervision) if they get bored listening to the guide.

There are some things you need to be very aware of:
1. Tours must be booked ahead of time online. If you don't book ahead of time, you end up on standby & may never get in. Click here to reserve a tour http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/?flash=yes&action=StartReservation
2. This IS a goverment facility with tight security. They do not allow cell phones, cameras, purses, strollers, diaper bags, backpacks, etc. While you may take a cell phone & camera in, you MUST remove the batteries form each & show them to the guard when you are screened. You may bring a small wallet with ID & money, but noithing else. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
3. Parking in downtown Denver is sketchy at best. It can be crowded & hard to find a place. Allow plenty of time to park & walk!!!

After cruising downtown Denver for 45 minutes & almost missing our tour, we did find a pocket of lots with reasonable ($5-$7 per day) & convenient parking. Go to West 13th Avenue, between Cherokee & Bannock. It's an easy walk from here to the Mint & the Capitol. You're also accross form Pint's Pub, which has very good burgers & amazing homemade potato chips.

December 23 2010
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"So Cool!"

This was one of my favorite places to visit in Denver when I was a kid. It was so neat seeing the money being printed and getting a coin at the end of the tour. I do remember, however, waiting in a long line in the morning to get in. Of all the places we visited in Denver, however, this one stands out as a really fun memory. I was about 10 when we went. I imagine it would be quite boring for a small child.

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amysmile
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December 23 2010
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Coins, coins and more coins"

The Denver Mint is an extremely informative and interesting place to visit. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and challenged us to stump him with questions. Both our kids enjoyed looking into the rooms where the money is made and we all learned a lot from the trip. I would highly recommend making reservations because the tours fill up quickly.

Gretchen
Gretchen
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December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Show me the Money!"

Free tours are offered of the United States Mint, just down the road from the State Capitol Building, within walking distance. Be aware of the very strict restrictions on what is allowed in the building as there is no storage for items that are not allowed. This includes cameras, purses, and camera cell phones!  This is one of only 6 facilities in the US where our currency is produced, and is a very educational experience.