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Minting Nation’s Money by TRACY " LEINBERGER-LEONARDI To establish a mint in America, it took a revolution and an act of Congress. In the mid-1600s, currency in America was scarce and colonists unsuccess fully petitioned King Charles I of England to create their own mint. When Civil War broke out and England existed the king in 1649, Bos ton citizens took advantage of the lull in leader ship and created their own currency—the Pine Tree Shilling—minted in 1652. Even as a new king was seated in 1667, Bostonians continued to secretly make their shilling. It wasn't until the American Revolution ended that Americans were able to freely cre ate their own currency. Unfortunately, each state was producing its own unique money, which led to widespread monetary confusion. In 1775, North Guolina alone had 17 differ ent forms of money. Finally in 1782, Robert Morris, who head ed America's newly formed finance depart ment, presented Congress with a plan for their new country’s coins. Congress embraced the idea and instructed Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton to create a plan for a national mint. Ten years later, on April 2, 1792, President George Washington approved the plan. The Mint, built in Philadelphia, was the first federal structure erected in the United States under the Constitution. In March 1793, 11,178 copper U.S. cents rolled out of the Mint with a value of SI 11.78. Gold and silver coins soon would follow. Today, the United States Mint, which makes more coins and medals than any other mint in the world, operates six facilities: its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and mints in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, West Point, N.Y., and the U.S. Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Ky. The U.S. Mint produces billions of regular and commemorative coins, including coins for other countries, and med als of great honor and distinction. On a typi cal day, the U.S. Mint produces 30 million coins worth about SI million. Free tours are offered at l>xh the Philadel phia and Denver mints, where curious visitors can see firsthand how coins are made and learn the amazing history of the U.S. Mint. 7 iui 3 I jnulxryp -ljtmkinlt is a u nter m Elktan, Aid Visit www.usmint.gov to learn more. www.americanprofile.com • THE 2006 UNITED STATES MINT PROOF SET® IS HERE. JUST 522.95. Imagine the superheroes of our nation in deep-mirrored, super-sharp relief. Pristine examples of mint craftsmanship sealed in a special display case, these extraordinarily brilliant coins are a great way to commemorate a birthday or milestone. Best of all, they'll keep these action figures for years FOR GENUINE UNITED STATES MINT PRODUCTS, VISIT WWW.USMINT.GOV OR CALL I.BOO.USA.MINT. mi—mi -jHKpSiig ill Page 15 i jyy Tell him they’re little, shiny, round, historic action figures. GENU IN kLY WORTHWHILE UNI FED MAI I S MINI