Details
Creator Taylor, Frank H. (Frank Hamilton), 1846-1927
Title The First United States Mint
Date ca. 1922
Description Depicts the three brick buildings formerly occupied by the United States Mint.
Notes The great historical interest relating to the group of old structures upon North Seventh Street (Numbers 37 and 39), which were the first buildings ever erected under authority of Congress for a national purpose and which were used forty years as the first United States Mint, was, fortunately, fully realized by Mr. Frank H. Stewart, who bought them in 1907 and removed them to make room for a modern business edifice in 1911. The Frank H. Stewart Electric Company thus became the third title-holder of the site from the orignial sale by William Penn. This drawing has been made from a painting by Edwin Lamasure, based upon careful research for all exterior details of construction. The middle building, first of the group erected, housed the coinage department. During the incumbency of his friend, David Rittenhouse, 1792-95, the first Director, George Washington was a frequent and enthusiastic visitor. Practically every rare coin bearing the United States stamp was made in this building, including the silver-centre cent of 1792 and the silver dollar of 1804. Steam power was introduced into the Mint in 1816 for heavy work. The treasure vaults were located beneath the front building. The coinage building also contained bullion vaults. The rear building contained the smelting and refining department. In 1832 the Government removed its Mint to the handsome and spacious building then just completed for the purpose at Chestnut and Juniper streets. Thereafter the old buildings were occupied by industrial concerns until secured by the present owner of the site.
Taylor Catalog Number: 60
Is part of Frank H. Taylor Collection
Identifier Taylor - Case 8-7 [2717.F]