Commems Collection Classic: Quick Bits #61 - Not All Roads Lead To Philadelphia

Nothing new or super exciting here, but an interesting facet of the classic series that is generally not given much thought...

As the Philadelphia Mint is (and has been since 1792) the primary coining facility of the US Mint, it shouldn't be a surprise to learn that the majority of US commemorative coinage struck during the classic era was struck in Philadelphia.

There have been times, however, when the Philadelphia Mint was not used for any of an issue's coinage. Here's a chronological list of these "Branch Mint" specials:

1. 1915 Panama - Pacific International Exposition Set: All five silver and gold coins were struck in San Francisco.
2. 1923 Monroe Doctrine Centennial: All coins struck in San Francisco.
3. 1925 California Statehood Jubilee: All coins struck in San Francisco.
4. 1925 Fort Vancouver: All coins struck in San Francisco (without mint mark).
5. 1935 California-Pacific International Exposition (aka "San Diego"): Coins struck in San Francisco and Denver.
6. 1936 San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Opening: All coins struck in San Francisco.

Notice the predominant use of the San Francisco mint for coins tied to West Coast events.


To learn more about the coins listed above, check out: Commems Collection.