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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,705 |
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Valued Member
United States
97 Posts |
I dropped by the Philadelphia mint Thursday (Jan. 19) at 4 to go to the retail shop. They advised me that the tours were closed but I said I know and wanted to pick up a proof set. Went in. NOBODY there but two clerks. Dead quiet. So strange. First time it was like that for mefor me. Friendly people. opened the est I was buying so I could inspect it and were seemed really glad a customer came in. Noticed a big price difference between 2010 and 2011 clad presidential sets - ended up buying the whole 2011 clad set. Anywho. Anyone else vising there notice a drop in crowds?
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Moderator
 United States
14463 Posts |
I haven't visited the mint in a very, very long time. Before they started making zincolns  |
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Valued Member
United States
330 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1817 Posts |
Good, I'll be making a visit in a couple of weeks for the gift shop, as I found out that the upper floor where the self guided tours take place is undergoing renovation until this summer. No point in visiting for the casual tourist as there is nothing to see.
Can't wait to have the gift shop to myself, as the staff there lets you look at the merchandise for sale and are happy to let you pick from a couple of examples of each.
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12817 Posts |
I used to live near Philly and never made it to the mint. Always seems to work that way - you almost have to be a tourist rather than a local to see some of the historical/touristy/icon-y attractions of your city. And I wasn't into coins as much as I am now, was just cracking into the hobby at that time (10+ years back now).
Definitely will plan a visit to the mint when I'm back there next.
I was also in New Orleans in November and wanted to visit the mint there (which has been converted into some sort of museum), but it was closed for renovations. Bummer! Oh well, will just have to make plans to get back there soon (and stay away from the hand grenades on Bourbon St. this time - sheesh).
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
No Free Samples? You would think with all the bragging they do about how much money they make they would pass out free samples of something.   |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
Anyone else vising there notice a drop in crowds? Why would there be crowds with the tour closed? As a tourist attraction people would go there for the tour to see the mint. The gift shop is not a big enough tourist attraction to draw people on its own. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1151 Posts |
I tried going the summer after 9/11 and then you needed your congressman's permission to go on the tour. We never heard anything before we left for Philly, my brother lives in Harrisburg and thats why we were going to PA in the first place. We tried to go but without a "permission" slip you were not allowed in, even into the store. So we just talked to the security guard, who was carrying an automatic rifle, and he ended up giving my kids some mint trinkets, no coins, and we left and toured the rest of Philly.
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Valued Member
United States
253 Posts |
I have heard that at the Denver Mint gift shop they have coin changing machines with the latest "D" mint marked Native American $1, Presidential $1, and ATB Quarter available at face value. Just put in your currency ($1, $5, $20) and it will dispense the coins. Does anyone know if this is correct? Does anyone know if the Philadelphia Mint gift shop has these machines? Edited by paparet
01/20/2012 5:01 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1151 Posts |
Yes the Philly mint does have that. If you put in a $1 bill, you get 4 new ATB QuartersIf you put in a $5 bill, you will get 5 of the Presidential dollars. Shoulda seen me there putting each one dollar bill in at a time  |
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Valued Member
United States
268 Posts |
I have never been to a mint before. That is cool I have never knew that they had machines like that. Now I know a good place to visit  |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,705 |
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Posted 01/19/2012 11:24 pm
