Behind-the-scenes tour of the San Francisco Mint

One of only four places in the country to produce coins, the Mint opened in 1854 to handle the massive wealth of the California Gold Rush. It also played a pivotal role after the 1906 earthquake, helping bring the city back to life when many banks were inaccessible. Now in its third location near the Lower Haight, it no longer produces coins for circulation; instead, it creates commemorative coins and proof coin sets.