Chinatown in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Site of First U.S. Branch Mint

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 11, 2021

1. Site of First U.S. Branch Mint Marker

Inscription. The first United States Branch Mint in San Francisco was authorized by Congress July 3, 1852, and opened for operation on April 3, 1854. Dr. L.A. Birdall was the first superintendent: J. Huston, first minter: A. Haraszthy, first assayer.

State Registered Landmark No. 87

Tablet placed by California Centennial Commission with the Cooperation of the Society of California Pioneers. Dedicated October 21, 1949

Erected 1949 by California Centennial Commission. (Marker Number 87.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 3, 1852.

Location. 37° 47.655′ N, 122° 24.212′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Chinatown. It is on Commercial Street 0 miles west of Montgomery Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 608 Commercial Street, San Francisco CA 94111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hudson's Bay Company (a few steps from this marker); Former Site of Eureka Lodgings (within shouting distance of this marker); Pony Express

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(within shouting distance of this marker); "The Family" (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Italy (within shouting distance of this marker); Commander John B. Montgomery's Landing Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Headquarters of Russell, Majors, and Waddell (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wells, Fargo & Co. (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Regarding Site of First U.S. Branch Mint. The boom in economic activity in California caused by the Gold Rush created an unmet need for coinage. Congress recognized this in 1852 by passing legislation authorizing the Treasury Secretary to choose a site for the new branch mint. The new mint became operational in 1854, although production was hampered in the early years by a shortage of sufficient chemicals. Continued economic growth meant that the relatively small facility was soon inadequate, and in 1874 Congress appropriated $300,000 for the construction of a larger replacement facility. The building was razed in 1875, and a new four-story building for Treasury offices was erected on this site.

Site of First U.S. Branch Mint and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 12, 2008

2. Site of First U.S. Branch Mint and Marker

The April 1906 earthquake and ensuing fire gutted the building, and subsequently it was reconstructed as a one-story building. Today the building houses the San Francisco Historical Society Museum.

This mint's successor, the "Granite Lady" located at Fifth and Mission, continued operation into the 1930's. That facility was subsequently replaced by a larger facility which is still in operation today.

Also see . . . History of the San Francisco Mints. See the US Coin Values Advisor website for a history of the minting of coins in San Francisco. (Submitted on July 14, 2008.)

Depiction of the first US Branch Mint in San Francisco image. Click for full size.

Artist unknown. Image is in the public domain.

3. Depiction of the first US Branch Mint in San Francisco

Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,382 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on September 21, 2022, by Jeff Hoek of San Francisco, California. Photos: 1. submitted on July 12, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2, 3. submitted on July 14, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.