THE HISTORY OF SAN FRANCISCO MINT

By Gregg Wagner

SECOND SAN FRANCISCO MINT (1874)

The second U.S. Mint built in 1874 and designed by Alfred B. Mullet in a Greek Revival conservative style. The building had a central portico flanked by projecting wings which is a design that helped save it from the earthquake and subsequent fire in 1906. The building was built on a concrete and granite foundation to thwart tunneling, which at the time of the fire held 300 million dollars. Also held one third of U.S. gold reserves.

The mint continued operations until 1937. The building is known as the “Granite Lady” but is a misnomer as the exterior is made of sandstone.

In 1961 was proclaimed a National historic Landmark. The building was open to the public until 1993.

In 2003 the federal government sold the building to the city for one 1874-S silver dollar.

The building is currently used for special events including those on California history, wedding receptions, etc.

The California Historical Society agreed to undertake renovations in 2016 as preservation of public space.