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The 'Charlotte Mint' was a branch of the United States Mint that came into existence on March 3, 1835 during the Carolina Gold Rush. The United States Congress approved an Act to establish several branch mints; the act stated, "...one branch [to be established] at the town of Charlotte, in Mecklenburg County, in the state of North Carolina, for the coinage of gold only...". This Act also authorized mints at Dahlonega, Georgia, and New Orleans, Louisiana, after President Andrew Jackson signed it into law.

Contents

Production

War

Museum

See also

External links

Production

In 1836, construction on the Charlotte Mint began, with it opening for business on July 27 1837. Only raw gold was processed and refined until March 28 1838, when the first $5 gold half eagle was struck in Charlotte. Later that year the $2 1/2 quarter eagles were minted, and a small gold dollar began production in 1849. All gold coinage coming from this mint has a "C" mint mark to distinguish it from other sister mints then in operation. Over $5 million in gold coins were issued by the Charlotte Mint.

War

In May, 1861, North Carolina seceded from the Union, opening the door for the Confederacy to seize control of the Charlotte Mint. Coining operations continued until October when it became clear it was a futile effort. It was then converted into a hospital and military office space for the remainder of the Civil War.
Federal troops used the offices for the first few years of Reconstruction, and in 1867, the U.S. government designated it an assay office, which it operated as until 1913. The facility never regained its official status as a United States Mint.

Museum

In 1931, the building was to be demolished to make room for the post office expansion next door. A coalition of private citizens acquired the structure from the U.S. Treasury Department in 1933. It was relocated a few miles south of downtown Charlotte and in 1936, was dedicated as the Mint Museum of Art, the first art museum in North Carolina. The building itself is now registered as a federal historic landmark. On display are thousands of various artwork items, along with a complete collection of all gold coins minted at the Charlotte Mint.
Charlotte Mint gold coins are extremely rare and some of the most desired items in numismatics today, making the museum's collection highly valuable.

See also

★ Historical United States mints

External links

★ U.S. Mint