The first finding of gold in Arvada, Colorado during the year 1858 paved the way for the establishment of the U.S. Mint in Denver. The Denver Mint began as an Assay, or an institution that protects consumers by testing the purity and quality of metals. In 1862, the mint was authorized and made official with the signature of President Abraham Lincoln. However, it wasn?t until 1906, many decades after its foundation, that the Denver Mint struck its first coins.

In February of 1895, a fully equipped facility was constructed for the Denver Mint. The 3 story building, having an Italian Renaissance architecture, was huge enough to contain 100 rooms.

Producing 167 million silver and gold coins that totaled to $27 million during its first year, the Denver Mint is considered one of the top US mint of all time.