Ground Floor Galleries

The American Money and Gold Rush Experience in the ground floor galleries built into the Old U.S. Mint’s historic vaults explores the history of American Money and enlightens visitors with the stories of California’s gold and silver rushes, and the Mint’s important role in the federal monetary system.

The Museum will convey the significance of the Mint in local, national and international history.

Immersive exhibits will focus on:

• The Old Mint Story: Foundry, Factory, Fortress
• California’s Gold and Silver Rush: “Forty-niners,” mining techniques
• Coin Minting: Interactive pneumatic and screw coin presses
• History of American Money: San Francisco’s role and impact on the country and global currency. By the end of the 19th century, coins produced in this building were found throughout the world.

Mint Plaza

The ground level offers exhibits in the historic vaults and an open floor plan that invites visitors to explore the cultural retail, visitor information and dining environments. With direct access to the adjacent Mint Plaza, the floor’s uses are designed to spill out into the public realm and form a starting point for further explorations.

Local Cultural Retail offers signed products from local merchants and artists, “Official” City of San Francisco- branded merchandise, and numismatic collectibles for collectors and casual fans, as well as interesting products based on regional history.