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Denver U.S. Mint
Rating Details »
Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Northwest, CBD320 W. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80238
(303) 405-4761
8 reviews for Denver U.S. Mint
An interesting place to take the kids. My 6 yr old really enjoyed it...although of course his favorite part was getting the latest quarter in the state quarter collection.
There's a very specific list of do's and don'ts as far as what you can bring in...so make sure you know it BEFORE you get there, because there is nowhere to stash your belts, cell phones, anything bigger than a wallet, etc, etc. Also tours book up several weeks (months?) in advance in the summer. You can get same day tickets if you show up first thing in the morning...but not necessarily at a time that will suit your schedule.
Oh, yea maker of money, how do we loathe thee? Let us count the ways...
Every child that grows up in Colorado is guaranteed a few things in life: a coat covering your Halloween costume, furniture ads where tigers prowl across futons, and a field trip to the Denver Mint.
For whatever maniacal reason, educators across the state have determined that the Denver Mint is an obligatory destination for all elementary school students in Colorado. It's been a recurring phenomenon for several generations now, and the results are always the same.
Find me a child that enjoys a trip to the Denver Mint, and I will show you an aspiring toll-booth operator.
The Mint is deceptive. From outside, it looks like an impressive historical fortress, complete with a spiked iron fence and barred windows.
But step inside, and feel your excitement wane.
First, you will be asked to go through a security screening tighter than any international airport. Oh, did you plan on bringing in your purse or backpack? Sorry, that's banned. Forgot about that chapstick in your left pocket? You're outta here. And don't even think about taking any educational notes -- that pen in your breast pocket could be considered a weapon. Other threats to our Denver Mint include strollers, any cell phone that has a built-in camera, and (my favorite) large wallets.
If you don't believe me, you can review a list of prohibited items here: http://www.usmint.gov/...
The tour itself is also a major letdown, as it shows very little of the actual production of money (for security purposes, of course). I'm a history buff, and always enjoy a glimpse into the past. However, I would just assume read about the Mint than endure a tour without context. Yes, you will get to see some historical coins. And yes, there is a gift shop. But, unless you are a devout coin collector, it is hardly worth the hassle.
If you happen to bring a classroom full of antsy kids into this rigidly strict establishment, expect the following:
Tour Director: So, that concludes our tour. Are there any questions? Yes? You in the red shirt!
Kid in the red shirt: Can I have some of the money?
Tour Director: No, you cannot. Anybody else? Yes, you in the purple skirt.
Kid in the purple skirt: Can I have some of the money?
Tour Director: No. Anybody else?
And that scene will continue ad nauseum.
Thankfully, the tour is free. Otherwise, I'd also be shooting up my hand at the end of tour, begging the same question.
The Denver Mint should be avoided. The only positive thing I can say about my visit is that it was free. The staff is very tightly wound to the point that they are rude and uncaring. The tour leader talks a mile a minute, intent on completing the tour as fast as he can, evidently he does not enjoy being there and is paid by the number of words he can blurt out. In short...avoid the the Mint. Take a stroll in the civic plaza, its free too.
The tour lasts about 20 minutes and you get to view the coin making process from a window above two small production rooms. As an FYI, they don't print money here and this place is not a foundry.
Everything that could be cool about visiting a mint is not part of the tour. I thought for sure you would be given a fresh warm penny from the machine that you were the first one to touch. Another good idea is be shown how they take multiple types of rolls of metal and make the sandwiched quarter. This may have been a security breach, but it would have been interesting to see the safe door to the room of where all the (supposed) gold is. On my vacation I did a lot of interesting things in Denver, but this was a definite low-light.
You know there is something sort of nice about watching something that the government is commissioned to do that actually works...*cough*. I mean, huh? I didn't say anything...
The mint, well...its found right smack in downtown, and Lori M. is right: it's a great building to not only look at, but to go into as well. Maybe its just me, but watching the cool mechanics of the production money still brings a capitalist tear to my green eyes.
My husband and I came to the Denver U.S. Mint with a tour group. After getting searched we finally got into the Mint. You can't bring anything in here - just an ID and small wallet. Chapstick and your cell phone (if it has picture taking capabilities) aren't allowed. It was an interesting tour. You get to overlook productions - view the coins being created and pressed. However, it was a really small place. They did give our group 2 cents - a newly made penny and a penny before it's stamped. Kinda cool. They have a small gift shop.
The Denver U.S. Mint, built in 1906, and one of the most gorgeous buildings in the city, just recently began giving free, guided tours (you need to call your congressperson first, however, to arrange a visit). The tours are truly fascinating, with up close and personal views of coins being created, pressed, and bumping off the production lines. Of course, everyone who visits bemoans the the fact that the Mint doesn't give out complimentary samples of their product. Luckily, there are plenty of banks nearby.
Oh the Mint. A place of shinny chips and the things little chillins' dreams are made of. I know mine were. And I HAVE BEEN HERE. At a very young age, nonetheless and it was..spectacular...definitely. Came with the grandparents and they were...very loving...naturally. What better way to show your love and adoration than to bring 'em to the mint. Show 'em what is really important. Show them what you really care about. Oh, and it is a landmark.
