The Old Mint is one of the most important architecturally significant landmarks in the United States.Originally constructed in 1874, the Old U.S. Mint is one of the few significant buildings in the center of San Francisco to survive the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. During its 63 years of operation, the building played a vital role in the national economy; from producing over 59% of US gold and silver less than a year after construction to acting as the secure repository of one-third of the nation’s gold during the Great Depression. Now, with the planned restoration and conversion of the Old Mint into a museum celebrating San Francisco and the Bay Area through its history and its people, this National Historic Landmark will again serve its community. - http://www.themintproject.org/mint-story.php