San Francisco Mint Commemorative Coins

The United States Mint has completed production of the 2006 San Francisco Mint Commemorative coins. Public Law 109-230 mandated the striking of both silver dollar and five dollar gold coins to honor the old Mint's place in history, in particular its role in helping the city of San Francisco recover following the devastating earthquake of 1906.

The San Francisco Mint was first established in 1852, in response to the need to convert California gold rush discoveries into coinage. The first mint facility was quickly outgrown, giving rise to the building depicted in the 2006 San Francisco Mint Commemorative coins. The "Granite Lady", as the second SF Mint came to be known, first struck coins in 1874.

Because of her superior structural design, the Granite Lady remained standing following the 1906 earthquake. The Mint was the only financial institution capable of functioning immediately after the disaster, and served as a clearing house for relief funds, helping the city to get on its feet much quicker.

Both coins were produced at the modern-day San Francisco Mint (first opened in 1937), and bore the "S" mintmark, indicative of its place of origin. These are the first U.S. commemorative coins ever to pay tribute to a U.S. Mint facility. The coins were minted in proof and uncirculated formats. Final sales figures:

Uncirculated Silver Dollar: 65,609
Proof Silver Dollar: 207,248
Uncirculated Gold Half Eagle: 16,149
Proof Gold Half Eagle: 41,517
2006 American Legacy Set: 48,452

Surcharges earned through the sale of the San Francisco Mint Commemorative coins went to help recondition the Granite Lady and create a museum dedicated to United States numismatics and the California Gold Rush.

Collectors wishing to buy San Francisco Mint commemorative coins can find them on eBay coin auctions.