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Charlotte Mint -- First Operating Branch US MintThe Charlotte Mint was one of the first US branch mints. Three branches were authorized in 1835, but Charlotte was the first to strike coins, beginning in March of 1838.Charlotte was a gold mint – all of the coins it made were gold. Gold was the reason for the mint’s existence – in response to America’s first gold rush, which began in the early 1800’s in North Carolina. By 1820 over $1 million in gold had been mined in the state. Some of this was coined locally by private mints – notably the Bechtler brothers’ mint. However, these mints fell short of providing adequate liquidity for the local population. Another difficulty was the shipment of the remaining raw bullion to Philadelphia, at great risk from Indians and bandits. This was neither safe nor cost effective. Construction and Early OperationsConstruction of the Charlotte Mint began in December of 1835. Major Samuel McComb was appointed to oversee construction of the building, which proceeded smoothly. McComb was a good manager – visiting Philadelphia to verify his instructions and to confirm the structural and operational requirements of the new facility. Also aiding the project was the fact that Charlotte was an established community. Supplies of building materials were reliable, and of good quality.The mint operated productively during its early years, until a fire in 1844 destroyed most of its equipment and severely damaged the building. The mint was rebuilt with some modification, and reopened in 1846. Civil War YearsThe 1860s brought the Civil War, North Carolina seceding from the Union in May of 1861. The Confederate government took over the mint, and remained open on behalf of the Confederacy through October.A proposal to strike 1000 five dollar gold coins of a unique North Carolina design was entertained and rejected. By then it was obvious that gold coins – coins of any substance – were not circulating due to wartime hoarding. Mint operations ceased for the duration of the conflict. Later YearsThe mint never reopened as a mint, but was designated a US Assay Office instead. It functioned thus until 1913, then remained unused until the 1930’s, when it was slated for demolition.Prominent citizens rescued the former mint from destruction. The structure was moved to a better part of town and opened as an art museum. It remains so to the present day, and is known for its fine collection of gold coins – all bearing the “C” mint mark of the Charlotte Mint.
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