No Date Medal Old San Francisco Mint Bronze 1 1/2"

Coin Details

Description

This undated bronze medal in the larger 1 1/2 inch (38mm) format depicts the Old San Francisco Mint, the legendary "Granite Lady" that survived the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire that destroyed most of San Francisco. Built between 1869 and 1874, this second San Francisco Mint building at Fifth and Mission Streets was designed by architect Alfred B. Mullett in the Federal Greek Revival style and served as the city's primary coinage facility until a new mint building opened in 1937. The Old Mint's survival of the 1906 disaster, when employees fought fires on the roof while processing gold deposits, is one of the most dramatic episodes in U.S. Mint history. The obverse presents the classical facade of the Old San Francisco Mint, a monumental structure whose massive granite walls and fireproof construction proved their worth during the 1906 catastrophe. In the aftermath of the earthquake and fire, the Old Mint became the only functioning financial institution in San Francisco, and its vaults held roughly one-third of the nation's gold reserves. The building served as an emergency bank, relief headquarters, and symbol of stability during the city's darkest hours. Its architectural grandeur reflected the enormous wealth that flowed through San Francisco during the Gold Rush and the Comstock Lode silver bonanza. The reverse carries standard facility medal inscriptions. The larger 1 1/2 inch format provided additional space for architectural detail befitting one of the most historically significant buildings in American numismatic history. The Old Mint has been preserved as a California Historical Landmark and National Historic Landmark.

Rarity Notes

Undated bronze facility medal, 1 1/2 inch (38mm) larger format. Depicts the historic "Granite Lady" that survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Cross References

PCGS #413122; Old San Francisco Mint (1874-1937); "The Granite Lady"; California Historical Landmark #875