Old Mint Opening For Rare Public Viewing In San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- San Francisco's Old Mint at Fifth and Mission streets will give visitors a rare glimpse inside the building this weekend when it opens to the public.
In recent years it's been neglected, but the Old Mint still lives up to its nickname, the Granite Lady.
During San Francisco History Days, the public can wander the vaults and melting rooms of the Old Mint. It's rare for the public to get inside, but the city is working on plans to open the mint more often.
The graffiti and litter have been replaced with landscaping. A recent tour group offered a number of ideas for the landmark's future.
"A multi-purpose building; a mixed-use thing, and I hope they don't repaint…to tell the story of what this building's gone through," tour guide Joseph Amster said.
At one time, the Old Mint held one-third of the United States gold reserves, but not a single coin has been minted inside the building since 1937.
The event will be free to the public, and the building will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday March 12th, and Sunday March 13th.
