U.S. Mint at Denver

Winter holiday time is the best time to visit for their pretty lights...I wish I could remember times for light show. Anyways, it is FREE & totally worth checking it out when you are in Denver area!

United States Mint Tour Entrance and Gift Shop in Denver, CO The United States Mint Tour Entrance and Gift Shop in Denver, CO offers an amazing glimpse into the history and inner workings of the country's coin production. With over 2.7 million coins made 5 days a week, the tour provides informative insights into the Mint's operations, including the fact that they make coins for other countries as well. The tour itself is quite limited and tightly controlled, with US Mint Police escorting visitors through the facilities. While this strict oversight may feel a bit restrictive, it's understandable given the sensitive nature of the Mint's work. The tour is certainly worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. Cell phones off and no pictures or videos allowed inside. One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to see three gold bars, each weighing a substantial 27 pounds. The gift shop is also a great place to pick up unique souvenirs, though visitors should be prepared to pay with cash, as credit card purchases are limited to items behind the display cases. Your tickets are Free and date/time stamped. Overall, the United States Mint Tour Entrance and Gift Shop is a fascinating and informative experience that provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the nation's coin production. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American history and numismatics.

To preface, I came here on Thursday in mid April, which I guess is considered "off-peak" given that it's not the summer and children aren't out of school. From the advice of other reviews, I came here early around 6:45am and was the first online for ticket. When the doors opened for ticketing, there was about 3-5 people on line. Safe to say that everyone got the time slot they wanted since there's 50 ticket for times slot and one person can max get 5 tickets. The line actually starts next to where the gift shop is, not where it say visitor entrance. I got in at the 7:30am tour, they start to let you in through security, but the actual tour doesn't start until 8am, so you have time. The first part shows you the history of coins, and currency historically from around the world. The next part they show you the machinery that does the minting. Fun fact: 17% of USA's gold is stored here. The mint operates without tax payer dollars and actually generates profit, from sales of collectables and investment coins to the public, and returns it to the government. Keep in mind: There's no water allowed inside, but there is a refilling station if you empty you bottle, and bathrooms once you enter. There's no photography allowed, no backpacks or storage lockers. Overall, it was a very informative tour. My tour guide was very knowledgable and always gave us his two cents (haha)

I visited in late May, free tours, fun to see pennies getting made and the history of currency, wish they allowed photos inside. Different stories for all types. Didn't love the show up at 7am for tickets, there was a short line already, arriving at 7am. They thought tickets would run out by 9:30am when I came back for my 9am tour, but can run out by 7:30am in July. It seems more difficult to plan around than it should be. First tour was at 7:30am