When the ......... of the U.S. Constitution created a new government for their untried Republic, they realized the critical need for a respected monetary system.

Soon after the Constitution's ........., Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton personally prepared plans for a national Mint.

On April 2, 1792, Congress passed The ......... Act, which created the Mint and authorized construction of a Mint building in the nation's capitol, Philadelphia.

President George Washington appointed Philadelphian David Rittenhouse, a ......... American scientist, as the first Director of the Mint.

When the United States government began minting coins in 1792, the original facility in Philadelphia was ......... to produce enough currency for the small country.

Under Rittenhouse, the Mint produced its first ......... coins: 11,178 copper cents, which were delivered in March 1793.

The primary mission of the United States Mint is to produce an adequate volume of coins for the nation to ......... its trade and commerce.

In addition to producing coins, the United States Mint has other responsibilities, including maintaining physical ......... and protection of the Nation's $100 billion of U.S. gold and silver assets.

It also produces proof and uncirculated coins, ......... coins, and medals for sale to the general public.

In addition, the Mint is responsible for receiving, redeeming, and processing ......... coins.