Charlotte Mint
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The Charlotte Mint was a branch of the United States Mint that came into existence on March 3, 1835 during the Carolina Gold Rush. The United States Congress approved an Act to establish several branch mints; the act stated, "...one branch [to be established] at the town of Charlotte, in Mecklenburg County, in the state of North Carolina, for the coinage of gold only...". This Act also authorized mints at Dahlonega, Georgia, and New Orleans, Louisiana, after President Andrew Jackson signed it into law.
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[edit] Production
In 1836, construction on the Charlotte Mint began, with it opening for business on July 27, 1837. Only raw gold was processed and refined until March 28, 1838, when the first $5 gold half eagle was struck in Charlotte. Later that year $2 1/2 quarter eagles were minted, and a small gold dollar began production in 1849. All gold coinage coming from this mint has a "C" mint mark to distinguish it from other sister mints then in operation. Over $5 million in gold coins were issued by the Charlotte Mint.
[edit] War
In May, 1861, North Carolina seceded from the Union, opening the door for the Confederacy to seize control of the Charlotte Mint. Coining operations continued until October when it became clear it was a futile effort. It was then converted into a hospital and military office space for the remainder of the Civil War.
[edit] After the War
Federal troops used the offices for the first few years of Reconstruction, and in 1867, the U.S. government designated it an assay office. In 1873, the General Assembly of North Carolina pentioned to Congress to reopen the mint at Charolette. This request was denied.
The Assay office operated until 1913 when the gold supply was quickly dwindling. The Charolette Woman's Club met in the building from 1917 to 1919. It also served as a Red Cross station during World War I.
[edit] Museum
In 1931, the building was to be demolished to make room for the post office expansion next door. A coalition of private citizens acquired the structure from the U.S. Treasury Department in 1933. It was relocated a few miles south of downtown Charlotte and in 1936, was dedicated as the Mint Museum of Art, the first art museum in North Carolina. The building itself is now registered as a federal historic landmark. On display are thousands of various artwork items, along with a complete collection of all gold coins minted at the Charlotte Mint.
Charlotte Mint gold coins range from scarce to extremely rare and are some of the most desired items in numismatics today, making the museum's collection highly valuable.
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