Dahlonega Mint

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The Dahlonega Mint was chartered by the United States Congress and erected in 1837, in the mining town of Dahlonega, Georgia, during the first North American gold rush known as the Georgia Gold Rush. The first coins produced at the mint were gold $ 5.00 half eagles in April of 1838. The mint produced coins every year from 1838 through 1861. Denominations produced included $ 1.00; $ 2.50 (quarter eagles); $ 3.00 (1854 only); and $ 5.00 (half eagles). It was operated as a branch mint until the American Civil War broke out in 1861 and it was seized by the Confederates. It is believed that after the Confederates took over the mint in 1861, that some gold dollars and half eagles were minted under the authority of the Confederate States Government. The exact number of 1861 D Gold dollars produced is unknown, while approximately 1597 1861 D half eagles were struck. Because of their relatively low mintage, all Dahlonega-minted gold coins are rare. It is generally accepted that Gold coins estimated to exceed $6 million were minted here. The building that housed the Dahlonega Mint was destroyed by fire in 1878.

Gold leaf from this area also covers the exterior of the domed roof over the rotunda of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Local media often refer to the state legislature's activities as what's going on "under the gold dome".

The Dahlonega Mint used "D" as its mint mark, which is not to be confused with the present-day mint mark of the Denver Mint, which is also a D. However, as the Dahlonega Mint only produced gold coins, and it was destroyed before Denver Mint's use of the mintmark, they are easily distinguished. Dahlonega coins (with the D mintmark) are dated 1838 through 1861 only.

For other United States Mint facilities, see Historical United States Mints.