United States Mint, Philadelphia

Before you discuss anything else.. SECURITY is the greatest inconvenience.. You need a picture ID and your belongings will be scanned - NO EXCEPTIONS.. PHOTOGRAPHY of ANY kind is PROHIBITED.. No, you don't need to call for a tour - it's a FREE public self-guided walking tour - takes approximately an hour to cover.. If you go before 2012 you may be disappointed because they are under renovation and refurbishing the displays.. Still a great value for the family..

You are now permitted to bring in CAMERAS, however you are NOT permitted to actually photograph anything in the mint. Additionally, you are allowed to bring in cell phones, video cameras, etc. This is different than the old policy, which did not permit anything to be brought in. There is security to go through when you first enter and a machine to scan your bags. Also, the description said to call to arrange a tour. Its a museum style self guided tour that takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your interest in what is going on. Hours are 9am to 4:30pm Mon to Friday, but arrive before 4pm if you want to do the whole walk-through. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there are the same hours on Saturday. Pretty solid gift shop to pick up coin sets as well as novelties and clothes. Oh, and it does not cost ANYTHING to go on the self-guided tour, and it is right next to the National Constitution Center and 2 blocks from Liberty bell and Independence Hall, so its convenient if you are in that area.

Philly is my home. Every time I come home I find something new to see.I also use to work at the US Mint. & I had a lot of fun.I got to meat a lot of pepole while I worked there.I moved to Syracuse about 8years ago.& I miss my home town.I love the art.My name is Ruth King-Mitchell