The 1900s: The Gold Standard, Global Conflicts, and the Path to Modern Markets

The Gold Standard Act is passed, formally placing the United States on a gold standard.

The Denver Mint's new facility is completed.

The San Francisco Mint building survives the great earthquake and fire, playing a crucial role in the city's financial recovery.

The Lincoln cent is introduced, featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, the first regular U.S. coin to feature a specific person.

The Federal Reserve Act is passed, creating the Federal Reserve System and further shaping the nation's monetary policy.

The Mercury dime, Standing Liberty quarter, and Walking Liberty half dollar are introduced, all featuring new designs.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Executive Order 6102, which forbids the hoarding of gold coin, gold bullion, and gold certificates within the continental United States.

The Gold Reserve Act of 1934 changes the nominal price of gold from $20.67 per troy ounce to $35. This act also changes the gold standard to a gold bullion standard, meaning that gold coins are no longer minted for circulation.

During World War II, the Mint produces coins for allied nations. The composition of some U.S. coins is changed to save critical war materials. For example, the one-cent coin is made of steel with a zinc coating, and the five-cent coin is made of a silver-copper-manganese alloy.

The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminates silver from dimes and quarters, and reduces the silver content of half dollars from 90% to 40%.

President Richard Nixon announces that the United States will no longer convert dollars to gold at a fixed value, effectively ending the gold standard.

The American Eagle Gold and Silver Bullion Coins are introduced, providing investors with a convenient way to purchase precious metals.

The U.S. Mint begins producing commemorative coins to honor important events and individuals.

The 50 State Quarters Program begins, featuring unique designs for each state on the reverse of the quarter.