The world has 195 countries — each with its own currencies. However, not every country around the world has the resources and budget to produce its coins. Seventy mints around the globe produce a majority of the world’s coins, including the exportation of country-specific coins through various contracts.
But a few of the mints stand out as the leading mints worldwide. From supplying coins to other countries to minting billions each year, here are the biggest mints in the world.
1. The Biggest Mint in the World and North America — The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia
Covering over five acres, the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia is the largest in the United States, North America, and the world. The mint produces over 13.5 billion coins yearly, including as much as 1.8 million coins an hour and 32 million daily. It produces all denominations of U.S. coins, commemorative coins, and dies to stamp medals and all types of coins. Established in 1792, the mint is also the oldest of the four mints in the United States.
2. The Biggest Mint in Europe — The Royal Mint
Located in Llantrisant, Wales, United Kingdom, the Royal Mint is the largest in Europe, producing 3.3 billion coins yearly for the U.K. and over 30 other countries. The Royal Mint was originally at the London Tower, surrounded by guards and a castle, and one of the oldest in the world. With 1,100 years of coin-making experience, the Royal Mint prides itself on precision, craft, and creativity concerning coins of all countries.
3. The Biggest Mint in Africa — The South African Mint
Producing all of the coins for South Africa and several African countries, the South African Mint is the largest on the continent. Opened in 1892, the mint produces all South African rand and commemorative coins — including the eye-opening 1 kg. gold coin and a 5 oz. gold coin.
4. The Biggest Mint in Oceania — The Royal Australian Mint
Opened in 1965, The Royal Australian Mint is the largest minter of coins in Oceania/Australasia. Consisting of two large buildings in Deakin near the capital of Canberra, the mint produces all circulated coins in the land down under, as well as 12 other countries worldwide.
5. The Biggest Mint in Asia — China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation
The China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation produces all versions of renminbi coins and bills across six locations throughout the country. Founded in 1920, the state-owned mint has a vast research and development department to counter rampant counterfeiting nationwide.
6. The Biggest Mint in South America — The Argentine Mint
Established in 1875, The Argentine Mint is South America’s largest mint still producing coins. Other mints, notably in Brazil, have ceased operations, opting to buy the coins from other mints. Today, the Argentine Mint in Buenos Aires mints all versions of the Argentine peso. Covering over 440,000 square feet, it remains the largest mint in the Southern Hemisphere.
Explore the Mints by Starting Your Coin Collection Today
If you want to explore the mints without visiting them, begin your coin collection with affordable pieces. Visit us at London Coin Galleries of Newport Beach and skip the pawn shop to find high-quality coins at a great price. Plus, you may discover plenty of tips and helpful tidbits by asking the right questions. Your coin collection may become your tie to the biggest mints worldwide.
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