Old San Francisco Mint

The Old San Francisco Mint

The Old San Francisco Mint is an imposing colonnaded building, a former mint of the town. The San Francisco audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this historic monument, nicknamed the Granite Lady, which survived the great earthquake of 1906.

The Granite Lady, former mint

The Old San Francisco Mint is an imposing colonnaded building, a former branch of the United States Mint, which once struck coins. Built in a neoclassical style in the nineteenth century, it is nicknamed the Granite Lady. This monument has remained famous for having resisted the devastating earthquake and fire of 1906: the building and the gold it sheltered were saved, making the Mint a symbol of resistance and stability in the heart of the ruined town. A witness of the economic history and the resilience of San Francisco, it remains a major heritage building.

What to see

You admire the imposing neoclassical colonnaded building, a former mint nicknamed the Granite Lady, which resisted the earthquake and fire of 1906, becoming a symbol of resilience. The Old San Francisco Mint is a major historic monument. It is a stop for lovers of history, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Old San Francisco Mint lies in the heart of San Francisco, reachable on foot. You mainly admire its colonnaded façade from the street; the interior access follows its own conditions and hours, which vary. It is best to enquire before coming.

Why is the Old San Francisco Mint nicknamed the Granite Lady?

Because of its imposing neoclassical stone architecture, and because it resisted the earthquake and fire of 1906, becoming a symbol of resistance; it was the former mint of the town.

Where is the Old San Francisco Mint?

In the heart of San Francisco, in the United States.