Extract from Resolution of Congress relating to Mint.
“Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury report to this House the cost of erecting the principal Mint and its branches, including buildings, fixtures, and apparatus; the salaries and expenses of the different officers; the amount expended in the purchase of bullion; the loss arising from wastage, and all other expenses; and the average length of time it requires to coin at the principal Mint all the bullion with which it can be furnished; and further, what amount of coin has been struck at the several branch mints, since their organization.”
Mint of the United States, Philadelphia.
| The cost of the edifice, machinery, and fixtures, was | $173,390 |
| Ground, enclosure, paving, etc. | 35,840 |
| Total cost of buildings, etc. | $209,230 |
This amount does not include expenditures made under special appropriations for the years 1836 and 1837, for milling and coining by steam power; and for extensive improvements in the assaying, melting, and parting rooms, and machine shops, amounting to $28,270.
It may be proper to mention that the Mint building is on the best street in the city, is of large dimensions, with the whole exterior of marble, and two Ionic porticos; and that the machinery and apparatus are of the best construction. The cost must therefore be considered as very moderate. The new Mint lately erected by the British India Government at Calcutta, cost 24 lacs of rupees, or about $1,138,000.
| The | Director receives per annum | $3,500 |
| Treasurer | 2,000 | |
| Chief Coiner | 2,000 | |
| Assayer | 2,000 | |
| Melter and Refiner | 2,000 | |
| Engraver | 2,000 | |
| Second Engraver | 1,500 | |
| Assistant Assayer | 1,300 | |
| Treasurer’s Clerk | 1,200 | |
| Bookkeeper | 1,000 | |
| Clerk of the weighing room | 1,200 | |
| Director’s Clerk | 700 | |
| Total for salaries | $20,400 |
No expenses are allowed, beyond the above sums, to any officer, assistant, or clerk, for the performance of his duties.
As all the gold and silver brought to the Mint is purchased at the nett Mint price, there is no expense, properly so called, incurred on this account.