Bureau of the Mint. The branch of the United States Government which is charged with the responsibility of manufacturing America's coins and national medals. Although the U.S. Mint had been in existence since 1792, the Bureau of the Mint was created in 1873. In 1985 the agency issued a decree preferring the term “United States Mint,” the term by which it had been known up to 1873. Eight U.S. mints have struck coins including the chief mint at Philadelphia where all dies are made in addition to manufacturing coins. Large medals are only produced at Philadelphia, mini medals (medals struck on coining presses) are also struck at Denver Mint as well. In addition to three current operating mints, the agency also maintains assay offices and two bullion depositories. The agency's chief official is the direcor of the mint.