Whether we worship it or simply consider money a necessary commodity, we all have to admit a certain fascination with the coins and bills that seem to make the world turn. There are four mints in the United States, but the Denver Mint is one of only two (the other is the Philadelphia Mint) where we can actually see the process of turning lumps of metal into shiny coins.

Opened in 1863, the Mint originally melted gold dust and nuggets into bars. In 1904 the office moved to this site, and 2 years later began making gold and silver coins. Copper pennies were added a few years later. The last silver dollars (containing 90% silver) were coined in 1935. In 1970, all silver was eliminated from dollars and half dollars (today they're made of a copper-nickel alloy). The Denver Mint stamps billions of coins each year, and each has a small D on it.

Although visitors today don't get as close as they once did, a self-guided tour along the visitors' gallery provides a good look at the process, with video monitors offering a close-up view of the actual coin-minting process as it is taking place. A variety of displays help explain the minting process, and a gift shop across the street (tel. 303/572-9500) offers a variety of souvenirs. Allow 1 hour.

Note: At press time, walk-in mint tours had been halted indefinitely for security reasons; and individuals were required to arrange tours at least 3 weeks in advance with their congressional representatives. It is hoped that walk-in visitors will be allowed in the future; call or check www.usmint.gov for up-to-date information.