National Mint of Bolivia

The National Mint of Bolivia, or Casa Nacional de la Moneda, is related to the massive silver mine at Cerro Rico, which supplied silver to the Spanish Empire. It is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Bolivia.

The National Mint of Bolivia was established to oversee the production of Spanish colonial coinage from the Potos silver mine. It was built between 1753 and 1773 and is now one of Bolivia's and South America's most spectacular museums.
In 1572, a prior mint in Potos was erected on the location of the Casa de Justicia. It was superseded by the National Mint. The Mint has a beautiful colonial exterior and walls that are almost a metre thick.

The final coins were struck in this country in 1953. The structure was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 as part of the Potos city listing.

The structure has served as a military headquarters, a jail, and a stronghold. The minting apparatus from the Spanish colony and the Republic of Bolivia is maintained in the museum that now occupies the structure.

The National Mint of Bolivia is located in Potos. You can only visit at specified hours, so plan ahead of time. Arriving at a time such as initial opening increases your chances of joining a group for the guided tour.

Location: Potos