WEST POINT MINT CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY

The West Point Mint is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its 4-acre plant, and the Daily News got a rare look Wednesday at the upstate facility that holds $80 billion in precious metals.

Security is tight at the facility about 90 minutes north of the city. Its 150 employees go through rigorous screenings every day to make sure they are metal free when they leave — and that includes checking the fillings in their teeth.

“We know how many times you have been to the dentist,” said Tom Dinardi, the deputy manager. “They’ll find anything. You won’t get through on the way out.”

The workers spend their days stamping American eagles on big silver dollar coins, by far the most popular.

Last year they sold 45 million — a nice jump from the 8 million sold in 2007.

They also labor over fancy gold and platinum collectible coins that can go for $1,700 a piece, said Dinardi.

To read the complete article, see: West Point Mint, with $80 billion in precious metals, celebrates 75th anniversary (www.nydailynews.com/new-york/west-point-mint-celebrates-75th-anniversary-article-1.1364535)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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