HOLLIS NEW ORLEANS MINT MUSEUM VISIT REPORT

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V29 2026 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 29, Number 20, 2026, Article 23

Last week we mentioned U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis' visit to the old New Orleans Mint. Here's the Mint's post-event report. -Editor

The Semiquincentennial celebration is all about connections. Connecting what happened in our Nation's past with what is happening today and moving forward.

New Orleans is home to the oldest surviving structure to have served as a U.S. Mint. During the Civil War, it briefly produced coins under both Union and Confederate authority, reflecting a complex and divided chapter in the Nation's history. While coins are no longer minted here, the building itself has been redesigned and repurposed to uphold the history, legacy, and growth of a distinctive musical style that was born right here in New Orleans—Jazz!

On May 8, the United States Mint (Mint), hosted an event at the New Orleans Jazz Museum (Museum) entitled, "Minting the American Spirit: Celebrating our Nation's Semiquincentennial," in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event was supported by the Museum (also known as the Old U.S. Mint) and the Louisiana America 250 Commission. Special guests included Paul Hollis, 41st Director of Mint, Brandon Beach, Treasurer of the United States, and Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana. Members of the Crescent City Coin Club attended as well.

Speakers were introduced by Greg Lambousy, the Museum's director. First, Lt. Gov. Nungesser spoke about the historic Mint building that has survived over 200 years through disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. He talked about the "huge amounts of gold and silver that passed through these halls…"

Director Hollis, a native of Louisiana, spoke next. He began with a story about one of his earliest memories as a child—receiving a coin from his grandmother that she had saved during the Great Depression. He shared with attendees how he has carried that coin in his pocket during the most important moments of his life.

At the conclusion of his remarks, Director Hollis challenged attendees with the following:

"I would challenge you all, if you would, to share coins, to share the history of our nation with anyone, but typically I would suggest young people because it's a passion; it's an enthusiasm; it's a link to history. It enhances patriotism. There's nothing better I think that you can do this year than to share that."

Finally, Treasurer Beach took the podium as the first Louisianan to serve in his position. He spoke about how U.S. coins and medals are the gold standard around the world. The Treasurer also shared stories about the American dream becoming a reality for many and how much he loves this nation.

Following the formal portion of the event, attendees had the opportunity to purchase products from the Mint pop-up booth and get the latest 2026 circulating coins from the Mint's coin machines on site.

The evening would not be complete without a visit to the Old Mint exhibit housed on the first floor of the museum. Museum staff commented on how nice it was to have the people of the Mint back home at the Mint in New Orleans. Mint staff reminded them that we love Connecting America through Coins!

The article links to a YouTube recording of the event, but as of this afternoon it was not opened to the public. -Editor

To read the complete article, see:
Minting the American Spirit (https://www.usmint.gov/news/inside-the-mint/minting-the-american-spirit)