North American Mint (Rochester, NY)

Overview

North American Mint Rochester NY (NAM), is a private mint and custom-medal manufacturer located in Rochester, New York. Founded in June 1986 by William J. LaMere Sr., the company specializes in custom coins, medals, bullion products, challenge coins, corporate awards, and commemorative issues produced for private organizations, businesses, institutions, and collectors.

The company operates primarily as a contract manufacturer, producing products on behalf of clients rather than issuing products under its own name. North American Mint combines in-house design, sculpting, die production, minting, finishing, packaging, and fulfillment services.

For Texas numismatic research, North American Mint is a confirmed manufacturer of The Texas Stacker rounds and a confirmed producer of at least some Republic of Texas rounds, and some of the most popular rounds on the market today.

Address

1600 Lexington Avenue
Suite 240-A
Rochester, New York 14606

History

North American Mint was founded in June 1986 by William J. LaMere Sr.

According to company literature, the business remained family-owned and operated, with William J. LaMere Sr.’s sons Bill, Michael, and Brad LaMere later assuming leadership roles within the company. Company promotional materials describe North American Mint as a full-service custom mint capable of transforming client concepts into finished commemorative products through in-house artistic, sculptural, engraving, die-production, and manufacturing processes. The company developed a national reputation for producing custom medals and coins for corporate, military, educational, charitable, and commemorative organizations.

Leadership

William J. LaMere Sr.

Founder

Founded North American Mint in June 1986 and established the company as a family-operated custom minting business.

William J. LaMere Jr.

President

Business card documentation identifies William J. LaMere Jr. as President of North American Mint, Inc.

Direct correspondence with LaMere confirmed:

  • North American Mint manufactured Texas Stacker rounds.
  • North American Mint manufactured at least some Republic of Texas rounds.
  • North American Mint did not manufacture Texas commemorative rounds struck prior to June 1986 because the company had not yet begun operations.

Roles

Manufacturer

Produces custom coins, medals, bullion products, challenge coins, and commemorative issues.

Die Producer

Creates custom dies for client projects, including both portrait and relief designs.

Engraver

Provides engraving and artwork preparation services.

Distributor

Provides packaging, fulfillment, and direct delivery services for custom projects.

Manufacturing Capabilities

Company literature documents production in:

  • .999 fine silver
  • .9999 fine silver
  • .999 fine copper
  • .9999 fine gold
  • Bronze
  • Nickel
  • Gold-clad products
  • Silver-clad products

Documented product formats include:

  • ½ gram
  • 1/20 ounce
  • 1/10 ounce
  • ¼ ounce
  • ½ ounce
  • 1 ounce
  • 2 ounce
  • 5 ounce
  • Ingot formats

The company also offered:

  • High-relief medals
  • Photo-engraved rounds
  • Serialized editions
  • Custom edge numbering
  • Proof finishes
  • Proof-like finishes
  • Presentation packaging

Known Texas-Related Output

Texas Stacker LLC

Confirmed manufacturer of Texas Stacker silver rounds issued by Texas Stacker LLC.

Republic of Texas

Confirmed manufacturer of at least some Republic of Texas rounds.

Specific dates, denominations, and designs remain under investigation.

Notable Clients

Company literature identifies clients including:

  • American Red Cross
  • U.S. Military
  • U.S. Naval Academy
  • Hershey Company
  • Merrill Lynch
  • Eastman Kodak
  • Exxon Mobil
  • Xerox
  • Bausch & Lomb
  • Tim Hortons
  • Richard Petty Motorsports
  • Concorde Flight 25th Anniversary
  • NASA Apollo Anniversary programs
  • Sea World
  • Sesame Street
  • Vietnam War Memorial projects
  • AFL-CIO
  • NCAA
  • Winter Olympics
  • Stanley Cup
  • Rose Bowl

The company notes that these represent only a portion of its customer base.

Notes

Because North American Mint operated primarily as a contract manufacturer, many of its products do not carry a mint hallmark. Attribution often requires issuer documentation, original packaging, production records, or direct confirmation from the company.

References

  • North American Mint corporate brochure
  • North American Mint business card, William J. LaMere Jr., President
  • Direct correspondence with William J. LaMere Jr.
  • North American Mint promotional literature
  • Texas Stacker research files
  • Republic of Texas attribution research files

Coins from this Mint (1)