Overview
Osborne Mint is part of the Osborne Coinage family of brands. Osborne Coinage is a private mint located in Cincinnati, Ohio, that traces its origins to 1835 and describes itself as America’s oldest private mint. Osborne Mint produces precious-metal rounds, bars, and custom collectible issues, while Osborne Coinage manufactures custom coins, medals, medallions, tokens, key tags, and coin blanks for commercial, promotional, commemorative, and numismatic applications.
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Production Type | Contract / custom |
| Die Creation | Client-specific engraving |
| Metals Used | Base metals; copper, silver and gold by contract |
| Finishes | Varies by order (e.g., BU, proof-like, plated) |
| Mint Marks | O over M separated by a horizontal line, O over offset C |
| Distribution | Controlled by commissioning client |
Documentation Status
Documented
- Cincinnati, Ohio headquarters
- Continuous operation from the 19th century to present
- Role as a commercial contract mint
- Osbourne Mint used O over M separated by a horizontal line mint mark on select issues
- Osbourne Coinage used an O over and offset C
Historical Significance
The business that became Osborne Mint began operating in the nineteenth century and continued under several related company names as ownership changed over time. Early production focused on store tokens and industrial scrip used by mining, lumber, and company-town businesses.
During the Second World War the company manufactured fiber ration tokens used in the United States to help conserve strategic metals. In the decades following the war, the firm expanded into the large-scale production of commercial tokens and promotional medals for private clients.
Coins from Osbourne Mint – Osbourne Coinage (Cincinnati, OH) (1)
