Overview
Osborne Mint, is division of Osborne Coinage, a long-established private mint located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company traces its origins to the nineteenth century and is widely regarded as the oldest continuously operating private mint in the United States. Osborne Mint produces custom coins, medals, tokens, and coin blanks for commercial, promotional, and numismatic applications.
Over many decades of operation, the company has supplied medals and tokens for businesses, organizations, and government agencies. Its production has included campaign medallions, transportation tokens, commemorative medals, promotional coins, and collectible bullion pieces.
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 |
| 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
- Use of “O over M” separated by a horizontal line mint mark on select issues
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.