IMPROVEMENTS MADE AT THE PHILADELPHIA MINT IN 1887, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF HON. DANIEL M. FOX. Impairment of the foundation of the old engine, together with the requirement of increased power, at the mint at Philadelphia led to a special appropriation by Act of Congress of $54,639.20, in accordance with specifications for the renewal of the steam motive plant and for its transfer from the centre of the building to space newly provided near the northern outer wall. The work, undertaken in July, was, by extraordinary exertions on the part of all engaged, completed early in September, with an interruption of less than two months to the regular course of complete operations. Two new 150-horse-power duplex steam-engines and one of 50-horse-power have been erected in the north basement, along with three tubular boilers, coal bunkers, etc. By this important improvement in plant valuable space has been secured in the centre basement and ground floor for vaults and other necessities. The number of assays made during the year was some 66,000, of which 48,000 were silver and 18,000 gold. The melter and refiner of the mint operated upon a larger quantity of bullion than in any previous year in the history of the institution. The operations by this officer may be stated as follows: Ounces. Gold deposits 409,326 Silver deposits 44,239,881 Parted and refined 721,765 As this bullion is handled more than sixteen times in the processes of melting and preparation for coinage or for manufacture of fine bars, the combined operations represent a single handling of nearly 25,000 tons. The operations of the coiner’s department may be stated as follows: Ounces. Gold 13,574 Silver 42,924,485 Minor coinage metal 5,588,897 ---------- Total 48,526,956 The total coinage was $23,277,600.80, the total number of pieces being 81,532,391. In addition to the coinage executed during the year, gold and silver bars were manufactured as follows: Gold $58,188,953.66 Silver 6,481,611.25 -------------- Total $64,670,564.91 Gold and Silver Bullion in the Mints and Assay Offices July 1, 1887. --------+------------- Metal. | Cost. --------+------------- Gold | $85,512,270 Silver | 10,455,650 |------------ Total | $95,967,920 --------+------------ Total Metallic Stock in the United States July 1, 1887, Coin and Bullion included. --------+--------------- | Value. --------+--------------- Gold | $654,520,335 Silver | 352,993,566 +--------------- Total |$1,007,513,901 --------+---------------