Placed By:	Silver Eagle
Date:	07/16/04
Nearest Town:	Philadelphia, PA
County:	Philadelphia
Terrain Difficulty:	Easy (flat, 300 yards RT)
Status:	alive (01/04/08)

While in Philadelphia, a tour of the U.S. Mint is a must, but many that take the tour may not be aware of the story behind the stuffed eagle flying above the entrance inside. In the early 19th century, an eagle began spending evening hours at the first U.S. Mint (1792-1833) on 7th Street near Arch. Eventually, he started hanging out inside the industrial building complex and was named Peter. The bird's fame soon spread throughout Philadelphia while he lived at the Mint for six years. Then tragedy struck when his wing was broken in the flywheel of a coining press and he eventually died. Peter the Mint Eagle was mounted and is still with us today; the spirit of the past in the modern Mint. It is believed that Peter was the model for many of the eagles put on coins, including the Eagle and Double Eagle Gold Pieces. The spirit of Peter also lives on through my Mint Eagle microbox, which can be found in Pennypack Park, not too far from the Mint. While in this park you can also look for the Ben Franklin letterboxes.

Directions:

Clues:

NOTE: Always take adequate precautions (such as prodding with a stick and/or wearing gloves) before reaching into dark crevasses and holes in the wild. Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.

Return to Silver Eagle's Pennsylvania Letterboxes Page

Return to Silver Eagle's Letterboxing Aerie

Last updated on 01/05/2008