- Address: Ayacucho, Potosí Municipality, Bolivia
- Phone: +59126222777
- Opening hours: Tues-Sat from 9:00 to 19:00, Sun 9:00 - 12:00, break 12:00 - 14:30
In the XVI century, a shepherd of Diego Alps on the hill of Cerro Rico (Cerro Rico) was discovered an ingot of silver. From this moment came a new stage in the life of the amazing city of Potosi , in which they began to extract deposits of precious metal, which brought incredible wealth to the Spanish empire. Currently, the history of mining and production of coins can be seen in the Museum of the Mint (Casa de la Moneda).
Historical facts
The opening of the Mint took place in July 1773. Initially, it was planned to build a new building, but then decided to expand the original complex, for which the famous architect of that time, Salvador de Vila, was invited.
In 1869, steam engines brought from the United States finally replaced animals, and 1,909 pairs were replaced by electricity. In 1951, the last coin was issued here. Sources with precious metals were depleted.
Today the Casa de la Moneda has a huge collection of historical values: coins from various countries and eras, paintings by famous artists, jewelry, embalmed mummies and equipment for minting money.
Exhibits of the Mint in Bolivia
The tour starts from the second floor, where there are paintings from the Holy Scripture. The main exhibit in the hall is a canvas depicting the Cerro Rico mountain, with a history of silver detection.
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The next room is devoted to the history of coin production. The first of these were rather primitive and sloppy, since an elementary manual stamping was used, and consisted of 93% of silver. Over time, the amount of precious metal decreased to 73%, and for strength in the coins began to add copper.
In this room there are also molds and medals from different eras. The Spaniards brought from Europe wooden machines, with which it was possible to roll ingots into thin sheets. These mechanisms were put into action with the help of mules working under the supervision of overseers. In such conditions (a working day in a confined space), the life of the donkeys, unfortunately, was hard and short-lived. Now in the museum on different floors you can see stuffed animals and preserved equipment.
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In the institution is the hall of the foundry. Here you will see the figures of an apprentice and a caster, as well as real instruments, which are more than 200 years old. Visitors are attracted by a heap of firewood with fire, which symbolizes the melting of metal. There are in the museum and rooms with products from silver: from the crucifixion to the knightly armor.
The museum also presents an extensive collection of minerals (more than 3000 samples), collected from all over the country. The main exhibit is "Boliviano" - the largest crystal found in Bolivia .
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Stored in the territory of the Mint and archaeological finds discovered during the extraction of silver. Here you can see the remains of animals, skeletons of people, dishes, etc.
It should be noted and the scheme of civilization development, made in the XIX century. It represents the chronology from the creation of the Earth and the expulsion from the paradise of Adam and Eve to the latest scientific discoveries made by mankind.
On the territory of the Mint, Eugenio Moulon made a symbol of the city - a portrait of a man whose half face is decorated with a smile, and the second - distorts the grimace. This mask is Mascaron, which is depicted on many souvenirs of the city of Potosi .
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Features of visit
The cost of admission is 50 boliviano, and for the possibility of photography you have to pay another 20. By local standards this is not a cheap pleasure. But, according to many experts, this is one of the best museums in Latin America, where it's worth to go.
You can only visit the Mint together with the guide, and the groups come in time. English-speaking tours are held at 10:30 and at 14:30.
There is a café on site, where visitors can have coffee and a snack, and free internet is available on the ground floor.
How to get to the Mint of Bolivia?
The territory of the museum is quite large, it occupies a whole block and is located in the historical center of Potosi, near the square on 10 November. It will not be difficult to get here. The mint can be reached on foot, by car or public transport , which moves towards the center.
