Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, provides the nation with a safe, flexible, and stable monetary and financial system.

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What is the Federal Reserve’s role in the circulation of coins?

The Federal Reserve plays a purely distributional role in the circulation of coins.

As the nation's issuing authority for coins, the U.S. Mint is responsible for coin production. On behalf of the U.S. Mint, Federal Reserve Banks distribute coins to banks and credit unions.

These financial institutions provide coins directly to individuals and businesses. The Federal Reserve does not provide coins directly to businesses or consumers.

For more information on coins, see the U.S. Mint's website.

Three panels show how coins circulate throughout the economy. First, the U.S. Mint is responsible for the production of coins. Second, coins are sent to Federal Reserve Banks for distribution. Finally, coins are sent to community banks for circulation among people, businesses, and other community banks.

Last Update: March 21, 2025

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What is the Federal Reserve’s role in the circulation of coins?