Part 18 here
South of Pennsylvania was very hot and humid. In the morning we decided to go to the Independence Hall by fast-speed subway. Oh boy, it was really speedy 🙂 When we came to the square, there was a lot of people and with all that heat and humidity it was very overwhelming. The tours to the Independence Hall are free, but in order to get inside we should have the tickets. When we got ours, we realized that tour will start in two hours. What can we do while waiting? Luckily there is United States Mint just around the corner – place where all coins are created. So let’s go there!
It is a pity that we were not allowed to take pictures inside. Well, I understand all that security issues, but still, there were a lot of interesting things. We saw the process of the coins creation from the beginning till the end.
From the huge rolls of metal sheets, probably 12 inches wide, the blank future-to-be coins were pressed out. Remaining sheet of metal looks like the dough for ravioli after that. Than those blanks were moved to the special oven, when they were heated and a special chemical mixture was used. Next step, if special letters are required on the edge of the coin, to add those. And move on to the stamping press machine.
Several special artists are working there, creating the appearance for the future coins. They work with clay and size of coin is up to 20 times bigger than the real. When clay model is ready, they use plaster to create negative and positive copies. Next the 3D model is created and with help of CNC machine the small form of the model is created. That form is used in the stamping machine that makes coins. It was very interesting to see how the real machine stamping coins very fast and next to us was the screen that showed the same process with reduced speed. Next was the final inspection. Inspectors examine coins very carefully and if something wrong is found, the whole batch goes to the waffle machine, destroying the coins. If the final inspection is successful, the coins goes to the counting machine (except pennies – they go by weight. Isn’t it funny to say – I need 3 pounds of pennies?) and packing to the special bags. After packing is done the coins are still not considered as money. They are goods, until they are issued by the Federal Reserve.
After that it was time to go to the Independence Hall tour. 
Don’t you think they have something in mind?
Foundation of the first White House
Red brick wall has the same shape as original wall was
White stripes on the ground is the plan of the original White House
I was far from the guide so didn’t hear him well. Ira helped me with that, writing next portion of the text.
The two judges of the king’s court had white robes, and sat the highest point of the courtroom. Lawyers had robes too. The accused was in a metal cage in the center of the room, but was innocent until proven guilty. To maintain order, a boy banged a tall pole on the floor. Apparently the sound reverberated off the walls and everyone was quiet. All of the lawyers had to share a law book, because they were expensive.
Ben Gates ran on the roof somewhere there
Thomas Jefferson and some other spokesperson came up with the idea for the Declaration. It might have been Ben Franklin. Connecticut came up with something important, but I can’t remember what. Rhode Island representatives never showed up to that one meeting someone planned. After the Declaration was written people stormed the courtroom and tore off the king’s seal. The judges robes were switched to black, and the lawyers completely abandoned them, choosing instead to wear suits.
The Declaration of Independence was written and signed here
After that we went to look to the Liberty Bell and went back to hotel.
Liberty Bell
Part 20 here