Like almost every other operation of its kind, the Franklin Mint near Media, Pa., is surrounded by a high metal fence, patrolled by armed guards and constantly scanned by closed-circuit TV. Refuse is carefully placed in bins marked CLASSIFIED WASTE. But unlike most such fortresses, Franklin produces no money except for some coins for several small nations. It is the world's largest private mint, and it concentrates on turning out commemorative medals. The security precautions are not as outrageous as they might seem. In the past few years Franklin Mint has surpassed that nonstop disgorger of postage stamps, the...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
