The San Francisco Old Mint Commemorative Coins Act (Pub.

L. 109–230 (text) (PDF)) authorized the production of the coin, along with a silver dollar, to mark the centennial of the building's survival of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.

The so-called "Granite Lady" was also viewed as instrumental in helping the city recover from the disaster.

The act allowed the coins to be struck in both proof and uncirculated finishes.

[2] The obverse of the coin, designed by Charles Vickers, portrays the portico of the San Francisco Mint, based on an 1869 construction drawing by Supervising Architect A.B.