Step 2: Annealing, Washing, and Drying

Because nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars are all different sizes, so are their blanks.  They're even a mix of different metals.  But all blanks need to be prepared before they can be minted.

First, the blanks are heated in an annealing furnace to soften the metal.  Then, they are run through a washer and dryer.  This makes the blanks nice and shiny!