Northwest Territorial Mint has been a notable player in the precious metals industry since 1984, offering custom minting services and bullion products to customers worldwide. The company specializes in creating coins, medallions, and other minted items for businesses, military organizations, and individual investors.
Northwest Territorial Mint is a private mint based in Dayton, Nevada that produces custom coins, bullion, and commemorative items, serving clients ranging from the U.S. Military to private collectors. The company divides its business into three main areas: custom minting services, bullion sales, and online retail products.
This review examines the mint’s services, reputation, and how it compares to other options in the market.
Key Takeaways
- Northwest Territorial Mint operates as a private mint offering custom minting services, bullion sales, and retail products since 1984.
- The company serves diverse clients including military organizations, businesses, and individual precious metals investors.
- Evaluating the mint’s reputation and comparing alternatives helps buyers choose the right precious metals dealer.
Overview of Northwest Territorial Mint
Northwest Territorial Mint was established in 1984 as a private mint and bullion dealer specializing in custom-made coins, medallions, and precious metals products. The company was founded by Ross Hansen and operated as one of America’s largest private mints before facing operational challenges.
Company History
Northwest Territorial Mint began operations in 1984 under the leadership of founder Ross Hansen. The company quickly established itself in the precious metals industry by focusing on custom minting services and bullion dealing.
For nearly four decades, the mint served a diverse clientele including corporations, institutions, and individual investors from around the world. The company built its reputation on designing and creating die-struck coins, medallions, knives, and related products of high quality and craftsmanship.
Northwest Territorial Mint operated as a full-service facility that combined three main business functions. These included precious metals dealing, custom minting services, and retail sales of minted products.
The company developed expertise in manufacturing .999 fine silver products and offered popular items like American Gold Eagles and American Silver Eagles. Their business model focused on providing both standard bullion products and specialized custom-minted items for various markets.
Management and Ownership
Ross Hansen founded Northwest Territorial Mint in 1984 and served as the company’s Managing Member according to Better Business Bureau records. Hansen brought significant experience to the precious metals industry, having started his first venture in 1981 at age 20.
Before establishing Northwest Territorial Mint, Hansen founded Auburn Precious Metals in 1981. This early experience gave him more than 30 years of expertise in bullion dealing and minting operations.
Hansen’s background as a seasoned bullion dealer and minting expert shaped the company’s approach to both custom manufacturing and precious metals sales. His leadership guided the company through decades of growth in the competitive precious metals market.
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Free Gold IRA GuideThe company operated under Hansen’s direction as it expanded its client base to include corporate customers, institutional buyers, and individual precious metals investors worldwide.
Locations and Facilities
Northwest Territorial Mint operated from multiple locations during its business history. The company maintained its primary manufacturing facility in Dayton, Nevada, which housed the main minting operations.
The company also operated from Federal Way, Washington, where it maintained business offices and customer service operations. This location served as a key contact point for clients and handled various administrative functions.
The Nevada facility focused on the actual production of custom coins, medallions, and other minted products. This location contained the specialized equipment needed for die-striking and precious metals processing.
Both locations supported the company’s three main business areas: custom minting services, precious metals dealing, and retail sales operations. The facilities were designed to handle both small custom orders and larger institutional contracts.
Product Offerings and Minted Items
Northwest Territorial Mint operates as a full-service mint, precious metals dealer, and minted products retailer, offering bullion products alongside custom minting services. The company produces medallions, bullion, coins, and knives for military, government, corporate, and individual clients.
Bullion Products
Northwest Territorial Mint deals in gold, silver, palladium, and platinum coins through their precious metals operations. The company offers both buying and selling services for bullion products.
Their IRA-eligible bullion products include American Gold Eagles, American Silver Eagles, Platinum American Eagles, Palladium American Eagles, and other approved items. These products meet government standards for precious metals retirement accounts.
Silver bullion represents a significant portion of their inventory. The mint stocks silver bars and silver bullion coins for investors and collectors.
Gold and silver bullion prices fluctuate based on market conditions and order quantities. Larger orders typically receive better pricing through volume discounts.
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Calculate My Total FeesCustom Minting Services
The company has provided custom minting services since 1984, establishing expertise in die-struck products. Their custom minting capabilities cover coins, medallions, and specialized items.
Custom coins represent a major service category. Clients can specify designs, metals, and finishes for personalized projects.
The mint produces custom awards for recognition programs and special events. These items feature detailed artwork and professional finishing.
Custom items include belt buckles, key chains, and challenge coins with silver material options. The company works with clients to develop unique designs that meet specific requirements.
Challenge Coins and Military Products
Northwest Territorial Mint has been producing challenge coins and other items for the American military since its founding. Military challenge coins represent a specialized market segment.
The company serves government agencies with official challenge coins and recognition items. These products meet military specifications and quality standards.
Challenge coins feature unit insignia, mottos, and commemorative designs. The mint handles both small and large military orders.
Corporate clients also order challenge coins for employee recognition and company events. These items build team identity and reward achievement.
Commemorative Coins and Medallions
The mint produces commemorative coins for special events, anniversaries, and historical milestones. These items appeal to collectors and organizations marking significant occasions.
Medallions represent another specialty product category. The company creates medals for competitions, awards ceremonies, and institutional recognition.
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Custom medallions feature detailed artwork and various metal finishes. Clients can choose from different sizes and presentation options.
Minted products showcase the company’s craftsmanship and attention to detail. Quality control ensures consistent results across all commemorative items.
Additional Products and Services
Northwest Territorial Mint extends beyond traditional coin minting to offer specialized metal products including custom knives, keychains, and lapel pins. The company leverages its metal fabrication capabilities to create personalized items for collectors, businesses, and organizations.
Knives and Tools
Northwest Territorial Mint produces custom knives and cutting tools using precision metalworking techniques. The company has been creating and designing knives since 1984 alongside their coin production.
Their knife offerings include:
- Custom engraved pocket knives
- Commemorative blades for special events
- Organizational knives with logos and text
- Collectible hunting knives
Each knife undergoes careful craftsmanship with attention to blade quality and handle design. The mint applies the same precision standards used in coin production to ensure sharp edges and durable construction.
Customers can request personalized engravings on knife handles or blades. The company offers various metal finishes and handle materials to match specific preferences.
Keychains and Accessories
The mint produces metal keychains and small accessories using their established fabrication processes. These items serve as promotional products for businesses or personal keepsakes.
Popular keychain options include:
- Die-cast metal keychains with raised designs
- Engraved rectangular tags
- Custom shaped keychains matching logos or symbols
- Antique-finished accessories
The keychain production process mirrors their coin minting techniques. This ensures consistent quality and detailed designs even on smaller items.
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Download ChecklistKeychains can feature text, logos, or artwork. The mint offers various plating options including gold, silver, and bronze finishes.
Lapel Pins and Collectibles
Northwest Territorial Mint creates custom lapel pins for organizations, military units, and collectors. These small metal items require precise detailing and careful finishing work.
Their lapel pin services include:
- Military unit pins and insignia
- Corporate logo pins
- Event commemorative pins
- Custom collectible pins
The company produces pins in various styles including cloisonné, soft enamel, and die-struck metal. Each pin receives quality control inspection before shipping.
Lapel pins can incorporate multiple colors and complex designs. The mint offers different backing options including butterfly clutches and magnetic attachments.
Reputation and Customer Experience
Northwest Territorial Mint has built a mixed reputation over nearly four decades in the precious metals industry. The company faces ongoing challenges with customer satisfaction and service quality despite its long-standing presence in the market.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customer feedback for Northwest Territorial Mint reveals significant concerns about service quality and business practices. Many customer reviews highlight issues with order fulfillment and communication.
The company has faced serious legal and financial challenges that impact customer trust. Northwest Territorial Mint has experienced bankruptcy issues that have damaged its industry reputation.
Online review platforms show mixed experiences from customers. Some buyers report satisfactory transactions while others express frustration with delayed orders and poor communication.
The company’s rating varies across different review sites. Customer complaints often focus on shipping delays and difficulty reaching customer service representatives.
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Northwest Territorial Mint produces custom coins, medallions, and other minted products for various clients. The company has been licensed by the military and Veterans Administration to create official products.
Their custom minting division serves businesses, organizations, and government entities. The company creates coins, medals, knives, belt buckles, and other custom items.
Quality standards appear inconsistent based on customer feedback. Some clients praise the craftsmanship of custom products while others report issues with finished goods.
The company produces .999 fine silver products and offers various precious metals coins. Product quality varies depending on the specific item and manufacturing process used.
Ordering Process and Customer Service
The ordering process at Northwest Territorial Mint involves both online and phone-based transactions. Customers can browse products on the company website or speak with sales representatives.
Customer service experiences vary significantly among buyers. Some customers report helpful staff while others struggle to reach representatives.
Processing times for orders can be lengthy, especially during busy periods. Shipping delays are commonly reported issues that affect customer satisfaction.
The company provides IRA-approved precious metals products. They work with GoldStar Trust Company for precious metals storage services, though additional fees apply for these services.
Communication during the ordering process receives mixed reviews. Some customers appreciate detailed product information while others find the process confusing or incomplete.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
Northwest Territorial Mint faced serious legal problems that led to bankruptcy and criminal charges. The company’s CEO Ross Hansen and vault manager Diane Erdmann were convicted of running a Ponzi-like scheme that defrauded customers of millions.
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Northwest Territorial Mint filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 1, 2016. The company operated both a custom manufacturing business and a bullion dealer business from offices in Federal Way and Auburn, Washington.
The bankruptcy filing revealed major problems with the company’s finances. More than 2,500 customers paid for orders that were never fulfilled or refunded.
The total loss to these customers exceeded $25 million.
Missing Vault Inventory:
- Over 50 customers had bullion missing from storage
- Missing bullion worth more than $4.9 million
- Vault inventory revealed systematic theft
The company had previously faced regulatory action. Washington’s attorney general settled with Northwest Territorial Mint in 2008 after filing a lawsuit for failing to deliver products on time.
Fraud Allegations and Legal Actions
Ross Hansen and Diane Erdmann were convicted of 14 federal felonies after a four-week jury trial in July 2021. The charges included wire fraud and mail fraud related to their operation of the precious metals business.
Criminal Sentences:
- Ross Hansen: 11 years in prison, $33.7 million restitution
- Diane Erdmann: 5 years in prison, $32.1 million restitution
The fraud involved multiple schemes. Hansen and Erdmann lied about shipping times for bullion orders and used customer money for personal expenses and business expansion.
They also operated a Ponzi-like scheme using new customer money to pay older customers.
The pair attempted to flee before sentencing. They were arrested in Port Hadlock, Washington, with three loaded firearms in their vehicle after an 11-day manhunt.
Storage customers faced particular betrayal. The defendants collected fees to securely store bullion but instead used the stored metals to fulfill other orders or melted them down for different products.
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Several established bullion dealers offer better customer service ratings and more comprehensive precious metals services. Many competitors provide IRA-eligible products and superior storage options that Northwest Territorial Mint lacks.
Comparison With Other Bullion Dealers
Major competitors include Provident Metals, APMEX, and JM Bullion. These dealers typically offer better customer ratings and more reliable service than Northwest Territorial Mint.
APMEX stands out as one of the largest online precious metals dealers. They provide extensive inventory, competitive pricing, and IRA services that Northwest Territorial Mint doesn’t offer.
JM Bullion focuses specifically on bullion products with transparent pricing. Their customer service ratings exceed Northwest Territorial Mint’s poor online reviews.
Provident Metals offers similar products but with better customer support systems. They include live chat features that Northwest Territorial Mint lacks.
Key Differences:
- Customer Service: Most competitors offer live chat support
- IRA Services: Major dealers provide precious metals IRA options
- Ratings: Competitors typically have higher customer satisfaction scores
- Storage: Alternative dealers often partner with better-rated depositories
Reputable Choices for Minted Products
Several dealers specialize in both bullion and custom minted products. These companies offer reliable alternatives for customers seeking commemorative coins and medallions.
Scottsdale Bullion and Coin provides custom minting services alongside their bullion business. They maintain higher customer ratings than Northwest Territorial Mint.
Liberty Metals Group offers similar product ranges with better customer service records. Their custom coin services compete directly with Northwest Territorial Mint’s offerings.
Royal Mint Bullion provides government-backed products with exceptional quality standards. They offer both investment-grade bullion and collectible coins.
These alternatives typically provide:
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- More transparent pricing structures
- Improved delivery timeframes
- Enhanced quality control processes
Frequently Asked Questions
Customers have shared mixed experiences with Northwest Territorial Mint regarding product quality, customer service, and order fulfillment. The company offers a wide range of minted products and has faced various challenges over the years.
What are customers saying about the quality of products from Northwest Territorial Mint?
Customers generally praise the quality and craftsmanship of Northwest Territorial Mint’s products. Many reviews highlight the precision of engraving and the durability of finished items.
One customer noted the elegant finish of their purchase. Another appreciated the attention to detail in custom minting work.
The company employs skilled craftsmen who ensure each piece meets quality standards. Their precision craftsmanship has earned recognition in the minting industry.
How does Northwest Territorial Mint’s customer service rate based on consumer feedback?
Customer service ratings for Northwest Territorial Mint show mixed results. The company has a 3.7 star rating with customer reviews.
Some customers commend the company for outstanding customer service and timely responses. The customer service team can answer questions about products and services.
However, other customers have reported issues with communication and response times. The company provides multiple contact options including phone, email, and their website.
Are there any known issues with the delivery and fulfillment of orders at Northwest Territorial Mint?
Northwest Territorial Mint has faced delivery challenges in the past. The attorney general’s office settled with the company in 2008 after filing a lawsuit alleging failed delivery of products by promised dates.
The company was ordered to pay $20,000 in civil penalties and $38,000 in attorney costs.
It’s important to note that Northwest Territorial Mint filed for bankruptcy. Rangers Industries LLC now delivers services that Northwest Territorial Mint previously provided.
What is the range of products offered by Northwest Territorial Mint?
Northwest Territorial Mint offers one of the largest selections of coins to choose from. Their selection includes both popular and rare coins.
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Create My RMD PlanThe company specializes in custom minting services for various clients. They produce coins, medallions, bullion bars, keychains, and lapel pins.
Northwest Territorial Mint was founded in 1984 and was one of the largest private mints in the United States. They serve collectors, investors, military units, businesses, and government entities.
How do the prices of Northwest Territorial Mint compare to other precious metal dealers?
Northwest Territorial Mint provides detailed cost guides and pricing information. These guides help customers understand service costs and make informed decisions.
The company offers transparent pricing information for minting and metal fabrication projects. Customers can access pricing breakdowns to estimate and budget accurately.
Specific pricing comparisons with other dealers vary based on product type and customization requirements. The company’s pricing reflects their focus on quality craftsmanship and custom services.
What are the policies regarding returns and exchanges at Northwest Territorial Mint?
Specific return and exchange policies for Northwest Territorial Mint are not clearly detailed in available customer information.
Customers should contact the company directly for policy details.
The company emphasizes customer satisfaction and encourages customers to reach out with concerns.
Their representatives are available to address issues and queries.
Given the company’s bankruptcy status, customers should verify current policies with Rangers Industries LLC.
They now handle services previously provided by Northwest Territorial Mint.
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