Historic Coin Press to run July 4 in Carson City
CARSON CITY — Coin Press No. 1, which stamped coins at the Carson City Mint from 1870 to 1893, will operate from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4 at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City. This will be the first time the museum has operated Coin Press No. 1 since it closed temporarily in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re glad to be able to offer this popular presentation to the public again,” Myron Freedman, Nevada State Museum director, said. “Coin Press No. 1 is a true Nevada treasure, something all Nevadans should get to see in action.”
The Nevada State Museum incorporates the historic Carson City Mint, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. As part of that celebration, the museum is issuing a half-ounce .999 fine silver medallion. Interested visitors may purchase a $75 silver blank in the museum store on July 4th and have it minted for them on the press.
Other exhibits at the museum include Nevada’s Changing Earth, a display of more than 300 rocks and minerals from Nevada and the western United States; and Nevada: a People and Place Through Time, a walk through the state’s history. The museum’s new hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. All visitors, volunteers and staff must wear a face covering while in the museum and maintain 6 feet of distance from others. Acrylic barriers are in place at the admissions desk, the store and in the coin press gallery to protect visitors. The museum is allowing visitors up to half its normal capacity to insure social distancing.
The Division of Museums and History preserves, shares, and promotes the understanding, and celebration of Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage for the enrichment of all generations.