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Coin press demos, state prison talk and more in February at Carson City museum

CARSON CITY, Nevada — Demonstrations of historical Coin Press No. 1 and a virtual lecture on the history of the Nevada State Prison are scheduled in February at the Nevada State Museum, Carson City. The museum also continues its ongoing program “The First Lady presents…” featuring Nevada first lady Kathy Sisolak showcasing a Nevada artist in an online format.

Historical Coin Press No. 1 operates from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday. On Feb. 20, the press will be minting replicas of the 1870 CC Seated Liberty Half Dollar: a coin that was minted in the first year of operation of the Carson City Mint, and one that is a rare find for coin collectors today. The replica, $125 and available for purchase at the museum store, is minted on the same press that struck the originals in 1870, in the very same Carson City Mint. The replicas are .999 fine Nevada silver with a CC mint mark. They are incused with “copy” as a required by law. Each replica is mounted in a card bearing its series number.

Glen Whorton, former director of the Nevada Department of Corrections, will discuss the history of the Nevada State Prison — including the interesting characters who either lived or worked there — in an online presentation at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25. The lecture is part of the museum’s Frances Humphrey Lecture Series. Cost is $8, free for museum members and children ages 17 and younger. To register, click here.

“The First Lady presents…” is an online, rotating showcase highlighting Nevada artists and artifacts, and introduced by first lady Kathy Sisolak. February features Las Vegas painter Gwaylon Leaf as well as artifacts from Nevada’s early Chinese community. “The First Lady presents…” can be viewed here.

EDITORS: For images, click here.

The Nevada State Museum, Carson City engages diverse audiences in understanding and celebrating Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage. The museum is one of seven state museums that make up the Nevada Division of Museums and History.