Coin Press Arrival Party

Description

It was 150 years ago this month when one of the Nevada State Museum’s – and the state of Nevada’s – most treasured artifacts first arrived in Carson City.

The opening of the United States Branch Mint was still several months off, but the coin press that would produce coins from the silver and gold mined from the Comstock Lode arrived to the mint building in the winter of 1868. There to welcome it was Abraham Curry, one of Carson City’s founding fathers.

Today, it is known as Coin Press No. 1 and is the only coin press of its day known to still be operating – producing commemorative medallions for museum visitors, special occasions and numerous historic organizations. Each one featuring the famed CC mintmark, making it part of the Mint’s living legacy.

On Dec. 15, the Nevada State Museum will launch an 18-month celebration of the sesquicentennial of the opening of the U.S. Branch Mint in Carson City with a Coin Press Arrival Party. (The Nevada State Museum occupies the former Mint building.)

Cake and punch will be served in the Dema Guinn Concourse and volunteers dressed in 1868 fashions will offer historical interpretations for visitors. Visitors are also encouraged to dress in period costume. Students in the Carson High Culinary Arts Program are baking “Mint 150” cupcakes to mark the occasion.

The event, which starts at 10 a.m., will also include coin-related activities for children; a talk on the history of the coin press by Bob Nylen, the museum’s curator of history at 11:00 am; and demonstrations of the coin press in which visitors can purchase a “blank” silver medallion in the museum store and have it minted on the press. A new medallion featuring Abe Curry will be minted, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Everyone welcome. Advanced registration is not necessary.

Admission is $8 for adults; free for museum members and children 17 and younger.

Minting of the Abe Curry commemorative medallion will continue on Sunday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.