Whiz-kid numismatist will give lecture in Carson City today

By Rhonda Costa-Landers

Appeal Staff Writer

Will Robins, of Westchester County, N.Y., is just 16, but has been exhibiting, writing and lecturing about coins for about four years. He's won numerous awards and received recognition from the Numismatic Association.

"He has lectured senior numismatists and historians at Colorado College, as well as the national convention in Milwaukee and other places " said Steve Graham, a family friend. "He's impressing others who have been in the business much longer than he has."

Robins will give a lecture and display on the Carson City Mint and the Comstock at the Nevada State Museum. The display and lecture, "Carson City: A Numismatic El Dorado," is free.

Robins began collecting license plates just before the age of 4, of all 50 states. From there he moved on to coins.

"He's really just a normal kid, the most normal kid in the world," Graham said. "He's a straight-A student, is on two swim teams - the high school varsity team and a community swim team.

"Last year he helped put 18 scouts through their numismatist program for a badge."

"He just completed his first draft of a comprehensive book on Carson City, 'Connection to the Comstock,'" said Graham.

He won two literary awards in 2007, two first-place exhibit awards in 2007 and the first-place award for Western Americana. His interest in Carson City and the Comstock came about after meeting Graham at Colorado College when they were in a class together. He also plays ultimate Frisbee and enjoys tennis.

"He's also completed a number of required courses and received a diploma from the Numismatic Association."

Robins won a first-place award for his Western Americana display in Milwaukee, and the same award in 2006 on Colorado Mining.

The museum is at 600 N. Carson St.

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

IF YOU GO

WHO: Lecture and display by Will Robins

WHAT: "Carson City: A Numismatic El Dorado"

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. today (Tuesday)

WHERE: Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St.

COST: Free

CALL: 815-8625