Coins, history, music fun at museum

The Carson City Mint Coin Show at the Nevada State Museum, features something for everyone.

The two-day event, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, features coin enthusiasts buying and selling an array of coins, numismatic education, gold panning, a raffle and more.

"This event is considered both an educational venue and a fundraiser for the Friends of Nevada State Museum," said Deborah Stevenson, curator of education. "The Friends will be selling drinks and treats, and visitors can also watch historic Coin Press No. 1, which began operation in 1870, at work."

Since 2010 is the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express, limited edition medallions will be offered for sale and additional orders taken.

Organizers of this year's event wanted to expand to include more activities for the entire family.

For a $5 fee, children of all ages can pan for gold, with each sack guaranteed to contain pay dirt. The Treasure Chest, which is free, allows children to select a coin and then research its history.

"The coins were generously donated by Ron Roberts from his own collection," Stevenson said. "It gives the children an opportunity to look on the globe, see where it came from and learn a bit about their coin's country of origin."

Returning this year are the Coin Show Quartet from the Mile High Jazz Association, playing music in the Dema Guinn Concourse, Saturday from noon to 1 p.m.

"We thought by bringing (the music) inside this year, it would add a touch of elegance," Stevenson said. "And the prizes for the raffle this year are amazing."

The grand prize is a 20-ounce silver bar inlaid with one of the commemorative, Pony Express coins.

"In these volatile times, it's nice to be able to hold something of such value and that is so tangible in your hands," she said.

Fabricated at Northwest Territorial Mint/Medallic Art and sponsored by John Etten of Heritage Collectables, this unique prize is valued at $1,500. Other prizes include a $1,000 gift certificate to Northern Nevada Coin, an 1883 Carson City silver dollar, Vam 5 with GSA certificate of authenticity, donated by Vams and More, valued at $300, and an Assay Receipt from the U.S. Mint at Carson City, dated December 1910, plus two CC Mint postcards from the 1920s or 30s, donated by Holabird-Kagin Americana and valued at $150.

Tickets cost $1 each or six for $5 and can be purchased by calling 775-687-4810, ext. 237, or during the event. The drawing takes place Saturday at 3 p.m. and you need not be present to win. Proceeds from ticket sales support education and exhibits at the museum.

"During these hard economic times, families are looking for wholesome things to do, " Stevenson said. "That's why we're offering some children's activities and also invite the public to bring in their coins and talk with our dealers and also take advantage of spontaneous tours that will be available."

The museum and mint are located at 600 N. Carson St. For more information, call 775-687-4810 or visit the website at nevadaculture.org.