August 7, 2008

The Nevada State Museum presents a Coin Education Fair in conjunction with Carson City’s Sesquicentennial Celebration from 8.30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., August 16-17, 2008. A wide variety of educational and entertaining presentations, workshops, raffle prizes and activities provide fun and enrichment for the entire family.

Guided by numismatic (coin) experts, visitors have the opportunity to explore the archaeology, history and design elements of coin collecting. Enjoy gold panning, discover foreign coins in the treasure chest, and learn the fascinating history of the Carson City Mint in a presentation by Curator of History Robert Nylen. Meet costumed actors portraying Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln and Kit Carson. See the Coin Press No. 1 in action and purchase a commemorative medallion, celebrating Carson City’s 150th birthday.

August 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Join Will Robins for a Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Grading Seminar. The workshop is free with regular admission for ages 8 through adult. Robins is an award-winning numismatist and scholar with a unique talent for grading coins. Advance registration is required by August 13; limit 15 persons. Contact Deborah at 775-687-4810, ext. 237.

August 17 at 10:00 a.m. – Curator of Anthropology Dr. Eugene Hattori presents a lecture on Lovelock Gold Coins.

August 17 at 3:30 p.m. – Join Allen Rowe of Northern Nevada Coin for Don’t Get Conned: Fakes, Forgeries, and Counterfeits.

Raffle prize drawings will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and individuals need not be present to win. Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5. The Grand Prize is a set of 1882, 1883, 1884 CC GSA Morgan Silver Dollars framed with certificates of authenticity, donated by Southgate Coins and valued at $1250. First prize is a 2008 Bald Eagle Commemorative, uncirculated $5 gold coin from the U.S. Mint with certificate of authenticity, donated by Northern Nevada Coin, valued at $310. Second prize is a woman’s Indian Princess coin watch valued at $259.95 from the Museum Store. Third prize is a man’s Walking Eagle coin watch valued at $259.00 from the Museum Store; other prizes include five uncirculated American Silver Eagle $1 coins of one ounce fine silver valued at $25 each, donated by Northern Nevada Coin.

The Nevada State Museum actively engages people in understanding and celebrating Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage. The museum collects, preserves, and presents this heritage through exhibits, educational programs, and publications. Exhibits highlight the state’s geology, history, a replica walk-through mine and ghost town. Special exhibits include Slot Machines: The Fey Collection and Selections from the Collections. The museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Please use the Robinson Street (south) entrance. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for children under 18. Regular admission fees apply. For information, call (775) 687-4810.

The Nevada State Museum is one of seven managed by the state Division of Museums and History, an agency of the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs. The Department serves Nevada’s citizens and visitors through cultural and information management, presentation and promotion of cultural resources, and education. The Department also includes the State Office of Historic Preservation, Nevada State Library and Archives and the Nevada Arts Council. For more information, please call Teresa Moiola at (775) 687-8323 or visit the department’s website at www.nevadaculture.org.