Nevada sesquicentennial medallions selling quickly

The sesquicentennial medallions set to be struck at the Nevada State Mint have proved so popular among buyers that their limited run is being extended.

In less than two weeks, the Legislative Gift Shop has taken orders for nearly all the medallions that were set to be produced from a 1,000-ounce bar of silver donated by Couer Mining in Rochester, said Nevada 150 Commission Executive Director Kara Kelley. More than 600 orders have come in, she said.

“It is the intent of the Nevada 150 commission to continue to fill these orders and allow anyone who wants to order the first of the four sesquicentennial medallions to do so through Jan. 31, 2014,” Kelley said.

Each of the silver pieces will weigh 1 ounce. The first production run is set for Oct. 25, the day of this year’s Nevada Day celebration.

The silver medallions go for $100.50 apiece.

Copper medallions bearing the same design are available through the gift shop for $15 apiece.

The first medallion bears the state seal on one side and the Nevada 150 design on the other. Three more medallions, each bearing a different design, will be produced during the yearlong celebration of Nevada’s 150th anniversary of statehood.