Rusty Goe, author of “The Confident Carson City Coin Collector,” will sign copies of his newly-published three-volume set from 11 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Nevada State Museum, Carson City. Concurrently, the museum’s historical Coin Press No. 1 will be minting a special Abe Curry medallion.
Numismatic history is a cornerstone of the museum’s experience, as the old Carson City Mint — a branch of the U.S. Mint that produced coins in the late 19th century that today are prized by collectors — is incorporated into the museum complex. The museum also is home to Coin Press No. 1, which was in operation at the Carson City Mint over 150 years ago.
“This is a great opportunity for coin collectors to check out Randy Goe’s authoritative work on the Carson City Mint, and see the historical Coin Press No. 1 in action,” Nevada State Museum Director Myron Freedman said.
The Carson City Mint operated from 1870 to 1893. “The Confident Carson City Coin Collector” covers its full history, including the connection between the mint and Virginia City’s Comstock Lode silver mines, the “CC” mintmark so valued by coin collectors, and tales of Carson City residents — famous and not-so-famous — who worked in or were connected to the mint.
The volumes also offer facts for collectors, including Carson City Mint coin pricing, how to evaluate individual coins, and details on well-known collectors.
For example, Charles Mapes Jr., who once owned the now-demolished Mapes Hotel and Casino in Reno, purchased a Carson City $20 gold piece in 1961 for $4,200, that Goe says is worth about $300,000 today.
The book set will be sold for $264 ($35 off retail price) and Volume 1 will be signed by Goe. The museum will receive $94 for every book set sold.
Coin fans also can watch Coin Press No. 1 in action from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The press will be minting a special medallion bearing the likeness of Carson City founder Abe Curry, who also served as the first superintendent of the Carson City Mint. The medallions are half-ounce, .999 fine silver and cost $75. The Curry medallions bear the CC mintmark.
The museum, 600 N. Carson St. in Carson City, is open at 50% capacity from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $8, free for children ages 17 and younger.
Visitors must wear face coverings, have their temperature checked before entry, and practice social distancing. For more, visit CarsonNVMuseum.org.
