Minden presses silver medallion for centennial event

The Nevada State Museum will help Minden kick off its centennial anniversary celebration Friday by minting a commemorative medallion honoring the town's heritage.

"We did a medallion for the 125th anniversary of Gardnerville and have been working on this one for over a year. It's fun to see the project come to fruition," said Bob Nylen, curator of history for the museum.

The medallions will be printed on the museum's Coin Press No. 1, one of three coin presses that operated at the U. S. Branch Mint in Carson City from 1870 to 1893 and produced some $50 million worth of gold and silver coins bearing the "CC" mintmark. The Nevada State Museum acquired the old press when it was about to be scrapped in 1958. The public is welcome to watch the minting from 1-3 p.m.

A total of 500 silver and 100 gold-plated medallions will be minted for sale beginning July 2.

The design of the medallion was created by Gardnerville resident Joe Delorey, at the request of the town board.

The medallion's obverse side bears the "CC" mintmark and depicts the old bandstand and gazebo that once stood in Minden Park. The reverse side features the Nevada State Seal used from 1866-1929, which had the smoke from the passenger train locomotive blowing in one direction and smoke from the quartz mill blowing in another.

The 63-year-old Delorey, a 57-year resident of Douglas County, said he drew the design for the medallion from an historic photo.

"We chose that design because it was the suggestion from the town board. We used an old photo to design it. It was difficult to duplicate because of the quality of the photo," Delorey said.

Delorey has always been interested in art and design, focusing mostly on pencil work because of the skill involved.

"With color, it's easier because there are more options. With pencil you get one color to create something," Delorey said.

The medallions will become available when the celebration officially kicks off in July. The medallions are 1 ounce of .999 fine silver and mounted in a plastic case on a descriptive card n a protective envelope. The medallions are being sold for $25 for silver and $30 for gold-plated coins.

To buy a medallion, order it at the museum or call 782-5976

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.