Volunteers Beverly Wickel (front) and Jim Spain introduce the Carson City Mint to museum visitors.
Nevada’s history and snow-covered mountains go deep, and what a better way for us to learn about this great, vibrant tapestry and wonderful state than to visit its museums?
Gold, silver – everyone loves these precious metals, and Carson City’s Nevada State Museum at 600 N. Carson St., shines when it comes to explaining and teaching about them along with the praise they have brought our state.
Nevada gained statehood in 1864 as our 36th state, and in 1870 the U.S. Branch Mint changed the prized metals – especially the silver ore – from the Comstock Lode into real coins – money – marked with “CC” for Carson City Mint.
Visiting the museum recently on a Saturday, both young and old were able to witness gloved docents Beverly Wickel and Jim Spain as they brought to life the respected, old mint while simultaneously giving a very enlightening history of the revered Coin Press Number 1 in its original form. They demonstrated how it stamped the coins with perfect precision. Their gloves protected the newly-stamped silver currency as they handled them for the surrounding audience to see. Visitors are able to buy the just-stamped silver pieces as historical souvenirs.
The entire area is filled with wonderful exhibits of gold and silver coins. Written explanations are given in detail with each display case. History is passed down from previous generations to the next, as families wander through this special Nevada State Museum which allows them to experience the power of the mint and the importance it played in Nevada’s history.
Robin Sarantos is a Minden resident.
