Show me the money? Nevada State Museum event delivers the goods Aug. 23-24

Who doesn't like to collect money? Whether it is a rare Double Eagle $20 piece from the 1800s, an Indian Head Penny or a Nevada Day special medallion, the Carson City Mint Coin Show and Fair will help fill the hole in any coin collection.

Dozens of dealers will buy, sell, trade and offer their expertise with free appraisals during the two-day event Aug. 23 and 24, held this year at both the Nevada State Museum and the Carson Nugget.

As the site of the former U.S. Mint, the museum has a long history in American money. Guests are invited to share the heritage, hear about coin grading, discover the history of the Carson City Mint, Lincoln penny and Civil War tokens, or pan for gold and join in activities for kids.

“One of the high points each year is the raffle that helps support our museum programs all year long,” said Jim Barmore, the museum’s director. “We sell the $1 tickets in advance, even by mail, because we have so many generous people who donate some great stuff. This year we have a very special one-ounce silver bar worth more than $500, some Morgan silver dollars and some items unique to Nevada and the Carson Mint. There is more than $4,000 in prizes up for grabs.”

New this year, the dealers will be at the Carson Nugget, the gold sponsor of the event, to give more room while the museum prepares a Nevada 150th Birthday exhibit. Rarities and famous coins that fly the country will make it to the Nugget ballroom where Downtown Coin, the show’s event partner, will manage the activities.

The 2013 show and fair also offers a glimpse at the 1,000 ounce silver bar now showcased at the museum and donated by Coeur Mining-Rochester for the NV150 celebration. The silver, mined in Nevada, will be melted into one-ounce medallions, then stamped on the museum’s historic coin press to honor the state’s 2014 sesquicentennial.

Coin Show and Fair silver sponsors include Nevada Magazine, Numismatist Magazine, the Nevada Appeal, Northern Nevada Coin, Vams and More, and the Comstock Mining Company. Other sponsors are the Reno Coin Club, Coeur Mining, S&T Coins, Bruce Braga Rare Coins, Gus’s Rare Coins, Camelot Party Rentals and Friends of the Nevada State Museum.

One admission ticket will admit guests to both sites for half-price for one day, $4. Museum members and ages 17 and younger are always free. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 23 and to 4 p.m. Aug. 24. The museum is at 600 N. Carson St. and the Nugget ballroom is at 507 N. Carson St. Minimum $10 raffle ticket orders can be sent to Deborah Stevenson, Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701. Winners need not be present so contact information is important.

For more information, contact Deborah Stevenson at dstevenson@nevadaculture.org or (775) 687-4810 ext. 237.

Tips for enjoying the 2013 Carson City Mint Coin Show and Fair

1. Pack the car and grab the kids
Fun activities are also educational when it comes to the coin show and fair. Kids will travel the globe looking for the home of foreign coins in the show, free gifts they earn for playing.

2. Make a wish list
Whether it is that one piece still missing after all these years, or the one that just caught your eye online, the show will have something to match every collection

3. Wear walking shoes
This year the coin displays are at the Carson Nugget and the lectures, gold panning and activities for children are across the street at the museum. Admission includes both locations.

4. Bring money to win raffle prizes
A fundraiser for the Nevada State Museum programs throughout the year, the raffle offers more than $4,000 in great donated finds. Vie for a silver bar worth $505, Morgan silver dollars, and collectible watches and Nevada Day commemorative items.

5. Check out the fun in your own backyard
Find out what fun things are happening at the Downtown Coin Club in Carson City or how much that coin in your closet is worth, with free appraisals and information about new things to do with the club all year long.