Honoring Nevada's Health Care Workers in a Historic Manner

This has been a year in which we have come to understand and appreciate our healthcare workers' heroism. My wife Ann is a Physical Therapist and has indeed been on the front lines. Her patient load has not slowed down one bit due to the pandemic.

The State of Nevada is recognizing Nevada's Health Care Workers with the minting of an exceptional commemorative coin.

The Nevada Health Care Heroes silver medallion was designed and "pressed" last week in Carson City. The coins are available for purchase.  25% of the income from these coins' sales to collectors is being contributed to the Community Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund to benefit those affected by the pandemic in our local region.

You can purchase up to two .999 fine silver planchets minted on Coin Press No. 1, which stamped coins at the Carson City Mint from 1870 to 1893.

This press is one of the most extraordinary coin presses in the world. It was built in 1869 by Morgan & Orr in Philadelphia, and with steam power, it could produce 100 coins per minute.  Imagine the coinage needs spurred by the Comstock Lode, which had this press working overtime! The press was later converted to electric power and shipped to the San Francisco mint in 1945. As more modern presses evolved, Coin Press No. 1 was slated to be scrapped. It was saved by the Nevada State Museum's board of directors, who repurchased it for a mere $225 in 1959. Interestingly, during the Kennedy administration, there was a national coin shortage. The press was again put to use at the Denver Mint. Coin Press No.1 press minted 118 million coins, including 50 million pennies over four years. It is considered one of the most valuable historic presses in the world.

I was proud and honored to join Governor Sisolak to mint the first of the unique commemorative coins.

[caption id="attachment_16252" align="alignleft" width="281"] Governor Sisolak mints coin to honor Healthcare workers[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16304" align="alignleft" width="311"] Chris Askin presses Healthcare Heroes Silver Medallion with Nevada State Museum Director Myron Freedman[/caption]               The Nevada State Museum gave the Community Foundation one of these coins as a gift, and we will find a special place for it in the office. Click here If you are interested in purchasing a Nevada Health Care Heroes Silver Medallion,  The Nevada Health Care Heroes Silver Medallion and the Coin Press No. 1 are reminders of how in Nevada, in the tradition of the old West, we care for and support each other during our times of need. And, we do so in a rather spectacular way. If you'd like to learn more about how you can help the community with its critical needs during this difficult time, please give us a call. The Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter. Chris Askin, President/CEO 775-333-5499