Coin collector highlights Carson City Mint

Rusty Goe's passion for coin collecting is tempered only by his love of the Old West - the two elements that sparked his fascination with the Carson City Mint.

"It was just a natural and immediate connection," he said. "I set out on a lifelong pursuit to find out about the mint and the history of it."

He captured the history in his newly released book, "The Mint on Carson Street: A tribute to the Carson City Mint and a guide to a complete set of "CC" coins."

"This book is probably 25 years in the making and about two years of working hard putting it together," he said.

Goe was 6 years old the first time he visited Carson City with his family on the way to a relative's wedding.

"I guess in the back of my mind, it kind of captured my imagination," he said. "The Old West theme sort of set in my mind and lingered there forever."

A few years later, he saw his first antique coin: a 1926 quarter minted in San Francisco.

"I thought it was the greatest thing," he recalled. "It was so pretty. I saved up my money to buy it. I was just so proud to own it."

He spent $45 on the coin then purchased what he called "the Bible of coin collecting," which documents every coin ever minted in the United States.

His coin collection grew, and he became a professional coin dealer 23 years ago as the owner and operator of Southgate Coins in Reno.

The book describes each of the coins minted and their worth.

Although it is a valuable resource for collectors interested in the history of the coins minted in Carson City, it extends beyond the technical explanation of the coins.

Goe weaves the history of the mint into its historical context. He brings to life the personalities, both local and national, who made the mint significant.

"The history of the mint and the politics and people of the time are just so intertwined," he said. "You needed to have the behind-the-scenes stories that were going on."

Although the central focus of the book is not wholly dedicated to the collector, Goe said he hopes it may pique readers' interest in the hobby.

"Everyone in Nevada should own at least one of the coins," he said. "There's something in the Carson City collection for everyone."

He encouraged people to check out the collection of coins on display at the mint worth about $1 million, with coins ranging from $10 to $250,000.

Goe will be at the Nevada State Museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to answer questions and sign books. He will offer them at 20 percent off - $56.95 - to those who purchase one during the signing.

The coin press will operate from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. the same day for public viewing.

For a copy of the book, call Marie Goe at (775) 322-4455.

Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.

If You Go

What: Book signing for "The Mint on Carson Street"

When: 10 a.m. Saturday

Where: Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St.

For a copy of the book: call Marie Goe at (775) 322-4455.