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NEVADA SILVER CENTENNIAL
1959
VIRGINIA CITY, NV
Purpose: To commemorate 100th anniversary of
Comstock Lode, first significant discovery of silver in United States which
"directly created State of Nevada" in 1864.
Organization: Silver Centennial Committee
created by 1955 Legislature. Financed by modest state grant, private
contributions and sale of Centennial "buttons" for $1. Committee sponsored
and staged principal festivities at Virginia City, "Queen City" of Lode;
also coordinated "all segments of society" and local events elsewhere in
State.
Site, Dates, Participants: Principally Virginia
City and Storey County, June 12 to 14, 1959, but since "silver was
discovered in every county" in state, celebration actually was state-wide
affair.
Comment: Producing $300,000,000 in silver during
first 20 years, and over billion in all, including gold, it is claimed that
United States owes its "solvency…during Civil War to the…Lode." Yield ran
high as $3,500 per ton but early as 1880, ore was disappearing. By the
1950s, commercial mining work had ceased due to "grade of ore remaining, low
price of silver and…unsuitable economic climate…" From peak of 35,000
people, Virginia City now has only 1,500 but as tourist attraction still
draws thousands each season. Its pioneer newspaper, Territorial
Enterprise, hosted in its columns, Samuel Clemens first signed story "Mark
Twain"; newspaper ceased with the Feb. 11, 1970 issue.
Virginia City ceremonies opened by Vice President Nixon
and Mrs. Nixon; latter especially lauded as native Nevadan. Program included
"pioneer events," dedication of commemorative monument and
professionally staged "historical spectacle."
Medals: Official Medal authorized by 86th
Congress, designed by Committee and struck at Philadelphia Mint from "silver
furnished by Nevada…" Issue limited to 1,000 pieces; sold out for $5 "by
midsummer 1959." Congressional designation as "national medal" permitted
striking of additional number "upon approval of issuing Commission" but
Centennial Committee officially advised on June 7, 1960 that no more would
be struck.
 
Obv. State Seal within circle; outside, around
The Great Seal of the State of; below * Nevada *
Rev. Across Virginia City / Nevada
/ June 1959; above, around Nevada Silver Centennial; below,
crossed pick and shovel each side of 1859--1959
HK-552 Silver. 33mm. Turner 1.
HK-552a Nickel. Turner 1.
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