A large, 155-year-old balance scale that weighed hundreds of millions of dollars in gold and silver in the 19th century at the Carson City, Nevada Mint, including bullion from the legendary Comstock Lode, was sold for $60,250 in an auction in Reno conducted by Holabird Western Americana Collections (www.HolabirdAmericana.com) on November 24, 2024.
The winning bid was placed by the Nevada State Museum with the backing of donors who pledged funds for the museum to outbid collectors from across the country during 30 minutes of intense bidding that opened at $12,500.
"This is an important and exciting acquisition for the Nevada State Museum in Carson City. Staff, particularly Dr. Christine Johnson and Dr. Josh Bonde, worked tirelessly to ensure this scale was returned to the Mint. This item will allow a more complete experience for our visitors. We are so delighted," stated Dan Thiele, Nevada Division of Museums and History.
"Not only is this historic scale staying in Nevada, it is returning to its former home because the Nevada State Museum is housed in the same building that was used for the Carson City Mint," said Fred Holabird, president of Holabird Western Americana Collections.
"This is the original Carson City Mint bullion scale built for the United States Treasury Department in 1869 by the scale and balance manufacturer Henry Troemner and Company of Philadelphia. It was in operation the day the Mint opened in 1870," explained Holabird. "In addition to its important function at the Mint, the historic scale was later a featured attraction for decades at a casino in Sparks, Nevada."
The Carson City Mint stopped making coins in 1893 and the Mint’s building that is now home to the Nevada State Museum was used as an assay office between 1900 and 1933.
When the assay office closed, most of the contents of the old Mint were considered useless junk by the Treasury Department and subsequently discarded, according to Holabird.
"It is believed the five-foot tall scale that was built into a waist-high table for ease in use at the Mint was acquired by a local resident and later became an attraction at the Nugget Casino that opened in Sparks, Nevada in 1955. The casino’s General Manager, John Ascuaga, purchased the casino from his boss in 1959 and continued to display the scale there. The Ascuaga family sold the Nugget Casino in 2013 but privately kept the historic scale intact, in perfect condition, and in full working order," said Holabird.
"This is the most important numismatic artifact to surface in many decades and is truly a treasure found," he stated.
Pre-auction stories about the big, antique scale attracted future auction items related to the Carson City Mint.
"A family contacted me and consigned a number of items that were handed down as heirlooms through generations: two letters of appointments signed by President Ulysses S. Grant for a melter and a refiner at the Carson City Mint, and two rare, nearly pristine silver dollars struck at the Carson City Mint. The discovery of more treasures awaits," stated Holabird.
For additional information, contact Holabird Western Americana Collections by phone at 775-851-1859 or visit online at www.HolabirdAmericana.com.
A few years ago the Carson City Mint Museum celebrated 150 years and issued a restrike (copy) of the iconic 1870 Half Dollar made specifically from Nevada Silver. Here is the issue – a beautiful original proof coin engraved by none other than the illustrious Tom Rogers.
You can still visit the museum today. They have a section commemorating when it was the Carson City Mint (as does the former New Orleans Mint, now Jazz Museum). I found a couple of errors with the article. The seated liberty was first used for the Gobrecht Dollar in 1836, then for the half dime and dime in 1837. I have an 1837 half dime to prove it. The motto “In God We Trust” was first used on the Two Cent Piece in 1864 and later coins beginning in 1866. Interesting article though.
“In God We Trust” was the most ridiculous thing ever put on a coin.
Why stop there? How about getting rid of “E Pluribus Unum” and “Liberty” while you’re at it. You seem to be in favor of division & censorship, but maybe I’m wrong, and you’re just having(another)bad day!? I can respect your opinions, even if you don’t respect mine…
I sure hope they don’t put those hideously offensive phrases(to you)on your new Doggy Coins!?
Why not just add “Have A Nice Day” or maybe “Make America Great Again”. You’ve missed the point, again. As usual.
I must have missed your point Christo. Your statement was very direct, and certainly open for interpretation. You don’t approve of the motto and find it ridiculous, got-it. I practice no religion, zero, and yet it doesn’t bother me in the least. I like it, and to each his own. The Founders found the motto to be an important addition to our national currency, and were very open to the concept of Religious Liberty. I agree with them, unlike you from what I gather. The USM/CCAC/Congress is slowly and surely cutting it out anyway, so be happy dude…
Christo,
Here’s an idea for you for some stocking stuffers to hand out. They seem to pair nicely with your attitude lately….
Glad it’s staying in Nevada where it belongs. I’m glad I didn’t bid on it (I actually forgot about it) because that would’ve been a fools effort. Wonder if anyone who was bidding realised they were bidding against a group?