American Numismatic Association
2008 Summer Seminar Session I

Photo Album #1: The Conservation of Carson City Mint Dies
As presented by Ken Hopple - Debby Noffsinger photos

Album #2: Coins in the Classroom - Album #3: Colorado College - Album #4: Banquet Reception

Welcome to summer seminar.

We have a presentation scheduled for tonight however our presenter has been lost among the airline transfer routes, plane delays and rescheduled flights. This was my first introduction to the evening talks at Summer Seminar.
Every one in the room was disturbed by this news because they were so looking forward to “Ken’s” talk. Being so new to the numismatic world, I had no idea who Ken was, but certainly wished him well in completing his journey to Colorado Springs.
That evening, I decided to go to the evening talk to see if Ken had been found and what all of the excitement was about. Ken had been found and he was presenting.  And wow! What a presentation! Talk about a great introduction to an interesting new world. Ken Hopple, told us the history of the dies he brought to share, how they were cleaned, how he pressed coins using the dies and shared his excitement over the discovery of these lost treasures.
When the talk ended, people went over to have informal conversation with Ken. I joined the crowd. What an interesting man and what interesting tales he had to tell about the mint, the find and his role and future role with the mint.
I got brave and asked – could I see one of the dies – Ken gave me the die to hold, to be able to take a closer look – to compare them. For some of you this may be a common experience, for me this was a first.  WOW!  The power of history and conservative that I felt when I held those artifacts - -  WOW+! Then Ken allowed me plenty of time to take pictures and arrange the dies and coins for even more pictures.  An evening filled with Awe.

Related links of interest:
Carson City Mint's Coin Press No. 1 - Nevada Appeal article on coiner Ken Hopple

Side view of rusted and conserved dies	Top view of rusted and conserved dies
Heavily rusted die face	Conserved die face
Die faces and pewter impressions	Ken Hopple - Carson City Mint coiner

Email webmaster