South Lake Tahoe artist selected for design of TRPA 50th anniversary coin

The first peak of a new Lake Tahoe commemorative coin was unveiled during Tuesday's virtual Lake Tahoe Summit. The coin is in honor of the 50th anniversary of the bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and is being minted in the historic U.S. Mint at Carson City's Nevada State Museum.

The work of South Lake Tahoe artist Eleanor BonBon is featured on the coin. It was accepted for the coin after she responded to a Request for Proposal which included examples of her sketching process, all while conceptualizing TRPA’s core values into a visual language.

"Working towards my strengths, brainstorming has always been my strong suit," said BonBon, who is also a tattoo artist.

She was informed in January that her work had been chosen for the coin project.

"My heart flooded with joy," BonBon said of the notificatoin. "I am honored and humbled to translate the TRPA’s mission in to visual form. Final approval of designs was amidst shutdown and is a testament to the resilience of this agency. I will never forget this incredible experience, working collaboratively with a team driven to protect and preserve Lake Tahoe."

The coin artwork by Eleanor Bonbon is combined with supporting materials by Adam Carlson. Coin Casting by veteran U.S. Mint sculptor and engraver Tom Rogers. Coin Die is by BEX Engravers.

TRPA has opened a sign-up page where people can view the engraving, get more information about the limited commemorative coin, and register for pre-sales at www.trpa.org/coin.

The coin will be engraved in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the bi-state partnership between Nevada and California that formed the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency in 1969 and that spurred the cooperative effort to preserve and restore Lake Tahoe’s singular environment.

“Five decades ago, two states came together to forge an historic partnership to protect this irreplaceable natural resource from harm,” TRPA Executive Director Joanne S. Marchetta said. “This coin is symbolic of the enduring strength of the cooperative spirit that formed TRPA and of the legacy that we leave behind.”

Proceeds from commemorative coin purchases will benefit environmental education work through the Lake Tahoe Commemorative Coin Education Fund managed in partnership with Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation. Projects include the Tahoe In Depth environmental newspaper, Take Care Tahoe, the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s Eyes on the Lake project, Washoe Tribe initiatives, and the Nevada State Museum, according to TRPA.

“Today, the lake faces age-old challenges as well as new threats,” Marchetta said. “Deepening the public’s knowledge and understanding of environmental stewardship is as necessary today as it has ever been.”

Only 1,645 coins will be minted, a tip of the hat to Lake Tahoe’s deepest point in feet, the agency said. The coin will be available as a single collector’s item or as a desktop display with prices beginning around $125. Minting is expected to begin in November and coins will be shipped as they become available.

This year is also the 150th anniversary of the Carson City U.S. Mint, which opened in 1870 to serve the coinage needs of the largest silver strike in the nation’s history, the nearby Comstock Lode. In the early 20th century, the mint became the Nevada State Museum where the historic coin press is still in operation for specialty minting, according to the Museum.