Gold has very long and important history in many civilizations. Here, Jennifer Dawson looks at the importance of gold in American history.
A man panning for gold during the California Gold Rush.
If people talk about precious metals, gold is probably the first one that comes up. Gold attracts many individuals, and it has always done so. For centuries, people have been in awe of its aesthetic-value; there are only a few things that can top gold’s yellow-colored beauty. Groups such as RME Gold, a gold and silver dealer, concurs that America has produced an enormous amount of jewelry, coins, and bullion. Over time, gold’s relevance was in decline, but in recent years, it has seen a comeback. As fascinating as gold is, it is essential to revisit and learn more about the origins of American gold.
The Birth of American Gold
Gold was earlier discovered in the United States near North Carolina — explorers discovered it sometime in the early 1800s. This sent shock waves through American society. The Dahlonega Mint was created in Georgia shortly after, which officially announced the beginning of American gold coinage. But this was just the start. Gold enthusiasts would soon set their eyes on the historic California Gold Rush in 1848, putting US gold on the maps. Most of us have seen the scenes in the movies, but most can’t fathom the scale of the gold that was being produced in those times.
The Effects of Gold
Gold’s discovery in Sutter’s Mill, California, was big news. Gold explorers came in from every corner of the globe; everyone was trying to find their own treasure chest! For instance, a brief account on Khan Academy states, in California, mass migration into the region transformed the state’s landscape. The thought of potentially becoming rich transformed a previously unknown region into a bustling hub of mining activity, with thousands of individuals worldwide searching for fortune. This discovery shaped the landscape of the American West and fueled economic growth throughout the nation.
A Look into Historical American Gold Coins
Did you know not all bullion is the same? Some gold coins stand out because of their historical significance, others because of their purity. The following coins represent the very beginnings of American Minted Gold.
One of the best coins is the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. It was first introduced in 1907 by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The piece is still cherished by gold collectors in the United States. The Indian Head is another similar coin minted between 1859 and 1909. It was designed by Bela Lyon and had a special design. One feature that sets it apart from other coins is that its details are pressed into the coin; they don’t protrude like others.
So why go back in time? It’s a reminder of prosperity that the U.S. has been blessed with. To many it’s a symbol of the land itself. It’s a metal that never goes out of style and always remains with us, whatever the economy of the nation is like.
