So we celebrated Vernon’s birthday on the 1st. We “gave” each other a new couch and recliner… but we would have done that even if our birthdays weren’t in the past few weeks. I found a unique gift that Vernon did think was pretty cool.
Since 1971, U.S. currency has not been linked to gold. Gold coins have been the normal way to own gold, but that isn’t real convenient for limited trade. Five states, Wyoming, South Dakota, Utah, Nevada, and New Hampshire have recognized goldbacks as legal tender in their states. It is not recognized by the federal government.
Goldbacks are dollar bills of various sizes each with an amount of gold actually contained in the bill itself. They are stiff, semi-flexible, and one sided. I bought Vernon the $25 dollar goldback. It has 1/40th of a troy ounce of gold in it. To buy something with it, you use a calculator to figure the current price of gold. Today, one goldback dollar is worth $4.31.
The artist has chosen the virtues as the topics of Wyoming’s goldbacks. This one is Fidelitas or Loyalty. It also says “loyal to the end”. Plus it has a cow on it! The descriptions of the artist’s renderings are interesting to read, which you can do HERE. But if you’ve looked at it closely, you can see why I bought the $25 dollar one versus the $1, $5, or $10.
That’s a pretty English Shepherd-looking dog there! I couldn’t resist.
Find me here!
What an apropos gift! I have never heard about these, so it was nice to
look up the info on them. The English Shepherd looks just like Dally!
And I recognize the little chapel from other WY travel info. Thanks.
I never cease to be amazed by what I learn on your blog. Gold currency? Who knew! Didn’t have to look closely reading about the various denominations to know why you chose the $25,
Great meaningful gift.
What a wonderful gift!
A beautiful keep-sake present.
That is so special! What a keepsake! Thanks for the lesson never knew about them.
And I thought we were going to read an exciting tale about a wandering grizzly bear! Never heard of this currency, always pleased to learn something new (well. old…).