Goldback Series

Exploring the Growing Family of Goldback Series

The Goldback movement has expanded beyond a single currency to encompass multiple state-specific series, each with its own unique artwork, cultural references, and historical significance. This growing family of Goldback series represents not just the spread of sound money principles, but also a renaissance in numismatic art that celebrates America's diverse heritage. In this article, we'll explore the different Goldback series currently available and what makes each one special.

The Evolution of the Goldback Movement

The Goldback concept began as a solution to a long-standing problem: how to make gold practical for everyday transactions. While the technology behind Goldbacks—the ability to create thin, durable gold notes in small denominations—was revolutionary, equally innovative was the decision to create state-specific series that would resonate with local communities and cultures.

This approach has allowed Goldbacks to become more than just currency; they're expressions of state pride and repositories of cultural heritage. Each series tells the story of its state through carefully crafted artwork that highlights historical figures, natural landmarks, cultural symbols, and the values that have shaped that region's identity.

Utah: The Pioneer Series

The Utah Goldback was the first in the family, launching in 2019 and pioneering the concept of state-specific gold currency. The Utah series celebrates the pioneering spirit that has defined the state since its founding.

Key features of the Utah series include:

• 1 Goldback: Features Prudentia (Prudence), depicted as a pioneer woman with a beehive, Utah's state symbol representing industry and cooperation.
• 5 Goldback: Showcases Veritas (Truth), portrayed as a Native American woman holding a mirror that reflects light, symbolizing truth's illuminating power.
• 10 Goldback: Depicts Constantia (Constancy), represented by a female rancher with mountains in the background, embodying steadfastness and resilience.
• 25 Goldback: Features Libertas (Liberty), shown as a woman breaking chains, with the Salt Lake Temple in the background, symbolizing religious freedom.
• 50 Goldback: Portrays Victoria (Victory), depicted as an angel with the American flag, representing triumph over adversity.

The Utah series established the tradition of representing virtues through female personifications, a practice inspired by classical numismatic art that has continued through subsequent Goldback series.

Nevada: The Silver State Series

Following Utah's success, Nevada became the second state to launch its own Goldback series in 2020. Known as the Silver State, Nevada's Goldbacks ironically brought gold currency back to a state famous for its silver mining history.

The Nevada series features:

• 1 Goldback: Depicts Ploutos (Abundance), represented by a prospector panning for gold, symbolizing Nevada's mineral wealth.
• 5 Goldback: Features Tyche (Fortune), shown as a casino dealer, reflecting Nevada's gaming industry.
• 10 Goldback: Showcases Euterpe (Joy), portrayed as an entertainer on the Las Vegas Strip, celebrating Nevada's entertainment culture.
• 25 Goldback: Depicts Eleutheria (Freedom), represented by a cowgirl in Nevada's wide open spaces, symbolizing the state's independent spirit.
• 50 Goldback: Features Dike (Justice), shown as a female judge with Nevada's state capitol in the background.

The Nevada series cleverly incorporates modern elements of the state's identity, such as its gaming and entertainment industries, while maintaining the classical aesthetic established by the Utah series.

New Hampshire: The Live Free or Die Series

New Hampshire joined the Goldback family in 2021, bringing the concept to the East Coast. The New Hampshire series embraces the state's motto, "Live Free or Die," and its proud tradition of independence and liberty.

The New Hampshire series includes:

• 1 Goldback: Features Gratia (Grace), depicted as a colonial-era woman with maple trees, representing New Hampshire's natural beauty and colonial heritage.
• 5 Goldback: Showcases Abundantia (Abundance), portrayed with symbols of New Hampshire's agricultural and industrial prosperity.
• 10 Goldback: Depicts Concordia (Harmony), represented by a woman with musical instruments and the Old Man of the Mountain formation.
• 25 Goldback: Features Fortitudo (Fortitude), shown as a revolutionary-era militia woman, reflecting New Hampshire's role in the American Revolution.
• 50 Goldback: Portrays Libertas (Liberty), depicted with the state house and symbols of New Hampshire's commitment to freedom.

The New Hampshire series emphasizes the state's revolutionary history and its continuing commitment to individual liberty, making it particularly resonant with those who value constitutional principles.

Florida: The Sunshine State Series

The Florida Goldback series, launched in 2024, celebrates the rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty of the Sunshine State. From its Spanish colonial past to its role in space exploration, Florida's series captures the state's diverse heritage and forward-looking spirit.

The Florida series features:

• ½ Goldback: Depicts Spes (Hope), represented by a Spanish conquistador at the Fountain of Youth, with Florida Cracker horse and Zebra Longwing butterfly.
• 1 Goldback: Features Harmonia (Harmony), showcasing St. Augustine and the Castillo de San Marcos, highlighting Florida's colonial past.
• 2 Goldback: Portrays Fortitudo (Fortitude) as a Seminole woman in a dugout canoe, surrounded by Everglades wildlife.
• 5 Goldback: Depicts Audax (Daring) as a female privateer navigating stormy Florida seas, inspired by Anne Bonny.
• 10 Goldback: Features Industria (Industry), celebrating Florida's agricultural heritage and economic evolution.
• 25 Goldback: Showcases Conservare (Preservation), symbolized by a conservationist in the Everglades with Florida's iconic wildlife.
• 50 Goldback: Depicts Amor Patriae (Love of Country) through a Women's Airforce Service Pilot over a WWII-era Florida airfield.
• 100 Goldback: Features Libertas (Liberty), inspired by Cuban immigrants seeking refuge, with the Cape Florida Lighthouse and a rocket launch symbolizing hope and progress.

The Florida series is notable for introducing new denominations (½, 2, and 100 Goldbacks) and for its particularly diverse representation of the state's multicultural history.

Collecting Across Series

For collectors, the multiple Goldback series offer exciting opportunities to build diverse collections with different themes and focuses:

• Denomination Collections: Collecting the same denomination across different state series, allowing for comparison of how each state interprets similar virtues.
• Virtue Collections: Gathering Goldbacks that represent the same virtue across different states (e.g., all Libertas Goldbacks).
• Complete State Sets: Collecting complete sets from each state, appreciating the cohesive narrative each series tells about its state's identity.
• First Edition Collections: Focusing on first-year mintages from each state series, which often have special significance and potential for appreciation.

The Future of Goldback Series

The Goldback movement continues to grow, with several additional state series in development. Each new state that joins the Goldback family brings its own unique cultural and historical perspective, enriching the overall tapestry of this innovative currency concept.

As more states adopt their own Goldback series, we can expect to see increasing cross-state acceptance and use, creating a network effect that enhances the utility and value of all Goldbacks. This expansion also creates more opportunities for collectors and investors to diversify their holdings across different series.

The growing family of Goldback series represents not just an alternative currency movement but a renaissance in numismatic art and a celebration of America's diverse state cultures and histories. Whether you're collecting for investment, using them as practical currency, or appreciating them as art, the various Goldback series offer something unique and valuable.