Georgia

Georgia’s Golden Past Beckons Again

Georgia sparked America’s second gold rush in 1829, when the Georgia Gold Belt lit up Lumpkin County and beyond, drawing fortune-seekers to Dahlonega—aptly named from the Cherokee "tahlonega," meaning "yellow money." By 1838, the U.S. Mint opened a branch there, minting over $6 million in gold coins. The Goldback—a voluntary, spendable gold currency—revives this legacy, blending Georgia’s rich history with modern innovation. In a state where gold once fueled dreams, why not let it flow again as "yellow money" for the 21st century? Georgia’s past demands a golden encore.

Legislative Goldmine: A Path to Easy Transactions

Georgia’s legislature can make gold a cornerstone of commerce. Currently, gold and silver incur capital gains taxes under Georgia Code § 48-7-27, treating them as property, not currency. But change is afoot. In 2024, House Bill 1234 (HB 1234) proposed exempting precious metals from sales tax, stalling in committee but resurfacing in 2025 with broader scope. As of February 2025, HB 1234’s revised version—now including capital gains tax relief and legal tender status for gold—has passed the House Ways and Means Committee, awaiting full House approval. If enacted, this aligns with the U.S. Constitution’s nod to gold as money, slashing barriers to Goldback use.

Economic Resilience and Peach State Pride

The Goldback is Georgia’s ticket to economic strength and cultural swagger. Starting at 1/1000th of an ounce, it’s perfect for small buys—from Savannah’s shrimp boils to Athens’ indie shops. With inflation looming, its gold backing offers stability, echoing Georgia’s practical grit. Imagine a Georgia Goldback series featuring state icons: the Dahlonega Gold Mint, peaches, or the Okefenokee. These notes would double as collectibles, boosting tourism and local pride. Businesses adopting Goldbacks could attract sound-money fans, while dealers thrive under tax relief. This is Georgia’s chance to shine—economically and culturally.

Georgia-Specific Goldback Designs

Here’s how Georgia’s Goldback denominations could celebrate its significant people and places:

• 1 Goldback (1/1000 oz): Features the Dahlonega Gold Mint, its 1838 cornerstone gleaming, honoring Georgia’s gold rush epicenter and the first U.S. mint in the South.
• 5 Goldback (1/200 oz): Depicts Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, founding the Girl Scouts in 1912, symbolizing Georgia’s trailblazing spirit.
• 10 Goldback (1/100 oz): Showcases the Okefenokee Swamp, its golden alligator eyes peering out, celebrating Georgia’s wild, primal beauty.
• 25 Goldback (1/40 oz): Highlights Martin Luther King Jr. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, capturing Georgia’s civil rights legacy and global impact.
• 50 Goldback (1/20 oz): Pictures Stone Mountain’s carved trio—Davis, Lee, and Jackson—set against a golden sunrise, nodding to Georgia’s complex history.

These designs weave Georgia’s story into a currency that’s as bold and enduring as the state itself.

A Golden Call to Lead the South

Utah and Nevada have Goldbacks, but Georgia can claim the South’s golden crown. With HB 1234 advancing, a gold rush heritage, and a flair for innovation, Georgia is primed to lead the region in sound money. Let’s urge the General Assembly to pass HB 1234 and launch a Georgia Goldback series. Picture gold in every hand—from Atlanta to Valdosta—proving Georgia’s not just the Peach State but the Gold State. The time is ripe to strike it rich again.

Rise up. Make Georgia golden.