Montana

Oro y Plata: A Legacy Begging for Goldbacks

Montana’s state motto, "Oro y Plata" (Spanish for "Gold and Silver"), isn’t just a slogan—it’s a testament to the Treasure State’s rich mining heritage. From the gold rushes of the 1860s in places like Bannack and Virginia City to the copper-gold wealth of Butte, Montana’s history is forged in precious metals. The Goldback—a voluntary currency made of thin, spendable gold—would bring this legacy full circle, giving Montanans a modern way to celebrate their roots while using sound money. No state embodies the spirit of gold more than Montana; it’s time to make "Oro y Plata" tangible again.

Legislative Foundation: Montana’s Gold-Friendly Laws

Montana’s legislature is paving the way for gold to thrive as a transactional tool. In 2023, House Bill 884 (HB 884) proposed allowing taxpayers to pay certain state taxes with gold and silver coins, electronic gold currency, or state-produced gold media—though it didn’t pass, it signals growing support for sound money. More recently, as of February 2025, House Bill 382 (HB 382) passed the House Business and Labor Committee. This bill aims to reaffirm gold and silver as legal tender, eliminate state capital gains taxes on precious metals, and establish exchange rates for tax payments—pending full House approval. These moves build on Montana’s existing framework, where gold and silver bullion are already exempt from sales tax under Montana Code Annotated § 15-1-201. Montana’s laws are aligning to make gold transactions seamless, positioning it perfectly for the Goldback’s small-denomination practicality.

Economic and Cultural Boost for Montanans

The Goldback offers more than just a currency—it’s an economic and cultural asset. With denominations starting at 1/1000th of an ounce, it’s perfect for everyday use in Montana’s rural communities, from buying huckleberries at a Missoula farmers’ market to trading for tack in Miles City. Amid inflation and dollar uncertainty, the Goldback’s intrinsic gold value provides stability—a lifeline for a state with a strong independent streak. Picture a Montana Goldback series featuring iconic designs: the 1 Goldback with a prospector panning at Alder Gulch, the 5 with the State Capitol’s copper dome, or the 50 with a grizzly bear against the Bitterroot Range. These notes would double as collectibles, drawing tourists and boosting local pride. Businesses adopting Goldbacks could tap into a niche market, while precious metal dealers thrive under Montana’s tax-friendly environment.

Montana-Specific Goldback Designs

Here’s how Montana’s Goldback denominations could highlight its significant people and places:

• 1 Goldback (1/1000 oz): Features a prospector panning at Alder Gulch, where gold was struck in 1863, sparking Montana’s first major gold rush and founding Virginia City. This nods to the state’s "Oro y Plata" motto and mining roots.
• 5 Goldback (1/200 oz): Depicts Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to U.S. Congress (1916), standing before Montana’s Capitol. Her pacifist legacy and trailblazing spirit make her a Montana icon.
• 10 Goldback (1/100 oz): Showcases the Little Bighorn Battlefield, with a golden silhouette of the 1876 battle site, honoring the Lakota, Cheyenne, and U.S. soldiers who clashed in a defining moment of the Plains Indian Wars.
• 25 Goldback (1/40 oz): Highlights Glacier National Park’s Bearhat Mountain over Hidden Lake, capturing Montana’s wild beauty and its "Crown of the Continent" status—a draw for millions of tourists.
• 50 Goldback (1/20 oz): Pictures Charlie Russell, Montana’s cowboy artist, painting a Plains buffalo hunt, set against the Missouri River Breaks. His works immortalize the state’s rugged frontier heritage.

These designs turn the Goldback into a canvas of Montana’s storied past and stunning landscapes, blending utility with legacy.

A Call to Lead the Sound Money Frontier

Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming already have their Goldback series, but Montana can stake its claim as the next sound money pioneer. With HB 382 advancing and a history that screams "gold," Montana is primed to lead the West in embracing this innovative currency. Let’s rally the Legislature to pass HB 382 and champion a Montana Goldback series. Imagine the impact: a state where "Oro y Plata" isn’t just a motto but a living, breathing currency. Montana can show the nation how to blend tradition with innovation—starting with a single Goldback.

Act now. Make Montana the gold standard.