North Dakota

The Peace Garden State’s Golden Heritage

North Dakota, the "Peace Garden State," harbors a quiet golden legacy—placer gold swept in by ancient glaciers from Canada, shimmering in rivers like the Missouri and Little Missouri since the 19th century. Though no major rush took hold, these finds fueled dreams of wealth across its rugged plains. The Goldback—a voluntary, spendable gold currency—revives this heritage, offering North Dakotans a tangible link to their pioneering spirit. Why not let the Peace Garden State bloom with gold?

Legislative Gold Rush: North Dakota’s Sound Money Leap

North Dakota’s legislature is striking gold for sound money advocates. On February 11, 2025, the House passed House Bill 1441 (HB 1441) by a 61-30 vote, recognizing gold and silver as legal tender and eliminating all taxes on their exchange—now awaiting Senate approval as of February 25, 2025. Introduced by Rep. Nathan Toman, this builds on House Bill 1379 (HB 1379), passed February 10, 2025, which repealed capital gains taxes on precious metals. These laws make North Dakota a Goldback pioneer in the Midwest.

Economic Resilience and North Dakota Pride

The Goldback strengthens North Dakota’s economy and spirit. Starting at 1/1000th of an ounce, it’s perfect for small buys—from Bismarck’s farmers’ markets to Williston’s local shops. With inflation a concern, its gold backing offers stability, echoing the state’s hardy resolve. Imagine a Goldback series showcasing state icons: the Badlands, Sitting Bull, or the State Capitol. These notes would be collectibles, boosting tourism and pride. Businesses adopting Goldbacks could attract sound-money fans, enhancing local trade. This is North Dakota’s golden harvest.

North Dakota-Specific Goldback Designs

Here’s how North Dakota’s Goldback denominations could honor its significant people and places:

• 1 Goldback (1/1000 oz): Features a prospector panning the Little Missouri River, recalling the placer gold heritage of the western plains.
• 5 Goldback (1/200 oz): Depicts Sitting Bull near the Standing Rock Reservation, honoring the Lakota leader’s legacy.
• 10 Goldback (1/100 oz): Showcases Theodore Roosevelt in the Badlands, reflecting his transformative time in North Dakota’s wilds.
• 25 Goldback (1/40 oz): Highlights Sacagawea with Lewis and Clark near Mandan, celebrating her role in the expedition.
• 50 Goldback (1/20 oz): Pictures the North Dakota State Capitol, its golden Art Deco tower gleaming, symbolizing resilience and progress.

These designs turn the Goldback into a tribute to North Dakota’s history and landscapes, blending value with Peace Garden pride.

A Golden Call to Lead the Midwest

Utah, Nevada, and others have Goldbacks, but North Dakota can lead the Midwest. With HB 1441 and HB 1379 advancing, a top Sound Money Index ranking on the horizon, and a golden past, North Dakota is poised to pioneer this currency in the region. Let’s urge the Senate to pass HB 1441 and launch a North Dakota Goldback series. Imagine gold in every hand—from Fargo to Minot—proving the Peace Garden State isn’t just a northern outpost but a golden frontier. The time is now.

Rise up. Make North Dakota golden.