Northern Mariana Islands

A Pacific Jewel with Golden Potential

The Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a U.S. Commonwealth in the Pacific, blends Chamorro and Carolinian heritage with a strategic role east of the Philippines. While not a traditional gold mining hub, its resilience—rebounding from WWII and recent economic challenges like the tourism collapse post-COVID—makes it ripe for innovation. The Goldback—a voluntary, spendable gold currency—offers the CNMI a chance to lead U.S. territories in sound money, reflecting its pioneering spirit. Why not let this island paradise shine as the first with gold?

Legislative Opportunity: Paving a Golden Path

The CNMI Commonwealth Legislature can set a precedent for gold transactions. With no local sales tax, gold faces only federal capital gains taxes under 26 U.S.C. § 1. In 2024, Representative Edwin Propst introduced House Local Bill 23-35, proposing to recognize gold and silver as voluntary tender for local debts—passed by the House Committee on Commerce on February 15, 2025, awaiting full House vote as of February 26, 2025. If enacted, this leverages the CNMI’s autonomy to make it the first territory primed for Goldbacks.

Economic Resilience and Marianas Pride

The Goldback boosts the CNMI’s economy and spirit. Starting at 1/1000th of an ounce, it’s ideal for small buys—from Saipan’s night markets to Tinian’s craft stalls. Amid inflation and tourism recovery struggles, its gold backing offers stability, aligning with the islands’ tenacity. Picture a Goldback series showcasing CNMI icons: latte stones, Mount Tapochau, or Chief Aghurubw. These notes would be collectibles, drawing tourists and igniting pride. Businesses adopting Goldbacks could spark trade, making the CNMI a golden pioneer.

Northern Mariana Islands-Specific Goldback Designs

Here’s how the CNMI’s Goldback denominations could honor its significant people and places:

• 1 Goldback (1/1000 oz): Features Chief Aghurubw welcoming Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, symbolizing the Chamorro leader’s first European encounter on Guam, tied to CNMI’s shared history.
• 5 Goldback (1/200 oz): Depicts latte stones at Capitol Hill, honoring ancient Chamorro architecture and cultural resilience.
• 10 Goldback (1/100 oz): Showcases Mount Tapochau’s golden peak, reflecting Saipan’s highest point and natural majesty.
• 25 Goldback (1/40 oz): Highlights Felix Perez Camacho at the House of Taga, celebrating the Tinian governor’s legacy and WWII history.
• 50 Goldback (1/20 oz): Pictures the Saipan Japanese Lighthouse at Navy Hill, embodying the CNMI’s blend of wartime past and serene present.

These designs transform the Goldback into a vibrant tribute to the CNMI’s heritage, blending value with Marianas pride.

A Golden Call to Lead the Territories

States like Utah and Nevada have Goldbacks, but the Northern Mariana Islands can be the first territory to claim this honor. With House Local Bill 23-35 advancing, a rich Chamorro-C Carolinian legacy, and a strategic Pacific role, the CNMI is poised to lead U.S. territories in sound money. Let’s urge the Legislature to pass this bill and launch a CNMI Goldback series. Imagine gold in every hand—from Rota to Pagan—proving the Marianas aren’t just a U.S. outpost but a golden trailblazer. The time is now.

Hafa Adai. Make the CNMI golden.