Oklahoma

Sooner Spirit Meets Sound Money

Oklahoma’s "Sooner" nickname reflects a legacy of bold moves and resilience—from the Land Run of 1889 to the oil booms that shaped its economy. While not a gold rush state, Oklahoma’s history of adapting to tough times makes it a perfect fit for the Goldback—a voluntary, gold-based currency. In a state that’s weathered dust bowls and economic shifts, the Goldback offers a tangible, inflation-resistant alternative to the dollar. Let’s channel Oklahoma’s pioneering spirit into a golden future.

Legislative Momentum: Gold Transactions Unleashed

Oklahoma is a likely next Goldback candidate as Oklahoma is the 12th state with the best 2023 Sound Money Index and all 6 current Goldback states are in the top 12 Sound Money Index. Oklahoma’s legislature is paving a golden path. Since 2014, Senate Bill 862 has recognized U.S.-minted gold and silver coins as legal tender and exempted them from sales tax. In 2024, House Bill 3027 (HB 3027) aimed to eliminate capital gains taxes on precious metals and expand legal tender definitions—though it didn’t pass, it set the stage. As of February 2025, Senate Bill 284 (SB 284), filed January 6, 2025, has advanced, reaffirming gold and silver as legal tender and mandating their acceptance for public debts, while HB 1199 pushes to end all taxes on gold transactions. These laws, if fully enacted, make Oklahoma a sound money haven, ideal for the Goldback’s everyday use.

Economic Edge and Oklahoma Pride

The Goldback strengthens Oklahoma’s economy and spirit. With denominations starting at 1/1000th of an ounce, it’s perfect for small transactions—from Tulsa’s food trucks to Enid’s farmers’ markets. Amid inflation, its gold backing offers stability, aligning with Oklahoma’s practical ethos. Imagine a Goldback series showcasing Sooner icons: the Land Run, oil derricks, or Route 66. These notes would be collectibles, boosting tourism and pride. Businesses adopting Goldbacks could tap a niche market, while dealers thrive under tax relief. This is Oklahoma’s shot at economic and cultural gold.

Oklahoma-Specific Goldback Designs

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

• 1 Goldback (1/1000 oz): Features a Land Run settler staking a claim, recalling the 1889 rush that birthed Oklahoma’s "Sooner" identity and grit.
• 5 Goldback (1/200 oz): Depicts Will Rogers spinning a lasso, honoring the Cherokee humorist from Oologah who became Oklahoma’s global voice.
• 10 Goldback (1/100 oz): Showcases the Tulsa Oil Derrick, symbolizing the 1901 Red Fork gusher that launched Oklahoma’s oil boom.
• 25 Goldback (1/40 oz): Highlights the Oklahoma City National Memorial, its golden Gates of Time, commemorating resilience after the 1995 bombing.
• 50 Goldback (1/20 oz): Pictures a bison on the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, celebrating Oklahoma’s natural heritage and Osage Nation roots.

These designs turn the Goldback into a canvas of Oklahoma’s history and heart, blending value with legacy.

A Golden Call to Lead the Plains

Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming have Goldbacks, but Oklahoma can lead the Great Plains. With SB 284 and HB 1199 advancing, a history of bold action, and a knack for thriving, Oklahoma is primed to pioneer sound money in the heartland. Let’s urge the Legislature to pass these bills and launch an Oklahoma Goldback series. Imagine gold in every hand—from Lawton to Stillwater—proving Oklahoma’s not just the Sooner State but the Gold Standard State. The time is now.

Strike fast. Make Oklahoma golden.