West Virginia

The Mountain State’s Golden Roots

West Virginia, the "Mountain State," boasts a golden legacy born in its rugged hills. Gold was unearthed near the South Branch Potomac River as early as 1765, with small-scale mining persisting into the 20th century across Pocahontas, Hardy, and Monroe counties. Though overshadowed by coal, gold’s presence whispers through tales of prospectors and buried treasures along Spruce Knob’s streams. The Goldback—a voluntary, spendable gold currency—revives this heritage, offering West Virginians a tangible connection to their past. In a state forged by resilience, why not let gold rise again?

Legislative Goldmine: West Virginia’s Sound Money Leap

West Virginia’s legislature has struck gold for sound money advocates. Since 2019, Senate Bill 502 eliminated sales taxes on precious metals, a victory cemented by Governor Jim Justice’s signature. In 2025, Senate Bill 749—the West Virginia Legal Tender Act—passed the Senate Committee on January 15, recognizing gold and silver as legal tender and establishing the West Virginia Bullion Depository, awaiting full Senate approval as of February 24, 2025. This builds on a framework where gold transactions face no state tax barriers, making West Virginia a prime Goldback contender in the East.

Economic Strength and Mountain Pride

The Goldback bolsters West Virginia’s economy and spirit. Starting at 1/1000th of an ounce, it’s perfect for small buys—from Charleston’s farmers’ markets to Beckley’s craft stalls. With inflation looming, its gold backing offers stability, echoing the Mountain State’s unyielding resolve. Imagine a Goldback series showcasing state icons: Blackwater Falls, the Greenbrier, or John Henry. These notes would be collectibles, boosting tourism and pride. Businesses adopting Goldbacks could draw sound-money fans, while dealers thrive under tax-free laws. This is West Virginia’s chance to gleam—economically and culturally.

West Virginia-Specific Goldback Designs

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

• 1 Goldback (1/1000 oz): Features a prospector near Spruce Knob, nodding to the 1765 gold finds along the South Branch Potomac River.
• 5 Goldback (1/200 oz): Depicts John Henry swinging his hammer, celebrating the steel-driving legend born in West Virginia folklore.
• 10 Goldback (1/100 oz): Showcases Blackwater Falls, its golden waters cascading, highlighting the state’s natural splendor.
• 25 Goldback (1/40 oz): Highlights Pearl S. Buck at her Hillsboro birthplace, honoring the Nobel laureate who told West Virginia’s stories.
• 50 Goldback (1/20 oz): Pictures the Greenbrier Resort’s golden facade, symbolizing luxury and Cold War history in White Sulphur Springs.

These designs turn the Goldback into a tribute to West Virginia’s grit and glory, blending value with heritage.

A Golden Call to Lead the East

Utah, Nevada, and others have Goldbacks, but West Virginia can lead the East. With SB 749 advancing, a top Sound Money Index ranking since 2019, and a golden past, West Virginia is poised to pioneer this currency in the region. Let’s urge the Senate to pass SB 749 and launch a West Virginia Goldback series. Imagine gold in every hand—from Morgantown to Harpers Ferry—proving the Mountain State isn’t just coal country but golden country. The time is now.

Rise up. Make West Virginia golden.