Before the famous California gold rush, several important strikes were made in the East: in North
United States, 20 Dollars, 1854
Grade Range: K-12
Resource Type(s): Artifacts, Primary Sources
Date Posted:
10/19/2009
The sheer size of the California gold strike altered the nature of American numismatics. It was not only that mintage figures dramatically increased; the actual range of denominations increased as well. Prior to 1849, there had been three gold coins: the quarter eagle, half eagle, and eagle (or $2.50, $5.00, and $10.00 coins). By 1854, three more had been added, a dollar, a three-dollar piece, and a double eagle, or twenty-dollar coin.
Artist James Barton Longacre designed all three of the new coins. The double eagle was the most popular...
National Standards
United States History Standards (Grades 5-12)
Era 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)
1: United States territorial expansion between 1801 and 1861, and how it affected relations with external powers and Native Americans
2: How the industrial revolution, increasing immigration, the rapid expansion of slavery, and the westward movement changed the lives of Americans and led toward regional tensions
2: How the industrial revolution, increasing immigration, the rapid expansion of slavery, and the westward movement changed the lives of Americans and led toward regional tensions
