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1 California GoldbackIMPORTANT:Images are stock images. We cannot sort through serial numbers to find a specific one, and we make no promises that an item is or is not an “alpha” edition unless that is specifically stated in the listing title. Please ask any questions before making a purchase. 1 California GoldbackCalifornia 1 Goldback – Diligentia (Diligence)
The California 1 Goldback features Diligentia, the virtue of Diligence, in a scene inspired by one of the defining moments in California history: the California Gold Rush.
Diligentia is portrayed as a female prospector kneeling in the waters near Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California, carefully panning for gold. In one hand, she holds a newly discovered gold nugget, capturing the excitement and possibility surrounding the famous 1848 discovery that helped launch the Gold Rush.
The design includes a hidden detail visible under UV light, revealing additional gold beneath the water. This subtle feature adds another layer of meaning to the artwork, emphasizing persistence, effort, and the rewards that can come from diligent work.
The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill attracted thousands of prospectors, including the legendary Forty-Niners, and dramatically reshaped California. The Gold Rush accelerated population growth, expanded economic activity, and played an important role in California becoming a state in 1850.
In the background, a California grizzly bear appears as a symbol of the state’s rugged frontier spirit and determination. Together, the imagery reflects the idea that lasting prosperity is often built through perseverance, discipline, and the willingness to pursue opportunity.
Along the bottom of the artwork is the enduring principle:
“Diligence is the mother of good luck.” — Benjamin Franklin
For collectors of California Goldbacks, the 1 Goldback Diligentia combines detailed artwork, California history, Gold Rush symbolism, and hidden UV elements in one of the most recognizable denominations in the series.
Shipping
Standard Envelope:
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