Diagnostic Controls & Presets Territorial Mormon Gold
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Mormon pioneers John Kay and Robert L. Campbell melted unrefined California placer dust brought by Mormon Battalion veterans.
Struck between 1849 and 1860 in Great Salt Lake City using hand-operated screw presses made from scrap iron.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Among the finest of only ~20 known surviving specimens of America's very first $20 gold piece; warm unrefined frontier gold patina.
Distinct clasped hands of fellowship and complete All-Seeing Eye detailing with crisp denticles.
Exceedingly rare Mint State example featuring David McKenzie's lion design and phonetic Deseret alphabet inscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mormon Pioneer Gold coinage?
Mormon Gold refers to territorial gold coins struck in Great Salt Lake City between 1849 and 1860 by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under church president Brigham Young. Denominations included $2.50, $5, $10, and $20.
Where did the gold come from?
The gold was brought back to Utah by members of the Mormon Battalion who were present at Sutter's Mill in California in January 1848 when gold was first discovered, sparking the California Gold Rush.
Why is the 1849 Mormon $20 Gold coin historically unique?
The 1849 Mormon $20 piece was the very first twenty-dollar gold coin ever struck in the United States! It preceded the federal government's first regular-issue $20 Double Eagle (struck in 1850) by nearly an entire year.
What do the symbols on Mormon gold represent?
The obverse features the All-Seeing Eye of God crowned by a three-pointed Bishop's Mitre, symbolizing church leadership and divine protection, accompanied by the inscription 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD'. The reverse features clasped hands of fellowship, representing unity and brotherhood.
What does 'G.S.L.C.P.G.' stand for?
The letters stand for 'Great Salt Lake City Pure Gold'. On the 1849 $10 coin, the letters 'P.S.T.C.L.' stand for 'Pure Sand Team Cruse Law', referencing pioneer gold dust terminology.
Why were Mormon coins heavily discounted outside of Utah?
Because the Salt Lake Mint lacked industrial nitric acid parting equipment, the coins were struck from unrefined California electrum (containing native silver). When tested by the US Assay Office in San Francisco, the coins were found to be slightly underweight in pure gold, causing California banks to discount them by 10% to 15%.
How much is an authentic Mormon gold coin worth?
A circulated 1849 $5 gold coin sells for $30,000 to $45,000. An 1849 $10 gold piece brings $150,000 to $250,000. The legendary 1849 $20 gold piece—with only about 20 known surviving specimens worldwide—commands $450,000 to over $550,000 at auction.