California gold coinage

California gold coinage is a broad category of privately-issued coin-like items that were used in place of official currency in the United States territory (later state) of California during the gold rush of 1849.

These coins were quickly rejected as being too small to handle, but simultaneously gained popularity for use as souvenirs that could be economically mailed to families.

Only the extremely rare "defiant eagle" issue has the full weight of gold.

The Coinage Act of 1864 made the private creation of items intended to be passed as legal tender to be illegal.

After an overzealous visit from the United States Secret Service in 1883 (no charges were ever pressed), all of the remaining manufacturers switched to non-denominated issues.