Michael Moran, joined by gold-coin specialist Jeff Garrett, tells the story of the 1848 discovery of gold in California and its far-ranging repercussions for America. The birth of the 1848 CAL. quarter eagle and the 1849 double eagle have never been explored in such detail. With hundreds of full-color images, some not seen in print for generations; an engaging narrative that sheds new light and draws fresh new conclusions; rich details on the colorful personalities involved and their interactions; and an inventory of the Smithsonian’s gold holdings, this book is a treasure for the coin collector, the gold investor, and everyone interested in the fascinating history of the United States.