California 1 GB Alpha Series

The California 1 Goldback depicts the virtue Dilignetia, or diligence, as a female prospector. She kneels in the waters of Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California, joyfilly panning the river. In her hand she holds a gold nugget and under a UV light, more can be seen glimmering beneath the water. The scene captures the excitement of the historic 1848 discovery that ignited the California Gold Rush. 

In the background, a grizzly bear--featured on California's state flag-- stands as a reminder of the frontier spirit that defines the Golden State.  Along the bottom is the enduring principle: "Diligence is the mother of good luck."