The California gold discovery occurred in 1848 and as the centennial approached, many companies began striking medals to commemorate the event. A favorite design was based on the octagonal $50 gold coin or "slug". The California Medalists Society had these medals struck by the Irvine & Jachens Company of San Francisco. California Gold Discovery Centennial Medal Obverse: Miner facing right kneeling in creek holding pan, cabin behind him CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN CALIFORNIA 1848-1948 Reverse: Minerva in Roman costume, bear above, mountains, river, miner digging. This design is a version of the California State Seal with some modifications. Bronze, 40MM, 24.38gm, octagonal, medal orientation Catalog: HK-496 (Hibler and Kappen, So-Called Dollars). Some of the bronze medals were gold-plated but this one is not. I became interested in these medals after watching a "Gunsmoke" television show episode. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/lo...sode-treasure-of-john-walking-fox-1966.260225
