During the California Gold Rush period, Brigham Young opened a mint and produced some gold coins. Some were taken to San Francisco where they were found to be short weight.
I don't know if you folks know just how 'grounded' military people are, especially retired military. These folks are just about the LEAST paranoid people you will ever meet. They did their time (20 years), then did another 20 in the private sector... to get to retirement. All my neighbors are retired military... Super nice, grounded, no 'black helicopters', and generally moderate (if political at all)... Every one of my neighbors is stockpiling food and ammo. That tells me volumes. Edit: To make it clear... They are all making the same comments as the men in the gun store.
Holy thread resurrection Batman! http://washingtonexaminer.com/news/2011/12/utah-man-wants-pay-taxes-silver/1971656 Interesting article on an Utah man trying to use silver to pay taxes but the gov't agency in Utah won't accept them. It's interesting to note the article does mention some private businesses do accept them (I would too).