Goldbacks Knowledge Base

New Hampshire Goldbacks: Live Free or Die

TL;DR Summary

New Hampshire Goldbacks (2020) embrace "Live Free or Die" with designs featuring liberty themes, the Old Man of the Mountain, and Revolutionary War heritage.

New Hampshire: Liberty in Gold Form

New Hampshire joined the Goldback movement in 2020, bringing East Coast perspective to this Western-born innovation. The Granite State's fierce independence and "Live Free or Die" motto align perfectly with sound money principles.

Why New Hampshire?

New Hampshire's embrace of Goldbacks reflects:

  • Strong libertarian and independence traditions
  • The "Free State Project" movement
  • No state income or sales tax philosophy
  • Active sound money advocacy
  • Constitutional carry and property rights culture

The Liberty Tradition

New Hampshire's contributions to American liberty are legendary:

  • First colony to declare independence from Britain
  • "Live Free or Die" adopted as state motto in 1945
  • John Stark's rallying cry at the Battle of Bennington
  • Tradition of minimal government and maximum freedom

Design Philosophy

New Hampshire Goldbacks celebrate liberty across denominations, with each figure representing aspects of freedom and independence.

The Denominations

1 Goldback - Libertas (Liberty) Liberty leads the series, holding symbols of freedom. The design incorporates New Hampshire's granite peaks and evergreen forests.

Gold content: 1/1000 troy ounce

5 Goldbacks - Fortitudo (Fortitude) Fortitude embodies the strength to defend liberty. Revolutionary War imagery honors New Hampshire's founding role.

Gold content: 5/1000 troy ounce

10 Goldbacks - Vigilantia (Vigilance) Vigilance reminds us that liberty requires constant watchfulness. The Old Man of the Mountain (New Hampshire's former icon) appears in tribute.

Gold content: 10/1000 troy ounce

25 Goldbacks - Fides (Faith) Faith represents trust in principles and fellow citizens. White Mountain landscapes provide the backdrop.

Gold content: 25/1000 troy ounce

50 Goldbacks - Religio (Devotion) Devotion crowns the series with commitment to higher principles. This highest denomination features the most intricate artistry.

Gold content: 50/1000 troy ounce

Artistic Elements

New Hampshire designs incorporate:

  • White Mountain peaks and valleys
  • Moose and other native wildlife
  • Covered bridges (a New Hampshire icon)
  • Revolutionary War symbolism
  • State bird (Purple Finch) and flower (Purple Lilac)
  • Granite formations honoring the "Granite State"
  • The Old Man of the Mountain memorial imagery

The Old Man of the Mountain

The Old Man of the Mountain—a natural rock formation that resembled a human profile—appeared on New Hampshire's state quarter and license plates. Though it collapsed in 2003, its image lives on in New Hampshire Goldbacks as a tribute to this beloved symbol.

Collector Considerations

East Coast Pioneer: As the first Eastern state to adopt Goldbacks, New Hampshire holds special status for collectors tracking geographic expansion.

Liberty Theme Appeal: The liberty focus resonates strongly with sound money advocates and constitutional collectors.

Revolutionary Heritage: Connections to American founding principles add historical depth.

New Hampshire Goldback Economy

Growing Adoption: New Hampshire's activist community embraces alternative currencies:

  • Small business acceptance
  • Farmer's markets
  • Libertarian gathering points
  • Free State Project network

Tax Advantages: No state income or sales tax simplifies Goldback transactions.

The "Live Free or Die" Currency

New Hampshire Goldbacks embody the state's defining motto. They represent:

  • Independence from central bank currency monopoly
  • Personal responsibility for wealth preservation
  • Community-based alternatives to mainstream finance
  • Tangible assets in an increasingly digital world

For anyone drawn to liberty themes, New Hampshire Goldbacks offer beautiful physical expression of enduring American principles.