The goal of my design is to create a coin that represents the ideals of California's past, present and future—the Beauty of Our Environment and the Dedication to Our Endeavors—by capturing the special moment of a dream being realized; one that many men and women had; one that catapulted California into statehood; one that resulted in the Gold Rush.

Incorporated within "A Golden Moment" are many of the beauties that are California—The soaring eagle, free above the majestic mountains—the crystal ribbon water falls flowing from mountains to rivers, lakes and ocean—the wild grizzly focused on the survival of the hunt—the enduring giant sequoias, holding the history of times before—the elegant golden poppies whose petals are pleasantly soft to the touch, with colors abundantly hopeful even on the gloomiest day—the dreamer in each and every one of us—and the wonder of a dream coming true.

A Golden Moment, E Pluribus Unum (From Many, One).

David Biagini