Goldbacks: The Rise of Sound Money

  A refreshing gold backed solution, to an uncertain future

By Casey Whalen

I recently visited Alpine Gold Exchange in Alpine, Utah (outside of Salt Lake City), and had the opportunity to inspect and purchase Goldbacks for the first time, fractional gold at an affordable price. Perfect for spending amongst the growing list of local vendors accepting this fantastic approach to an ever-fading and diminishing dollar.

The Utah Sound Money Act is an important legal and conceptual precursor to the Goldback movement. The 2011 proposal sought to restore gold and silver as a usable medium of exchange in Utah—not by eliminating Federal Reserve Notes, but by creating a voluntary parallel system in which citizens and businesses could transact using precious metals.

Last year, Idaho passed House Bill 177, sponsored by Rep. Steve Miller, the Idaho Constitutional Money Act of 2025, reaffirming gold/silver as legal tender. The measure enjoyed popular support, earning approval in the state House with a 66-3-1 vote and unanimous passage, 35-0, in the Idaho Senate.

Idaho goldbacks have recently been released.

Gary Barsdorf of Alpine Gold joined me for a detailed interview about Goldbacks.

Filmed August 26, 2026, in Alpine, Utah.

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