Pre-1933, gold and silver coins were everyday currency, minted by the U.S. Mint. Founding Fathers valued stable currency, mining gold from the 1700s. In 1933, Executive Order 6102 mandated turning in most gold coins or face hefty fines and imprisonment. Citizens received paper Federal Reserve Notes in return, losing over 90% of purchasing power. Old gold and silver coins now trade at prices far beyond face value, showing the wisdom of the Founding Fathers.