Chapter 25. Commemorative “california Gold” Medallions of California Government Code >> Division 7. >> Title 1. >> Chapter 25.

The Department of General Services shall cause to be designed a series of commemorative gold medallions in not less than 1 troy ounce, 0.5 troy ounce, 0.25 troy ounce, and 0.1 troy ounce sizes of . 999 fine gold. As used in this chapter, a "medallion" shall also be known, and may be referred to, as a "gold piece."

Each medallion shall bear:
  (a) On one side, the Great Seal of the State of California.
  (b) On the reverse side; (1) across the top, the term "California Gold;" (2) in the center, any emblem of the State of California; (3) on the lower middle right side, the date; (4) on the lower middle left side, the mint mark of the certified registered mint with which the Department of General Services has contracted; (5) on the bottom left side, the size of the medallion; (6) along the bottom right side, the term ".999 fine;" and (7) along the entire outer edge, thirty-one (31) small stars. The medallion shall have reeded or serrated edges with not less than 10 per quarter inch. The medallions shall not be in similitude in design or size, to include diameter and thickness, to any United States or foreign coin. The mint with which the Department of General Services has contracted shall not begin production of a new design without the approval of the Department of General Services. Any request for approval of a new design which has not been approved or rejected by the department within 14 calendar days after its receipt of the request shall be deemed approved.

Upon the showing of sufficient interest by gold producers, the department shall contract with a registered, certified mint for the minting of gold medallions in an amount and in such sizes as deemed appropriate. Gold producers shall provide all gold bullion necessary for minting and shall deliver it to the mint for processing. They shall pay in advance to the department a fee sufficient to cover all minting and handling costs; royalty fees for the use of the seal; and reimbursement costs to the department for designing the medallions.

The Department of General Services shall, for the use of the Great Seal of the State of California, charge the following royalties:
  (a) For each medallion in the 1 troy ounce size, four dollars ($4).
  (b) For each medallion in the 0.5 troy ounce size, two dollars ($2).
  (c) For each medallion in the 0.25 troy ounce size, one dollar ($1).
  (d) For each medallion in the 0.1 troy ounce size, fifty cents ($0.50).

After minting, the medallions shall be returned to the producers who, notwithstanding Section 402, shall have sole responsibility for distribution, marketing, and sales.

Only registered, certified mints which have contracted with the department may produce the medallions, as ordered pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Any other production of the medallions is unlawful and punishable as a misdemeanor.