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California Gold Centennial Issue

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3-cent California Gold Centennial single

A 3-cent purple stamp issued on January 24, 1948, commemorated the centennial of the discovery of gold in California. James W. Marshall discovered gold while working at John Sutter's mill in Coloma, California. News of the discovery led to the gold rush of 1849 in which thousands of men abandoned their jobs and went prospecting in hopes of riches. Although only a few made large fortunes, many who came from afar stayed and contributed to California's rapid development.

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