1940
“Apparently unaware that gold has been forbidden as a medium of exchange, a tall, dark complexioned cowpuncher walked into a [Reno, Nevada] gambling club last night and startled the dealer by casually dropping a handful of gold coins on the 21 table,” reported the Reno Evening Gazette (May 18, 1940).
At that time, personal ownership of gold coins and bullion had been illegal for seven years. It was punishable with a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of double the amount of the value of the gold retained.
