631    Emperor Taizong of Tang, the Emperor of China, sends envoys to the Xueyantuo bearing gold and silk in order to seek the release of enslaved Chinese prisoners captured during the transition from Sui to Tang from the northern frontier; this embassy succeeded in freeing 80,000 Chinese men and women who were then returned to China.

1539    In Florida, Hernando de Soto lands at Tampa Bay with 600 soldiers with the goal of finding gold.

1848    California Gold Rush: James W. Marshall finds gold at Sutter's Mill near Sacramento.

1848    California Gold Rush: In a message before the U.S. Congress, US President James K. Polk confirms that large amounts of gold had been discovered in California.

1849    The U.S. Congress passes the Gold Coinage Act allowing the minting of gold coins.

1864    Helena, Montana is founded after four prospectors discover gold at "Last Chance Gulch".

1869    "Black Friday": Gold prices plummet after Ulysses S. Grant orders the Treasury to sell large quantities of gold after Jay Gould and James Fisk plot to control the market.

1926    Gold is discovered in Johannesburg, South Africa.

1933    The U.S. Congress abrogates the United States' use of the gold standard by enacting a joint resolution (48 Stat. 112) nullifying the right of creditors to demand payment in gold.

1938    Archaeologists discover engraved gold and silver plates from King Darius in Persepolis.

1968    Gold standard: The U.S. Congress repeals the requirement for a gold reserve to back US currency.

1983    Brink's-MAT robbery: In London, 6,800 gold bars worth nearly £26 million are stolen from the Brink's-MAT vault at Heathrow Airport.

2008    Gold prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange hit $1,000 per ounce for the first time.