The Lithuania Mint 2oz silver coin tells the story of the California Gold Rush (1848–1855) beginning when gold was found in an American river by James W. Marshall, who was building a watermill there. The news soon spread, and during the coming years, California saw an influx of 300,000 new inhabitants, both from the USA and abroad, thus quickly elevating it to statehood.

Though many were attracted by dreams of gold and wealth, only a small percentage of prospectors struck it rich.