Insurance Policy Letter (Presumably for Gold)

This letter is from the Pacific Insurance Agency in San Francisco, and discusses policy information presumably for covering gold. Dated 1861 and sent to Folsom, CA, the letter is hastily written and very difficult to read.

Background Info:

Miners in the California Gold Rush (1848 - 1855) needed a way to securely store and transport gold to avoid theft or loss, and banks provided an easy solution. Many would deposit their gold at financial institutions for safekeeping, and would often receive paper currency or bank drafts in exchange for their gold. The gold would then be melted down and refined by the banks before being sold or used to back currency. As the gold rush continued and more deposits were made, banks and financial institutions became a crucial part of the economy of the American West.

A signed Certificate of Authenticity will accompany your purchase, as well as an archival grade document holder with UV protection. You will receive the exact item shown in the photos above.