Is it true that Marines were paid in gold during the Spanish-American War era?

2019-03-16T13:07:25-04:00

I am doing research on a Boxer Rebellion Marine veteran and had once read that Marines were paid in gold coin.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Mar 16 at 2019 1:27 PM

2019-03-16T13:27:33-04:00

CPT Mike McMunn Cpt,while i can find no resource to verify that claim.It seems very possible,since $5 and $10 gold coins were commonly used during that period.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 16 at 2019 4:59 PM

2019-03-16T16:59:02-04:00

The denomination sounds right as the average Grunt was pulling in $7/month ($215 today). Problem like anything else, breaking a $5 into smaller stuff can be a problem. Paymasters tend to dole out in units that are usable lest other problems occur. Buying something for a nickel was a big deal.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 16 at 2019 11:50 PM

2019-03-16T23:50:36-04:00

At one time the nation was on the "Gold" Standard and gold coins were common. When they changed in the early 1920's? Gold coins were withdrawn from circulation.