[SedVictaCatoni]

the gold standard, which the Constitution REQUIRES

No, it doesn't. Art. I, §10 forbids the states from issuing paper money.

[libertyman]

The Constitution doesn't mention paper money. In fact, the Constitution goes even FURTHER than what you suggest: it prevents the states from accepting anything but gold & silver coin in payment of debts. James Madison srtongly criticized what he called "a rage for paper money" in The Federalist # 10.

Sounds like the Founders set a gold standard to me.