As of now my group has 168 plus in gold,silver and copper and my group has entered the Demerim to buy the Wintersbreath staff, and to cover Alistair's and Leliana's Denerim request.
If you only have 50 gold then you're not picking up the dropped goodies or opening the treasure chests. I equipped my party members with the stronger weapons and armor I find in these chest. Also you get EP for opening these chests. The surplus junk is sold for more gold since I do not like to carry junk I will not be using once a equipment upgrade is made.. My main party gets the first dibs on the new equipment then the remaining party members. Doing the side quests helps fill the group's treasury funds as well.
I'm the type of player that can not dede bop by a treasure chest without opening it or without picking up the drop goodies.. I started this habit playing Final Fantasy 1 when it was first released 88/89?