Our Iowa state page has been updated with improved details and clearer listings for local gold and silver dealers. Visitors can now browse verified shops and connect with trusted precious‑metals professionals across Iowa.
Happy Investing fellow precious metals collectors!
-V.
Our Mississippi state page is now available on VictoriasCoin. Visitors can explore verified gold and silver dealers, coin shops, and bullion sellers across the state. This update helps collectors and investors quickly find trusted locations for precious‑metals buying and selling.
While the market in Mississippi is not very big, specifically for Gold & Silver Dealers, the dealers listed have plenty of experience you need to make wise decisions on your investment journey.
Visit the Mississippi page and see if there are any locations that deserve to have a presence on the site alongside their competitors across the state.
Happy Investing!
-V.
Goldbacks are a unique form of physical gold investment—beautifully designed bills containing actual .999 fine gold (24K). Unlike traditional gold coins or bars, goldbacks offer an innovative way to both invest in precious metals and spend them in everyday transactions.
If you’re exploring precious metals investments or looking for alternative ways to store value, goldbacks deserve serious consideration. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying goldbacks, understanding their investment potential, and finding reputable dealers in your area.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
Goldbacks are physical currency containing gold foil—not gold coins or bars, but actual bills with gold embedded within them. Each bill is precisely measured and contains a specific amount of .999 fine gold (24K) layered between 2 polymer sheets. These bills are flexible and durable making them desirable for the right consumer. They’re designed for both investment and everyday spending.
Key features of goldbacks:
✓ Verified gold content — Each bill displays the exact amount and value of gold on the front
✓ Beautiful design — Created by professional artists with intricate artwork
✓ Security features — Built-in anti-counterfeiting measures on every bill
✓ Portability — Easy to store and transport compared to bars
✓ Eight denominations — Multiple options to suit different budgets
✓ Spendable — Designed for both investment and transactions
Goldback denominations (as of 2026):
Current Availability
Goldbacks have significantly expanded since their 2019 launch. Currently, goldbacks are available in 10 states and 2 major cities:
States:
Washington D.C Goldbacks were supposed to be released this year but it is said that it may be delayed until 2027.
Latest Additions:
California and Florida Goldbacks launch June 30th, 2026. California having a limited early release with expected shipping around July 14th, 2026.
Growth trajectory:
The Goldback series continues expanding, with new states and cities gradually being added. Check with dealers for the latest availability in your area.
Goldbacks function differently from traditional precious metals investments. They exist in the intersection between collectible currency and store-of-value asset.
The investment model:
Each goldback bill contains a specific, measurable amount of .999 fine gold. The bill itself is the container and proof of authenticity. You’re not buying paper currency—you’re buying physical gold in a portable, spendable form.
Spending goldbacks:
While you cannot spend goldbacks at traditional retail stores (yet), a growing network of small businesses, online retailers, and precious metals dealers accept them as payment. This is the key differentiator from traditional gold investments: goldbacks are designed for both storage AND spending.
Goldbacks appeal to investors who believe in the sound money movement, the philosophy that real assets like gold hold intrinsic value, unlike fiat paper currency. This is the reason why I have purchased goldbacks myself.
Sound money basics:
Why this matters now:
During periods of economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and currency devaluation, sound money advocates turn to precious metals as a hedge. Goldbacks offer a modern, practical way to participate in this philosophy.
The accessibility factor:
Traditional gold bars are valuable but not practical for everyday transactions. Goldbacks bridge this gap where they’re small enough to use for everyday purchases but represent real, measurable gold value.
Like any investment, goldbacks have advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you need to know:
Inflation hedge — Gold has historically protected against inflation. As the dollar weakens, gold value typically increases.
Spendable form — Unlike bars, goldbacks can be spent at businesses that accept them, offering flexibility traditional gold investments lack.
Collectibility — Certain bills and state series may become collectible, potentially increasing value beyond gold content.
Privacy — Direct, personal transactions without bank involvement or government tracking.
Physical tangibility — Unlike digital assets, goldbacks are physical, verifiable, and in your hands.
Portability — Easy to store, transport, and hide compared to gold bars.
Beauty and design — The artistic quality makes goldbacks appealing to collectors and investors alike.
Limited liquidity — Finding buyers for goldbacks can be challenging. Unlike established coins, the resale market is still developing.
Price volatility — Goldback value is tied directly to gold spot prices, which fluctuate daily.
Storage requirements — Proper storage protects against damage and loss. Poor storage can reduce value.
Premium pricing — You’ll pay more than the raw gold value. Production costs create a premium above spot price similar to numismatic coins.
Limited acceptance — Currently, few businesses accept goldbacks as payment. This is changing but remains a limiting factor.
Market uncertainty — Goldbacks are still relatively new (launched 2019). Long-term adoption is unknown. Just like silver rounds. But that’s a different topic.
Ready to purchase goldbacks? Here’s the process:
Before buying, understand what you’re getting. Research these bullets:
This is critical. Work with established, verified precious metals dealers who:
Shop goldbacks at Money Metals Exchange
One of the largest and most trusted precious metals retailers in the US.
Goldback prices fluctuate with gold spot prices. However, you’ll also pay a premium above spot price. This covers:
This is normal and expected similar to numismatic coin premiums.
When you receive goldbacks:
Goldbacks require proper storage to maintain condition:
Find a verified goldback dealers in your state
Trusted dealers and growing across the U.S.A
Finding a trustworthy dealer is a bit of journey. We all think we can just walk up to a store that claims they are gold dealers or coin dealers BUT we need to make sure that we vetting them first. Ask the right questions and know a bit about the business before walking in.
VictoriasCoin maintains a curated, verified directory of precious metals dealers across the United States. Many of our listed dealers specialize in gold, silver, and coin dealers. Not all dealers sell goldbacks but may be more accepting of purchasing it from you so it’s important to call beforehand.
Here are a few things to do before you make your move:
Whether goldbacks are a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and belief in sound money principles.
Goldbacks make sense if you:
Consider alternatives if:
The bottom line: Goldbacks represent an innovative way to invest in gold while maintaining the ability to spend it. While still relatively new, growing merchant acceptance and collector interest suggest goldbacks will play an increasing role in the precious metals market. I hope this
If you’re ready to explore goldback investing, the first step is finding a knowledgeable, reputable dealer who can guide you through the process.
VictoriasCoin – National Gold & Silver Dealer directory features verified precious metals dealers across the U.S. Many specialize in gold and silver and can answer your questions about authenticity, pricing, state series, and investment strategy for goldbacks. Give your local dealer a call or schedule an appointment.
Looking for an online solution, find goldbacks at trusted retailers like Money Metals Exchange.
*Disclosure: VictoriasCoin may earn affiliate commissions from Money Metals Exchange and other dealer partnerships at no additional cost to you. This helps support our work creating this directory.*
The beautiful state of Georgia has been completed with precious metals dealers from gold & silver to coin dealers. Lots of businesses ready to buy and sell bullion especially in the Atlanta area of the state.
Check out the curated list of businesses ready for you to come on by and add to your personal stack or just make some extra cash.
Visit the Georgia page and find your closest gold and silver dealer. If there are any honorable mentions you would like to see in the listing please send me an email or comment the business we should add to the listings.
HAPPY INVESTING
-V.
Did you know the oils on your fingertips can permanently damage a coin? Most collectors don’t find out until it’s too late. Our Coin Preservation Guide covers everything you need to know to protect your collection from day one. Proper handling, the right storage options, what causes damage, and why you should never clean your coins no matter how tempting it looks.
Get the full guide!
Released May 28, the listed price of the 2026-W Enhanced Uncirculated American Gold Eagle is $5,370.
The product, which would be limited to 7,500 pieces, is currently unavailable, but interested buyers can sign up to be notified the next time it is in stock.
It’s composed of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and the rest is copper.
Source – AL.com
The price of silver today, as of 9:20 a.m. ET, is $74.89 per ounce. That’s down 1.27% from yesterday’s price of $75.85.
On a broader scale, silver is down 10.31% compared to last week and 2.34% lower than a month ago.
Source – Forbes
The price of gold today, as of 9:20 a.m. ET, was $4,504.01 per ounce. That’s down 0.88% in the past 24 hours. The lowest trading price within the last day: $4,454.14 per ounce. The highest gold spot price in the last 24 hours: $4,571.01 per ounce.
Source – Forbes
Spot gold gained 1% to $4,532.72 per ounce. Prices hit their lowest in more than seven weeks earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures for June delivery rose 0.5% higher to $4,535.30.
“Any type of resolution to the war or opening of the Strait of Hormuz would be a positive for the gold market in so much as the expectation would be that interest rates would decline, and hence that would be opportunistic or helpful to the gold market,” said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures.
Citi said it was staying cautious near-term on gold with a zero to three-month point-price target of $4,300/oz.
Source – CNBC
Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making any retirement investment decisions.
Gold hit $5,405 per ounce in January 2026 in a commentary by Citi Bank, an all-time record. It has since pulled back, trading around $4,700 as of mid-May, but that still represents a gain of over 25% since the start of 2025 alone, on top of a roughly 64% surge through all of 2025. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 was not consistent, fluctuating between 4% to 9% year-to-date through April, with elevated volatility.
That contrast has a lot of investors asking the same question: should some of my retirement savings be in gold instead of stocks? It’s a reasonable question and the answer is more nuanced than most gold IRA marketing would have you believe.
Here’s what the data shows and what you need to know about the rules and costs before opening an account.
Several things are happening this year. Central banks have continued buying gold at historically elevated levels, around 244 tonnes in Q1 2026 alone even with prices near record highs. That kind of buying at peak prices signals durable institutional confidence, not opinion. Global gold ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) inflows set an all time record in 2025 at $89 billion and continued into 2026.
Tariff uncertainty has also played a major role. The sweeping trade policies introduced in 2025 triggered a near 20% S&P 500 drawdown in Q1-Q2 of that year. Even after markets recovered, volatility has stayed elevated in 2026, and many investors are reassessing how much equity risk they’re comfortable carrying into retirement.
J.P. Morgan forecasts gold prices averaging around $5,055/oz by Q4 2026. UBS (Union Bank of Switzerland) has called for gains of 20% or more above current levels. These are institutional forecasts, not guarantees but they reflect the same structural story meaning diversification away from dollar-denominated assets, persistent inflation concerns, and geopolitical instability.
You can live track gold and silver on our FREE Precious Metals Tracker!
A gold IRA is a self-directed Individual Retirement Account holding IRS-approved physical precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, or palladium instead of stocks or bonds. The tax treatment is identical to a conventional IRA between traditional (tax deferred) or Roth (tax free growth).
The metals must meet IRS purity standards (gold must be .995 fine or higher, though the American Gold Eagle gets a special exemption at 91.67% purity). They must be stored at an IRS-approved depository, not at home. Storing gold at home is treated by the IRS as a taxable distribution, which can trigger a 10% penalty if you’re under 59½. So please consider storing your precious metals properly. There are pros & cons but we will get into that at a different time.
In the “long-run” returns for stocks will win by a wide margin. From 1971 to 2024 traditional stocks averaged around 10.7% in annual returns. Gold averaged around 7.9% over the same period of time. That 2-3% point gap, compounded over 30 years, turns into a very large difference in retirement portfolio’s ending value.
Gold’s recent run has bee extraordinary, but highs and lows are part of it’s history too. In 2013 gold lost roughly 28% of it’s value. Between 2011 and 2015 it shed nearly half of its peak price. Anyone who bought at the peak in 2011 and sold in 2015 didn’t preserve their wealth unfortunately they lost it.
Gold earns its place during market dislocations or when there is a significant disruption in the financial market. During the 2008 financial crisis, the S&P fell around 38% and gold ended the year roughly 5%. In 2025, when tariff fears drove an almost 20% equity drawdown, gold continued to climb. In 2026, with the S&P 500 flat to slightly up and volatility elevated, gold has outperformed by a wide margin.
Golds low or negative correlation with equities during crisis is the core reason financial planner include it as a portfolio hedge and not because it beats stocks but because it hold or rise when stocks fall.
Despite the volatility, the S&P 500 has stayed resilient because corporate earnings and consumer spending have held up. Since the November 2024 election, total S&P 500 returns climbed nearly 30% through early May 2026. The take away from this is that stocks are not in freefall. The case for gold in 2026 is about diversification and hedging, not casting aside equities.
Gold, as well as other precious metals, that are held outside of a retirement account are taxed as a collectible, meaning longterm capital gains are taxed up to 28% which is higher than the standard 15% to 20% long term rate for stocks. Holding physical gold inside an IRA sidesteps this entirely making gains grow tax-deferred(traditional IRA) OR tax free (Roth IRA)
One important thing to know about rollover is that rollover contributions from a 401(k) or existing IRA do not count toward annual contribution limits, which is why rollovers are the most common way investors build significant gold IRA holdings quickly. Direct trustee-to-trustee transfers are the safest method and the preferred way the IRS so you never touch the money and there’s no 60-day deadline or 20% withholding to worry about.
The IRS has increased its audit focus on self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs) in recent years. Compliance errors is what most investors don’t realize they need to pay attention to like an ineligible coin, improper storage, or a missed rollover deadline, all can disqualify the entire account, triggering immediate taxation of the full balance. This is a compelling reason to work with an experienced, IRS-approved custodian.
Gold IRAs carry fees that traditional stock IRAs don’t. Typical costs include:
These drag meaningfully on returns compared to a low-cost gold ETF — like GLD (gold) or IAU (iShares Gold Trust) — held inside a standard brokerage IRA, which charges around 0.1–0.4% annually and can be traded instantly. If owning physical metal isn’t a priority for you, a gold ETF achieves most of the same diversification benefit at a fraction of the cost and with far simpler compliance. Physical gold is best for those who specifically want tangible metals. Gold ETFs are best for those who want price exposure with low cost and easy rebalancing.
As one fee-based financial advisor put it, it’s much easier to rebalance a client’s gold allocation as an ETF, and the bid/ask spread when buying or selling physical gold can be variable and wide.
Gold has had a remarkable two-year run, and the structural drivers like central bank buying, dollar diversification, geopolitical instability, persistent inflation don’t look like they’re going away. In a year where the stock market is flat and volatile, the case for holding some gold in a retirement portfolio is stronger than it’s been in years.
But gold is a hedge, not a replacement. Most financial planners suggest an allocation of 5% to 15% of a retirement portfolio to precious metals , enough to cushion a downturn without sacrificing the long-run return advantage that equities historically provide. So diversification is key for your portfolio.
Before opening any gold IRA, compare the all-in annual costs against a gold ETF, confirm your custodian is IRS-approved (only certain custodians can legally hold IRA metals under IRS rules), and work with a fee-only financial advisor – someone who doesn’t earn commissions on precious metals commission based often markup sales – to figure out the right allocation for your situation.
Before making any decisions, bookmark our Precious Metals Tracker to follow gold and silver prices in real time.
Happy Investing!
