A contested mine in Central Idaho that will produce gold and antimony earned the U.S. Forest Service’s final approval following a lengthy environmental review and objections from the Nez Perce Tribe, which will lose access for decades to federal lands guaranteed by a U.S. treaty.
“This approval elevates the Stibnite Gold Project to an elite class of projects in America that have cleared NEPA,” Jon Cherry, Pepetua’s president and CEO, said in a statement.
“The tribe’s treaties with the United States are the supreme law of the land and remain binding,”
January 1, 2026, a significant regulatory shift took hold in Washington State, fundamentally altering the landscape for physical metal investors. The implementation of Engrossed Senate Substitute Bill (ESSB) 5794 officially repealed the state’s long-standing sales tax exemption on precious metal bullion and monetized coins. For the first time since 1985, residents in the Evergreen State must now pay a statewide 6.5% sales tax—plus local surtaxes that can push the total levy as high as 10.6%—on every ounce of gold or silver they acquire.
The most immediate losers of this policy shift are the brick-and-mortar dealers within Washington State. Historically, these businesses drew customers from across the Pacific Northwest, but they now face a stark competitive disadvantage against neighboring Oregon, which has no sales tax, and Idaho, which maintains its bullion exemption.
Devastating to learn that Washington’s 40 years of no tax on gold and silver has taken effect this year. We are in March now since this has started but what a shame for this to have happened.I hope all businesses stay strong and speak to those who can help change this tax law back to the way it was. Good luck!
The history of National Coin Week began in 1923, when American Numismatic Association Governor Julius Guttag suggested to the association’s President, Moritz Wormser, that a week-long event should be established “to attract the general public to our hobby and consequently increase our membership, and aid in our science.” That December, the first announcement of a “Coin Week” was made in The Numismatist and scheduled for the week of February 9-16, 1924.
In 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of independence. This milestone invites us to reflect on the many ways money and freedom are connected.
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:
What goldbacks are and how they work
Why investors choose goldbacks (the sound money movement)
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:
Utah (original series, 2019)
Nevada
New Hampshire
Wyoming
Idaho
South Dakota
Oklahoma
Florida
Arizona
Washington D.C. (city)
Washington D.C Goldbacks were supposed to be released this year but it is said that it may be delayed until 2027.
Photo taken from the GoldBack archive
Latest Additions:
California (newest state series)
Florida (newest state series)
Dallas, Texas (newest city series) 2025 – only 352,000 were produced.
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.
How Goldbacks Work: Investment & Spending
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.
Why Investors Buy Goldbacks: The Sound Money Movement
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:
Fiat currency (paper money) loses value over time through inflation
Gold maintains purchasing power across decades and centuries
Sound money advocates believe precious metals should be part of a diversified portfolio
Gold provides protection against economic uncertainty
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.
Goldbacks Pros & Cons
Like any investment, goldbacks have advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you need to know:
Pros of Buying Goldbacks
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.
Cons of Buying Goldbacks
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.
How to Buy Goldbacks: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to purchase goldbacks? Here’s the process:
Step 1: Research Your Options
Before buying, understand what you’re getting. Research these bullets:
Current goldback series available in your state
Gold content per denomination
Current spot gold prices
Available retailers and dealers
Step 2: Find a Reputable Dealer
This is critical. Work with established, verified precious metals dealers who:
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.
When purchasing goldbacks, work with established precious metals dealers who have:
Verified business history (check years in business)
Positive customer reviews and reputation
Clear pricing transparency
Expert knowledge about goldbacks
Authentication verification
Local availability (if preferred)
VictoriasCoin: Your Dealer Directory
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:
Answer questions about authenticity
Discuss goldback investment strategies
Compare pricing across denominations
Explain state-specific series
Help with storage recommendations
Is Buying Goldbacks Worth It? Final Thoughts
Whether goldbacks are a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and belief in sound money principles.
Goldbacks make sense if you:
Believe in sound money and precious metals as a hedge
Want a spendable form of gold
Appreciate the collectibility and design
Can afford the premium above spot prices
Understand the market is still developing
Have a long-term investment horizon
Consider alternatives if:
You need maximum liquidity (gold bars/coins may be better)
You can’t afford premiums above spot price
You need to spend your investment frequently
You prefer established, widely-accepted precious metals
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
Get Started: Find Goldback Dealers Today
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.*
“I’m basing this whole forecast on the fact that the Fed is going to be wrong,” Hemke stated, emphasizing his belief that the current economic strength is overstated.
Non-tariff barriers are meant to limit the amount of imports/exports and protect domestic industries. In some relief to consumers globally, the Trump administration has kept some essential items exempt from the purview of these tariffs.
Items exempt from the tariffs levied by Trump include copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, as well as energy and energy products.
With prices for most of its popular products ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 yuan, Laopu now competes more directly with Western luxury brands such as Tiffany and Cartier.
As rising gold prices in 2024 pushed investors toward bullion and coins and gold jewellery sales in China fell 24.69% to 532.02 tonnes, Laopu twice raised prices on its designer jewellery and trinkets. It again upped prices by 5-12% last month.
But analysts say Laopu is a contender to fully break through the luxury glass ceiling.
“It’s not an imminent threat to global luxury groups because to build a luxury brand takes a long time. You need a story, you need a history, you need the craftsmanship, but it’s possible,” said Jonathan Yan, a principal at consultancy Roland Berger in Shanghai.
