California Series Goldback Collection

The California Goldback series launched on August 25, 2026, and Phase One brings three denominations of .9999 fine 24k gold: the ¼, the 1, and the 5. Each note draws its artwork from California's own history and landscape, from the Gold Rush at Sutter's Mill to the granite walls of Yosemite and the vineyards of Sonoma Valley.

Every California Goldback carries real gold physically embedded into the note through a patented vacuum deposition process. Gold content scales with the denomination: the ¼ Goldback holds 1/4,000 of a troy ounce, the 1 holds 1/1,000, and the 5 holds 1/200. American artists hand-draw every design, and each note hides UV-reactive detail you can check on the spot under a blacklight.

Phase One also introduced the California Limited Early Release 3 Goldback, the first LER ever produced with spot color, capped at a mintage of 8,000 and graded by PMG.

Additional California denominations will follow in later phases. Shop Phase One below. Insured shipping nationwide, no minimums.

Buy California Goldbacks in person

GoldATM has six Gold ATMs in California where you can buy Goldbacks with cash: three in Fresno, two in Bakersfield and one in Riverbank. The notes loaded in each machine can vary, so check the California Gold ATM locations before you go.

Compare denominations: Goldback Denominations Guide

More state series: Florida, Idaho, Arizona

Shop All Goldbacks →

California Goldbacks: frequently asked questions

What denominations does the California Goldback series include?

Phase One of the California series includes the ¼, 1 and 5 Goldback, and we carry all three. We also carry the California Limited Early Release 3 Goldback, capped at a mintage of 8,000 and graded by PMG. Additional California denominations will follow in later phases.

How much gold is in a California Goldback?

Each California Goldback holds a fixed amount of .9999 fine 24k gold, set by its denomination. The ¼ holds 1/4,000 of a troy ounce, the 1 holds 1/1,000 and the 5 holds 1/200. The Limited Early Release 3 holds 3/1,000. The gold is physically embedded in the note through a patented vacuum deposition process.

What is on the California Goldback artwork?

The ¼ shows Justitia (Justice) in Yosemite, with Half Dome and El Capitan behind her. The 1 shows Diligentia (Diligence) as a prospector panning at Sutter's Mill, with the grizzly from the state flag. The 5 shows Abundantia (Abundance) in Sonoma Valley's vineyards with the California quail and Mission San Francisco Solano.

Can I buy California Goldbacks in person?

Yes. GoldATM has six Gold ATMs in California, in Fresno, Bakersfield and Riverbank, where you can buy Goldbacks with cash. The notes loaded in each machine can vary, so check the California Gold ATM locations before you go. You can also order any California Goldback here and have it shipped insured.

How do I verify a California Goldback?

Use a UV light. Hidden artwork appears on each California note: water fills Justitia's scales on the ¼, gold nuggets glimmer on the 1, and a ladybug appears on the 5. Every Goldback also has microprinting, raised imagery on the back and a unique serial number. Our guide on how to verify your Goldbacks walks through each check.