What Is a Goldback?
A Goldback is a physical gold currency note containing 24-karat gold. Valaurum's patented vacuum deposition process embeds real gold between protective polymer layers in every note. Goldbacks come in eight denominations in production (¼ to 50), plus the discontinued 100, across state series in the U.S. Thousands of independent businesses accept them as voluntary payment. A single 1 Goldback contains 1/1,000 of a troy ounce of gold, making Goldbacks the most practical way to own, carry, and spend fractional gold.
What Are Goldbacks?
How They're Made
The Artwork
Each state series features original artwork representing virtues and state identity. Goldback Inc. commissions artists to design every denomination. The front of each note depicts a female figure embodying a virtue: Fortitude, Justice, Prudence, and others. The back carries the state seal and denomination markings.
Security & Verification
Every production run undergoes X-ray depth measurement, fire assay of gold content, and third-party verification. Each note carries government-grade anti-counterfeiting features, unique crystallization patterns, and individual serial numbers. No Goldback has ever been successfully counterfeited.
Vacuum Deposition
Goldbacks are manufactured by Valaurum in the United States using a patented vacuum deposition process. Atomized 24-karat gold is deposited onto polymer sheeting in precise quantities. A 1 Goldback receives exactly 1/1,000 of a troy ounce. A 50 Goldback receives 1/20th. The gold is physically embedded between protective layers. It is not printed, plated, or coated.
Goldback Denominations
| Denomination | Gold Content | Troy Oz | States Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¼ Goldback | 1/4,000 oz | 0.00025 oz | Idaho, Florida, California |
| ½ Goldback | 1/2,000 oz | 0.0005 oz | FL, OK, AZ, ID |
| 1 Goldback | 1/1,000 oz | 0.001 oz | Every state series |
| 2 Goldback | 1/500 oz | 0.002 oz | FL, OK, AZ, ID |
| 5 Goldback | 1/200 oz | 0.005 oz | All except TX |
| 10 Goldback | 1/100 oz | 0.01 oz | All except CA, TX |
| 25 Goldback | 1/40 oz | 0.025 oz | All except CA, TX |
| 50 Goldback | 1/20 oz | 0.05 oz | All except CA, TX |
| 100 Goldback | 1/10 oz | 0.1 oz | FL, OK, AZ, ID |
Prices follow the daily Goldback exchange rate. See current prices in the shop.
How Do Goldbacks Work?
What Is a Goldback Worth?
Are Goldbacks Legal Tender?
Goldbacks are not U.S. dollar legal tender. Goldback says the notes carry language affirming that, along with the words "privately issued." They are legal to own and to spend wherever both parties agree, and Goldback says they are recognized as an exchangeable currency only where local or state law authorizes them. Thousands of independent businesses accept them, and the Goldback app lists them by location. To see how this compares with the old gold standard, read Gold-Backed Currency: How Goldbacks Work.
Goldbacks vs Gold Coins
| Goldbacks | Gold Coins (Eagles, Maples) | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum buy-in | ~$2.25 (¼ Goldback) | Price of 1 oz of gold + premium (1 oz coin) |
| Gold purity | 24-karat gold | 22k to 24k (varies) |
| Spendable | Yes, at thousands of businesses | Rarely accepted at face value |
| Divisible | 8 denominations (¼ to 50) | Must sell the whole coin |
| Legal tender | Not U.S. legal tender (voluntary use) | Federal legal tender |
| Premium over spot | Higher (manufacturing + utility) | Lower (bullion premium) |
| Collectible | Multiple state series, unique artwork | Limited designs per year |
Goldbacks and gold coins serve different purposes. Coins optimize for gold content per dollar. Goldbacks optimize for usability: fractional ownership, everyday spendability, and accessibility at any budget.
