125 Years of Gold Price History
From the stability of the Gold Standard to the volatility of the modern era. A definitive guide backed by official government data sources.
Current Gold Price (2026)
Compare to 1900
The Gold Standard Era
1900 – 1933
Fixed Price per Troy Ounce
Under the Gold Standard Act of 1900, the dollar was legally defined as 15.05 grains of 90% fine gold. Prices were fixed, creating extreme monetary stability but limited flexibility during crises.
Source: Federal Reserve History ↗Confiscation & Revaluation
1933 – 1934
In 1933, President F.D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102, forbidding the hoarding of gold coin, bullion, and certificates. Americans were forced to sell their gold to the Fed. In 1934, the government revalued gold to $35.00, instantly devaluing the dollar by 40%.
Source: The American Presidency Project ↗The Bretton Woods System
1944 – 1971
Pegged Global Currency
Post-WWII, the world pegged their currencies to the US Dollar, which was pegged to gold. This system stabilized the global economy but eventually collapsed as the US printed more money than it had gold to back.
Source: IMF Archives ↗The Nixon Shock
August 15, 1971
Market Era Begins
President Nixon "closed the gold window," ending the direct convertibility of the US dollar to gold. Gold began to float freely against world currencies, launching the modern bull market.
Source: Federal Reserve History ↗Modern Era Milestones
Driven by double-digit inflation and geopolitical fear (Iran/Afghanistan).
Driven by the 2008 Financial Crisis aftermath and QE money printing.
Driven by Central Bank buying (De-dollarization) and debt levels.