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Goldback/Silverback

What is a Goldback?

"Greenback" has been a slang for a U.S. dollar, since the Civil War. In 1861, the government first started printing a currency with green color on the back. As a currency, it was not backed by any precious metal. There were times when dollars were backed by gold or silver, but those days are long past. Since 2019, we have pliable-flat money that has gold color on the back. The color doesn't come from ink but real 24K gold. History has made a full cycle, we now have sound money backed by gold. Hence, the name "Goldback".

The Goldback® is an ingenious type of 24K GOLD note used in place of fiat currency. Unlike the dollar, this note is literally backed by precious metal. The gold is not simply foil pressed against a bill but is a micro-printing vacuum deposited gold. The note is then covered by a super durable polymer. These are the finest known examples of using Gold as small denomination money.

Goldbacks are different than gold bullion and gold coins. It is true that gold holds its value, whereas fiat currencies inflate away. How do you buy bread with gold bullion? Will a grocery give you change for gold bullion that is worth several thousands of dollars? Gold coins also contain a collectable aspect that makes them even harder to use as money. Goldbacks solve this problem by dividing up an ounce of gold into 4000 notes.

Note: To avoid the confusion of these with other monetary instruments, use the trademark term of 'Goldback' or 'Goldbacks' rather than "gold back", "gold backs" or "gold backed".

First Year of Goldback Production by State

As there are so many different states and denominations, it may be difficult to keep track of your collection. You can use The Goldback Portfolio to help you manage your Goldbacks.

Which state will be next for Goldbacks?

The Goldback State Release Schedule: Four New States Every Year

The Goldback map is expanding! Goldback is planning four new state series each year, giving collectors more opportunities to discover new artwork, explore American history, and build a collection spanning the country.

The planned release months are January, March, August, and November. These releases are not evenly spaced throughout the year. January and March launches are relatively close together, followed by a longer interval before August and another release in November.

The Annual Release Plan
4 New States
JANUARY   |   MARCH
AUGUST   |   NOVEMBER
Planned release windows, subject to change

The Four Planned 2027 Release Windows

RELEASE 1
January

Colorado starts the new state-collecting season.

RELEASE 2
March

The second launch of Ohio follows just two months after January.

RELEASE 3
August

A Southern state is planned, selected from eight possible candidates.

RELEASE 4
November

The final planned launch of the year is from 9 possible Northeastern states.

The Four Planned 2028 Release Windows

RELEASE 1
January

One of 5 Western states.

RELEASE 2
March

One of six Mid-Southern State will be released.

RELEASE 3
August

One of nine Mid-Western State releases.

RELEASE 4
November

One of seven possible Southern State candidates.

This is not a once-per-quarter schedule. January to March is two months, March to August is five months, and August to November is three months. Collectors should plan around these specific release windows rather than expect a new state every three months.

January and March: The Early-Year Releases

January Release

Colorado

Colorado is planned for the January release window. Collectors should watch official announcements for presale information, denomination availability, Alpha serial-number opportunities, and final artwork details.

March Release

Ohio

Ohio is planned for March. Its history offers many possibilities for distinctive Goldback artwork, including aviation, industry, canals, and important events in American history. Follow official announcements for final design details and availability.

August: One of Eight Southern States

The August release is especially interesting because the next Southern Goldback state is expected to be selected from a group of eight candidates. The final choice has not yet been identified, leaving collectors several possibilities to watch.

Alabama

Civil rights history, southern landscapes, and a rich musical tradition.

Georgia

Historic Savannah, agricultural heritage, and the landscapes of the Deep South.

Kentucky

Horse country, Appalachian heritage, and distinctive natural scenery.

Mississippi

Blues music, the Mississippi River, and influential literary traditions.

North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Mountains, coastal communities, and aviation history.

South Carolina

Historic Charleston, coastal landscapes, and Lowcountry culture.

Tennessee

Music history, the Great Smoky Mountains, and American craftsmanship.

Virginia

Early American history, historic landmarks, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Which Southern state is most likely?

The eight candidates are Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Without a confirmed ranking from Goldback, it would be premature to identify one as the clear favorite. Local merchant participation, dealer relationships, community interest, and launch readiness may help determine which state is selected.

Each candidate offers its own artistic possibilities. Collectors could see themes drawn from the Appalachian Mountains, historic coastal cities, American music, aviation, or important moments in the nation's history. The final state selection will determine which of these stories gets the Goldback treatment.

November: Which Northeastern State Will Be Next?

The November release is planned to bring another new state into the expanding Goldback collection, this time from the Northeastern United States. Nine states could be in consideration: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Each candidate has a distinctive identity, from the birthplace of important American historical events to coastal communities, mountain landscapes, early industry, and enduring traditions. The eventual selection could give Goldback artists an exciting opportunity to interpret another chapter of American history through precious-metal artwork.

Planned November Release
The Northeast
9 Possible States
Final selection not yet identified

The Nine Northeastern Candidates

Connecticut

Colonial history, maritime traditions, and the development of American manufacturing could inspire a design rooted in the state's early contributions to the nation.

Delaware

Known as the First State for ratifying the Constitution, Delaware offers a natural connection to American independence and the founding principles of the republic.

Maine

Lighthouses, rugged coastlines, forests, and maritime heritage provide rich possibilities for a nature-inspired Goldback design.

Maryland

The Chesapeake Bay, sailing traditions, and the state's distinctive flag offer compelling subjects connecting geography, culture, and American history.

New Jersey

Revolutionary War history, the state's role in early American industry, and its coastal communities could provide a blend of historical and modern themes.

New York

The Statue of Liberty, the Erie Canal, the Hudson Valley, and New York's role in commerce and immigration offer numerous possibilities for distinctive artwork.

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia's founding-era history, the Liberty Bell, the Declaration of Independence, and the state's industrial heritage offer strong connections to America's story.

Rhode Island

A rich maritime past, coastal scenery, and a tradition of religious liberty make Rhode Island a distinctive candidate for a historical and artistic interpretation.

Vermont

Green Mountain landscapes, covered bridges, maple traditions, and independent spirit could inspire a design celebrating the state's natural beauty and heritage.

Which Northeastern State Is Most Likely?

At this stage, the nine states should be considered candidates rather than a confirmed ranking. Without an official indication of Goldback's preferred state, it would be speculative to identify one as the clear favorite.

What could influence the selection?
  • Existing Goldback users and community interest.
  • Local merchants willing to accept Goldbacks.
  • Coin shops, bullion dealers, and potential distribution partners.
  • Regional expansion priorities and practical launch readiness.
  • The ability to build awareness and support for a new state series.

Collectors can watch for signs of community-building and merchant participation in these states, but those signs alone do not confirm which state will be chosen. The official announcement will be the clearest indication of the final selection.

Why a Northeastern Goldback Could Be Exciting

The Northeast contains some of the most influential locations in American history, along with distinctive coastlines, mountain scenery, historic architecture, and manufacturing traditions. Any of the nine candidates could inspire an artistic interpretation that connects a state's identity with the Goldback's precious-metal format.

For collectors, a new state series can offer another opportunity to explore state-specific artwork, collect early releases, and look for Alpha serial numbers or other interesting note varieties. The appeal of each release will depend on its actual design, production details, availability, and collector demand.

Nine States. One November Selection.

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont—which state will join the Goldback collection next?

Follow the announcement and get ready to discover the next state series.

Editorial note: November is the planned release window for a Northeastern state. The nine states listed here are possible candidates, not confirmed selections. The final state and release timing should be verified through official Goldback announcements.

January 2028: Which Western State Will Be Next?

The Goldback state expansion is expected to continue into 2028 with a planned January release focused on the Western United States. Five states could be in consideration: Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

The West offers an extraordinary range of potential Goldback artwork, from Alaska's rugged wilderness and Hawaii's island heritage to Montana's wide-open landscapes, Oregon's Pacific coastline, and Washington's mountains and evergreen forests. Each state has a distinctive story that could be brought to life through Goldback's detailed artistic interpretations.

Planned January 2028 Release
The Western United States
5 Possible States
Final selection not yet identified

The Five Western Candidates

Alaska

Glaciers, towering mountains, wildlife, and the Northern Lights offer striking possibilities for a Goldback design celebrating the state's remarkable wilderness and independent spirit.

Hawaii

Hawaiian cultural traditions, volcanic landscapes, tropical flora, and the islands' royal history could provide a visually distinctive design unlike any other state series.

Montana

The Rocky Mountains, Big Sky Country, bison, and frontier heritage could inspire artwork celebrating the American West and its enduring connection to the land.

Oregon

Pacific coastlines, Crater Lake, forests, and the Oregon Trail offer potential themes connecting natural beauty with the history of westward migration.

Washington

Mount Rainier, evergreen forests, Pacific maritime heritage, and the state's agricultural and industrial history could inspire an intricate regional design.

Which Western State Is Most Likely?

All five states are potential candidates for the January 2028 release, but the final selection should not be assumed until Goldback announces it. Geography and population alone do not establish which state is most likely to be chosen.

What could influence the decision?
  • Existing Goldback users and community interest.
  • Local merchants willing to accept Goldbacks.
  • Coin shops, bullion dealers, and potential distribution partners.
  • Regional expansion priorities and practical launch readiness.
  • The ability to build awareness and support for a new state series.

Each candidate offers a different opportunity. Alaska and Hawaii could bring especially distinctive geographic and cultural themes to the collection, while Montana, Oregon, and Washington offer varied landscapes and histories. These artistic possibilities make all five states worth watching, but they do not establish an official ranking.

Why a Western Goldback Could Be Exciting

The Western states provide some of the country's most recognizable landscapes and regional stories. A new series could celebrate wildlife, exploration, state history, cultural traditions, or natural landmarks through the detailed artwork that makes Goldbacks distinctive.

For collectors, a new state release offers another opportunity to explore state-specific designs, collect early releases, and look for Alpha serial numbers or other interesting note varieties. The actual appeal of each release will depend on its final artwork, production details, availability, and collector demand.

Five States. One January Selection.

Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, or Washington—which state will be the next addition to the Goldback collection?

Watch the announcements. Discover the artwork. Build your collection.

Looking Ahead to 2028

The planned January Western release would begin another year of Goldback state expansion. Collectors can follow official announcements for the selected state, artwork previews, presale dates, denomination details, and information about early releases.

Editorial note: January 2028 is the planned release window for a Western state. Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, and Washington are possible candidates, not confirmed selections. The final state and release timing should be verified through official Goldback announcements.

March 2028: Which Mid-South State Could Be Next?

The planned Goldback state release schedule continues into 2028, with another new state series anticipated in March. This time, attention turns to the Mid-South region of the United States, where six states could be considered for a future Goldback release.

Each state offers its own history, landmarks, cultural traditions, and symbols that could inspire a distinctive Goldback design. Until an official announcement is made, the state selected for March 2028 remains undetermined.

Six States to Watch

Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas are the potential candidates identified for the planned March 2028 release window.

Arkansas

Known for the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, natural springs, and the state's connection to the nation's diamond-producing history, Arkansas offers a variety of possibilities for artistic interpretation.

Kansas

The wide-open prairie, wheat fields, historic frontier trails, and agricultural heritage could provide striking imagery for a Kansas Goldback series.

Louisiana

Louisiana's bayous, Mississippi River heritage, distinctive architecture, and rich musical and cultural traditions could inspire a Goldback design unlike any other state in the series.

Missouri

From the Gateway Arch and the history of westward expansion to the Ozarks and the Missouri River, the state has a broad range of historical and geographic themes to explore.

New Mexico

Desert landscapes, adobe architecture, Indigenous and Hispanic cultural traditions, and dramatic Southwestern scenery could lend themselves to an especially distinctive artistic design.

Texas

Texas offers a wealth of possible themes, including its independent republic history, ranching traditions, iconic wildlife, wide-ranging landscapes, and enduring symbols of state identity.

What Could Influence the Selection?

The final choice could reflect several considerations, including regional interest in Goldbacks, collector demand, local merchant and dealer participation, and the practical planning involved in introducing a new state series. The creative possibilities also matter: every state provides an opportunity to tell a different story through detailed artwork and symbolic imagery.

Collectors may want to watch for announcements as the planned release window approaches. A new state series can bring fresh designs to explore and another opportunity to expand a collection of Goldbacks by state.

March 2028: The Mid-South Is in Focus

Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas are the six potential candidates for this planned release window. No state has been confirmed here as the selection. The official announcement will determine which state's history and imagery join the expanding Goldback series.

Release timing and candidate states are presented as planned possibilities, not a confirmation of the final state or release date.

August 2028: Which Midwestern State Could Be Next?

The planned Goldback state release schedule continues in August 2028, bringing the Midwest into focus for another potential addition to the growing state series. Nine states are on the candidate list, each offering a unique combination of history, regional identity, natural beauty, and cultural traditions that could inspire a distinctive Goldback design.

Which state will be selected? Until an official announcement is made, the answer remains open. Collectors can explore the possibilities while waiting to see which state's story might be represented in gold.

Nine States to Watch

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin are the potential candidates identified for the planned August 2028 release window.

Illinois

From Chicago's iconic skyline to Abraham Lincoln's legacy and the state's agricultural heartland, Illinois offers a wide range of historical and cultural themes for artistic interpretation.

Indiana

Indiana's racing heritage, covered bridges, farmland, and limestone architecture could provide distinctive imagery rooted in the state's traditions and history.

Iowa

Rolling fields, agricultural heritage, historic river towns, and the state's famous bridges and landscapes could offer an appealing theme centered on the land and its people.

Michigan

Surrounded by the Great Lakes, Michigan is known for its freshwater coastlines, lighthouses, forests, automotive history, and distinctive Upper Peninsula scenery.

Minnesota

The Land of 10,000 Lakes offers possibilities inspired by its waterways, northern forests, wildlife, outdoor traditions, and the cultural heritage of its communities.

Nebraska

The Great Plains, Sandhills, pioneer trails, and agricultural traditions could provide a striking design celebrating the open landscapes and history of Nebraska.

North Dakota

The rugged scenery of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Badlands, prairie wildlife, and the state's wide-open skies could inspire a memorable design with a strong connection to nature.

West Virginia

With its Appalachian Mountains, forested valleys, coal-mining history, and outdoor recreation, West Virginia offers rich possibilities for a design celebrating its mountain heritage.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin's Great Lakes shoreline, dairy farming, forests, historic communities, and strong outdoor traditions could provide a colorful foundation for a state-themed Goldback.

What Could Influence the Selection?

A state's potential for a Goldback series may depend on a combination of factors, including collector interest, regional demand, local merchant and dealer participation, and the practical readiness of a launch. The artistic possibilities are also important: Goldbacks use detailed imagery to interpret themes associated with each state, giving every new release the potential to add a different story to a collection.

With nine candidates, the August 2028 selection offers plenty of possibilities for collectors to discuss. From Great Lakes coastlines and prairie landscapes to mountain scenery and major historical landmarks, each candidate could bring a distinctive identity to the series.

August 2028: The Midwest Takes the Spotlight

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin are the nine potential candidates for this planned release window. No state has been confirmed here as the selection. The official announcement will reveal which state's history, landscape, and traditions may join the expanding Goldback series.

Release timing and candidate states are presented as planned possibilities, not confirmation of the final state or release date.

Why the Schedule Matters to Collectors

A planned four-state annual pace gives collectors a better framework for following new releases. Each new state may introduce unique artistic interpretations, regional history, state symbols, and opportunities to collect early issues or Alpha serial numbers.

A Collector's Watchlist

  • January: Watch for Colorado.
  • March: Watch for Ohio.
  • August: Watch for the selection among the eight Southern-state candidates.
  • November: Watch for the fourth state announcement.
  • Follow official announcements for presales, Alpha releases, mintage information, and final artwork.

Release plans can change, and a new series does not automatically guarantee future appreciation or a collector premium. For collectors, the strongest approach is to follow confirmed announcements, learn the stories behind each release, and collect the artwork and serial-number varieties that interest them.

Four Releases. Four New Opportunities.

January. March. August. November. The Goldback state collection is set for an ambitious annual expansion, with eight possible Southern states adding suspense to the August launch.

Follow the schedule. Discover the artwork. Build your collection.

Keep Up With New Goldback Releases

Visit GoldIsBack.com to explore Goldback releases, collector notes, and updates as new state series are announced.

Editorial note: The planned release months are January, March, August, and November, for four new state series annually. Colorado and Ohio are the early-year states in this schedule. The August Southern-state candidates are Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The November state has not been identified here. Dates and state selections remain subject to official confirmation and change.

If you find it hard to keep up with the Goldback release announcements, contact us to be notified by email of the Goldback dates.

With the Sponsor a New Goldback® Series, any State or locality within the world can have the next Goldbacks, but it will require an upfront lease of over 100 thousand of Goldbacks. The sponsor does have the advantage of approving the artwork, though.

Can Goldbacks be counterfeited?

There isn’t a single case of counterfeited Goldback because of the following reasons:

  • The notes are printed with a patented gold printing process, which would cost millions of dollars to recreate the equipment before even producing one counterfeit. Each state series note has a unique and intricate gold design that is very difficult to reproduce.
  • Each note has a unique serial number with no two notes having the same number. There is still privacy with the serial number as shipments of Goldbacks are sent in with the serial numbers in random order. The Goldbacks are not sent in sequential order to reduce the possibility of being traced.
  • Since 2025, each Goldback has UV-reactive ink on the back of the notes to help authenticate the validity of the Goldback.
  • There are other security measures incorporated into the notes that Goldback keeps proprietary and have not been revealed publicly.
Besides for collecting Goldbacks, what can you do with them?
  • Use them as an educational tool to explain how REAL money is supposed to work by being backed by a precious metal.
  • Where legal, you can spend or barter with them. It has been found that if you can speak with the store owner and explain the value of Goldbacks about half of the stores will accept them. These stores have specifically registered their acceptance of Goldbacks in Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
  • Earn interest by depositing your Goldbacks into their special bank that pays 2% or more annually in Goldbacks.
  • They are guaranteed to exchange 1000 for a 1 Oz Gold Eagle or Buffalo.
How many Goldbacks have been minted?

The Goldback Mintage section has been moved to https://goldisback.com/goldback/mintage .

We feel so strongly about educating people about sound money and financial preparedness that we give a free Goldback with each coin and non-Goldback note that we sell.

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