A historical timeline of the price of gold in USD per ounce from the fixed rate of $35 in 1971 to the current day.

Gold has been used as a form of currency for thousands of years. For the modern era though it’s more instructive to view the gold price starting from the end of the gold-backed US dollar in 1971.

Gold Price History

This time line charts historical milestones of the the price of gold, including new record highs and historical events in context with the gold price.

1 January 1971: $37.44/oz

15 August 1971: $40.95/oz – The Nixon Shock.

Nixon ends convertibility of US Dollars to gold and announces wage/price controls.
“Since 1958, when the Bretton Woods system became operational, countries settled their international balances in dollars, and US dollars were convertible to gold at a fixed exchange rate of $35 an ounce. The United States had the responsibility of keeping the dollar price of gold fixed and had to adjust the supply of dollars to maintain confidence in future gold convertibility.”

“On the evening of August 15, 1971, Nixon addressed the nation on a new economic policy that not only was intended to correct the balance of payments but also stave off inflation and lower the unemployment rate.

The first order was for the gold window to be closed. Foreign governments could no longer exchange their dollars for gold”.

The Challenge of Peace – President Nixon’s Address to the Nation on A New Economic Policy.

3 January 1972: $43.48/oz

1 January 1973: $63.91/oz

1 January 1974: $106.72/oz

9 August 1974: $142.98/oz

Nixon resigns.

14 August 1974: $142.98/oz

Ford administration passes a law ending the prohibition of gold ownership. Public Law No: 93-373 (08/14/1974):
“Repeals the prohibitions on purchasing, holding, selling, or otherwise dealing in gold in the United States or abroad, effective either on December 31, 1974, or at any time prior to such date that the President finds and reports to Congress that private ownership of gold will not adversely affect the U.S. monetary position.”

1 January 1975: $183.85/oz

From the 1st of January 1975 gold can now be owned in the U.S. without any restrictions.

1 January 1976: 140.25/oz

3 January 1977: 134.50/oz

2 January 1978: 164.95/oz

1 January 1979: 226.00/oz

16 January 1979: 220.65/oz

1979 oil crisis. “On January 16, 1979, the Shah and his wife left Iran at the behest of Prime Minister Shapour Bakhtiar”.

1 January 1980: $512.00/oz

21 January 1980: $850.00/oz

The gold spike of January 1980 saw the gold price reach $850 per ounce. In hindsight it marked the end of gold bull market that had been running since Nixon untethered the US Dollar from gold in 1971.

1 January 1981: $589.75/oz

1 January 1982: $397.50/oz

3 January 1983: $454.00/oz

2 January 1984: $382.40/oz

1 January 1985: $309.00/oz

1 January 1986: $326.80/oz

1 January 1987: $388.75/oz

1 January 1988: $484.10/oz

2 January 1989: $410.25/oz

1 January 1990: $398.60/oz

1 January 1991: $386.20/oz

1 January 1992: $350.60/oz

1 January 1993: $332.90/oz

3 January 1994: $391.75/oz

2 January 1995: $383.25/oz

1 January 1996: $387.00/oz

1 January 1997: $369.25/oz

1 January 1998: $290.20/oz

1 January 1999: $287.80/oz

7 May 1999: $282.40/oz

Gordon Brown announces sale of UK gold reserves.

20 July 1999: $252.80/oz

Gold reached a low point of US$252.80 on 20 July.

3 January 2000: $290.25/oz

1 January 2001: $274.45/oz

11 September 2001: $287.00/oz

On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. The price of gold didn’t spike like it did in 1980, but you can mark this time period as when the gold price began its next bull run.

1 January 2002: $276.50/oz

1 January 2003: $347.20/oz

1 January 2004: $416.25/oz

3 January 2005: $435.60/oz

2 January 2006: $513.00/oz

1 January 2007: $632.00/oz

1 January 2008: $833.75/oz

3 January 2008: $867.90/oz

Gold reaches new high of 867.90/oz, breaking the record set in 1980.

14 March 2008: $1,000.00/oz

Gold breaks through the $1,000/oz barrier for the first time.

24 October 2008: $712.50/oz

Gold reaches its lowest price during the global financial crisis. In the same month the US stock markets suffer worst week on record. The Dow Jones fell 21% over a week, making it the biggest fall since Black Monday in October 1987.

1 January 2009: $869.75/oz

1 January 2010: $1,087.50/oz

3 January 2011: $1405.50/oz

22 August 2011: $1,900.00/oz

Gold passes the $1,900 mark for the first time.

23 August 2011: $1,917.90/oz

Gold price hits an all-time high of $1,917.90 an ounce.

2 January 2012: $1,531.00/oz

1 January 2013: $1,657.50/oz

1 January 2014: $1,204.50/oz

1 January 2015: $1,206.00/oz

17 December 2015: $1,049.40/oz

After reaching new highs in 2011, gold entered a bear market that saw it nearly going back under $1,000/oz before starting its recovery.

1 January 2016: $1,060.00/oz

3 January 2017: $1,145.90/oz

2 March 2017: $1,238.10/oz

Bitcoin’s price reached parity with the per-ounce spot price of gold.

2 January 2018: $1,291.00/oz

1 January 2019: $1,281.65/oz

2 January 2020: $1,527.10/oz

23 January 2020: $1,564.60/oz

Wuhan lockdown: China takes extreme measures to stop virus spread

27 July 2020: $1,942.00/oz

Gold passes all-time record high on 27 July 2020 to close at $1,942 USD/oz. The previous record high reached $1,917 USD/oz in August 2011.

4 August 2020: $2,000.00/oz

Gold price passed $2,000 USD per ounce for the first time on 4 August, 2020.

6 August 2020: $2,075.00/oz

$2,075 USD is the new all time high price of gold per ounce, reached on the 6th of August 2020.

1 January 2021: $1,893.66/oz

15 August 2021: $1,779.67/oz

50th anniversary of the Nixon Shock.

Nixon broke with gold 50 years ago. What comes next?

1 January 2022: $1,827.49/oz

24 February 2022: $1,908.90/oz

Putin’s Forces Attack Ukraine

1 January 2023: $1,823.91/oz

4 May 2023: $2,078.00/oz

Gold price spikes to record as US Fed goes ‘data dependent’ amid banking crisis
“Topping August 2020’s intraday record of $2075 by $3 per ounce, the overnight spike in spot gold was followed by a 0.9% rise for the day to Thursday morning’s LBMA Gold Price and then a 1.5% day-on-day rise towards $2045 at the PM fixing.”

4 December 2023: $2,148.00/oz

Gold Price surges to the all-time high above $2,130 on weaker US, Fed rate cut bet
“Gold price attracts some buyers above the $2,100 mark and has reached the record high of $2,148.”

2 January 2024: $2,067.55/oz

19 April 2024: $2,400/oz

Gold surges past $2,400 on Middle East conflict concerns

2 August 2024: $2,500/oz

Gold price surpasses $2,500 for first time ever
“Gold surpassed $2,500 per ounce for the first time in history on Friday in the wake of rising geopolitical tensions and new data indicating a weakening US economy.”

The $2,500/oz milestone meant that 400 oz gold bars are worth one million dollars for the first time.

[400 oz Gold Bar.]

20 September 2024: $2,621/oz

Gold records all-time high, surpasses $2,600
“Gold prices climbed past $2,600, recording new all-time highs amid increasing speculation that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will continue to lower borrowing costs and heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in the Middle East. The XAU/USD trades at $2,621, up 1.37%.”

17 October 2024: $2,706.81/oz

Gold tops $2700 for first time to extend record-breaking run
“Gold topped $2,700 an ounce for the first time, as concerns over escalating conflicts in the Middle East saw investors flock to safety.

Bullion climbed as much as 0.5% to $2,706.81 an ounce, after Israel said it killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the Palestinian group’s attack on southern Israel that triggered a year-long war in Gaza.”

1 January 2025: $2,623.82/oz

31 January 2025: $2,817.23/oz

Gold surges past $2,800 as tariff threats reignite record rally
“Spot gold rose 0.3% to $2,801.29 per ounce by 01:41 p.m. ET (1841 GMT), after hitting a record peak of $2,817.23 earlier in the session.”

14 March 2025: $3,000/oz

Gold price passed $3,000 USD per ounce for the first time on 14 March, 2025.

31 March 2025: $3,100/oz

Gold price passed $3,100 USD per ounce for the first time on 31 March, 2025.

11 April 2025: $3,200/oz

Gold price passed $3,200 USD per ounce for the first time on 11 April, 2025.

16 April 2025: $3,300/oz

Gold price passed $3,300 USD per ounce for the first time on 16 April, 2025.

21 April 2025: $3,400/oz

Gold price passed $3,400 USD per ounce for the first time on 21 April, 2025.

22 April 2025: $3,500/oz

Gold price passed $3,500 USD per ounce for the first time on 22 April, 2025.

8 September 2025: $3,600/oz

Gold price passed $3,600 USD per ounce for the first time on 8 September, 2025.

16 September 2025: $3,700/oz

Gold price passed $3,700 USD per ounce for the first time on 16 September, 2025.

29 September 2025: $3,800/oz

Gold price passed $3,800 USD per ounce for the first time on 29 September, 2025.

5 October 2025: $3,900/oz

Gold price passed $3,900 USD per ounce for the first time on 5 October, 2025.

8 October 2025: $4,000/oz

Gold price passed $4,000 USD per ounce for the first time on 8 October, 2025.

13 October 2025: $4,100/oz

Gold price passed $4,100 USD per ounce for the first time on 13 October, 2025.

15 October 2025: $4,200/oz

Gold price passed $4,200 USD per ounce for the first time on 15 October, 2025.

16 October 2025: $4,300/oz

Gold price passed $4,300 USD per ounce for the first time on 16 October, 2025.

22 December 2025: $4,400/oz

Gold price passed $4,400 USD per ounce for the first time on 22 December, 2025.

23 December 2025: $4,500/oz

Gold price passed $4,500 USD per ounce for the first time on 23 December, 2025.

12 January 2026: $4,600/oz

Gold price passed $4,600 USD per ounce for the first time on 12 January, 2026.

20 January 2026: $4,700/oz

Gold price passed $4,700 USD per ounce for the first time on 20 January, 2026.

21 January 2026: $4,800/oz

Gold price passed $4,800 USD per ounce for the first time on 21 January, 2026.

22 January 2026: $4,900/oz

Gold price passed $4,900 USD per ounce for the first time on 22 January, 2026.

25 January 2026: $5,000/oz

Gold price passed $5,000 USD per ounce for the first time on 25 January, 2026.

26 January 2026: $5,100/oz

Gold price passed $5,100 USD per ounce for the first time on 26 January, 2026.

28 January 2026: $5,200/oz

Gold price passed $5,200 USD per ounce for the first time on 28 January, 2026.

28 January 2026: $5,300/oz

Gold price passed $5,300 USD per ounce for the first time on 28 January, 2026.

28 January 2026: $5,400/oz

Gold price passed $5,400 USD per ounce for the first time on 28 January, 2026.

28 January 2026: $5,500/oz

Gold price passed $5,500 USD per ounce for the first time on 28 January, 2026.

Gold price forecasts

For future gold prices visit the gold price predictions page, where leading gold experts make their forecasts.

Some gold analysts are predicting that gold can surpass $10,000 USD per ounce. Here is a full list of $10,000 per ounce gold price predictions.

Gold news

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Buy gold online

Read our report on how to buy gold online, and a guide to gold-backed cryptocurrency.

Gold price disclaimer

The quoted gold prices and chart are from the World Gold Council. Prices move throughout the day, and there may be differences with other charts using spot price or regional prices. The prices quoted on this page are as a guide.

[Gold spot price chart from the World Gold Council shown in GMT.]

Gold $5,500 news

Gold jumps above $5,500 as weak dollar is ‘supercharging’ rally
“Gold futures jumped above $5,500 per ounce on Wednesday as the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, while a weaker dollar fueled the debasement trade, pushing investors toward hard assets.”

Gold climbs to record above $5,500 on bets for dovish Fed chair

Gold jumps above $5,500 for the first time on record

Gold prices hit record high above $5,500/oz on US-Iran tensions

Gold soars past US$5,500 as Trump sabre rattles over Iran
“Gold prices soared to another fresh record above US$5,500 Thursday, while oil advanced and stocks fell after Donald Trump ramped up geopolitical tensions with his threatened military strike on Iran.”

Gold is not rallying it is replacing faith
“Gold did not creep higher. It kicked the door in. After blowing through $5,500 in early Asia, bullion is no longer trading like a commodity.”

[Gold spot price chart from the World Gold Council shown in GMT.]

Gold $5,400 news

Spot gold crosses $5,400/oz for the first time

Bitcoin remains subdued as gold races to new record above $5,400 following Jerome Powell remarks
“The bull market in gold ratcheted into a higher gear on Wednesday, with the yellow metal soaring 6% to above $5,400 per ounce for the first time.”

[Gold spot price chart from the World Gold Council shown in GMT.]

Gold $5,300 news

Gold’s extends rally above $5,300 as dollar slides
“Gold broke through $5,300 for ​the first time on Wednesday as the dollar plunged to a near four-year ‌low, ahead of a Federal Reserve monetary policy decision.

Spot gold climbed 2.3% to $5,305.65 per ounce, as of 0832 GMT, after hitting a record high of $5,311.31. It has gained more than 20% since the start of the year.”

Gold extends record-setting rally towards $5,300 ahead of Fed

[Gold spot price chart from the World Gold Council shown in GMT.]

Gold $5,200 news

Gold vaults past $5200 to record high
“Gold surged ​above $5,200 ‌an ounce on ‌Wednesday to a ​record high, ‍extending a historic rally ⁠as ‍economic and ‌geopolitical ‌uncertainty drove demand for ⁠the ⁠safe-haven ​yellow metal.”

Gold prices surge to $5,262/oz record high on haven demand, weak dollar

Gold smashes $5,200 level as investors flee fiat in debasement surge

Gold extends record-setting rally past $5200 ahead of Fed

Gold crosses $5,200 an ounce for first time amid geopolitical, policy uncertainty
“Gold has gained more than 18% so far this year, extending last year’s rally. The move reflects persistent concerns over global trade, fiscal risks in the US, and expectations that interest rates could ease later in the year.”

[Gold spot price chart from the World Gold Council shown in GMT.]

Gold $5,100 news

Gold races to $5,100 record peak on frantic safe-haven demand
“Gold prices extended their record-setting rally to ​surge past $5,100 on Monday as central banks and investors sought refuge from geopolitical risks and Trump-induced ‌market volatility.”

Gold soars past $5,100 an ounce, silver hits new record on tariff and US shutdown fears – business live
“Both precious metals hit all-time highs as investors pile into safe-haven assets amid Donald Trump’s threat of 100% tariffs on Canada and shutdown fears.”

Gold prices cross $5,100 for the first time amid geopolitical uncertainties
“Gold prices have surged to a record high of more than $5,100 an ounce, extending a historic rally as investors piled into the safe-haven asset amid rising geopolitical uncertainties.”

Gold miner shares jump as bullion prices hit $5,100/oz record high

Gold surge has analysts eyeing new highs after US$5,100 record amid Trump-era geopolitics
“Gold surged to an all-time high of US$5,100 an ounce on Monday, with analysts forecasting further gains as the precious metal is increasingly viewed as a strategic hedge amid heightened geopolitical risks linked to the current US administration’s foreign policy shifts and a growing push for de-dollarisation.”

[Gold spot price chart from the World Gold Council shown in GMT.]

Gold $5,000 news

Gold blasts past $5,000 to record high on safe-haven rush
“Gold surged to a record high above $5,000 an ounce on Monday, extending ​a historic rally as investors piled into the safe-haven asset amid rising geopolitical uncertainties.

Spot gold rose ‌1.98% to $5,081.18 per ounce by 0323 GMT, after touching $5,092.71 earlier. U.S. gold futures for February delivery gained 2.01% to $5,079.30 per ounce.”

Gold rushes to record high amid rising geopolitical tensions
“Spot gold rose 0.94 per cent to US$5,029.62 per ounce by 2321 GMT, while US gold futures for February delivery gained 1.02 per cent to US$5,029.70 per ounce.”

$5000 gold beats 1999 central bank shock, silver strongest since Hunt Brothers’ corner
“Gold and silver leapt to fresh record prices above $5,000 and $110 per ounce on Monday, both on track for their strongest monthly gains in well over 4 decades, writes Atsuko Whitehouse at BullionVault.”

Gold tops $5,000 as concerns over Trump upending global relations drive a historic rally
“Gold prices surged beyond $5,000 per ounce for the first time, as investors rushed to the safe-haven asset as concern spread that US President Donald Trump is upending relations with key allies from Europe to Canada.”

Gold tops $5,000 for the first time in ‘breathtaking and profoundly scary’ rally
“Gold rose above $5,000 an ounce on Sunday, hitting the major milestone earlier than Wall Street expected, raising questions about the stunning speed of the rally in precious metals.

Gold’s surge has become a hallmark of the so-called “debasement trade,” with investors buying assets to protect against the erosion of purchasing power amid soaring government debt worldwide.”

Gold surges above $5,000 on shutdown fears, geopolitical tensions

Gold tops $5000 for first time ever, adding to historic rally

Gold’s record run rolls on with prices surging past $US5,000 as investors seek safety

[Gold spot price chart from the World Gold Council shown in GMT.]

Gold $4,900 news

Gold tops $4,900/oz; silver and platinum extend record‑setting rally
“Gold pushed past $4,900 per ounce for the first time on Thursday, powered by ‌ongoing geopolitical tensions, a softer U.S. dollar and expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, while silver and platinum prices hit fresh record highs.

Spot gold climbed to a record peak of $4,917.65 per ounce, as of 01:51 p.m. ET (18:51 GMT).”

Gold tops $4,900 as Goldman Sachs ups year-end forcast

Gold price surpasses $4,900 as record rally carries on
“Gold prices broke past the $4,900-an-ounce level for another record high on Thursday after new US economic data raised the chances of Federal Reserve cutting interest rates.”

Gold hits record above $4,900 as rally extends despite risk-on mood

Gold hits record high of $4,900 per ounce amid geopolitical tensions

[Gold spot price chart from the World Gold Council shown in GMT.]

Gold $4,800 news

Gold zooms past $4,800 for the first time as Greenland tensions simmer
“Gold prices were boosted to a record high above $4,800 ‌per ounce on Wednesday, as investors looked to the metal as a safe haven after a broad selloff in U.S. assets on heightened tensions between the U.S. and NATO over Greenland.

Spot gold climbed 2.1% to $4,862.46 per ounce by 0446 GMT, after scaling a record $4,865.73 earlier in ‌the session. U.S. gold futures for February delivery climbed 2% to $4,861.20 ​per ounce.”

Gold surges past $4,800/oz to new record high amid Greenland tensions
“Gold prices smashed through $4,800 an ounce on Wednesday, scaling another record high as escalating tensions linked to Greenland and renewed trade frictions rattled global markets and drove investors toward safe-haven assets.”

Gold surges above $4,800 as geopolitical tensions boost safe-haven demand

Why is Gold price rising above $4,800 and will it continue to grow? Full Market Explainer. Here’s what should gold investors do now

Gold breaks new record on Greenland tariff threats — $7,000 level on the cards
“Gold prices climbed to a fresh record above $4,800 on Wednesday, extending a sharp rally as investors sought safety amid tariff threats from the White House and renewed concerns about a global trade war.”

[Gold spot price chart from the World Gold Council shown in GMT.]

Gold $4,700 news

Gold scales new high past $4,700/oz as Trump threats fuel safe-haven demand
“Gold jumped past $4,700 per ounce ‌for the first time on Tuesday, while silver traded near a record high, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to slap extra tariffs on European allies soured global sentiment and sparked a rush into safe-haven assets.”

Gold breaks through $4,700 on weaker dollar, safe-haven buying

Gold prices hit $4,700/oz record high as Greenland jitters persist

Gold at $4,700 isn’t a peak, it’s the market pricing a more uncertain 2026