From the gold standard era to today's record highs, explore nearly a century of gold price performance. Gold has delivered long-term wealth preservation through every economic crisis, currency devaluation, and market downturn.
Yearly average gold prices from 1930 to present. Select a date range to explore specific periods.
How gold has performed over key investment horizons, based on yearly average prices.
Major events that shaped the gold market over the past century.
Gold Reserve Act — President Roosevelt signs the Gold Reserve Act, fixing the official gold price at $35 per ounce and prohibiting private gold ownership.
Nixon Ends the Gold Standard — President Nixon suspends the convertibility of the dollar into gold, ending the Bretton Woods system. Gold begins trading on the open market.
Gold Hits $850 — Amid runaway inflation, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the Iranian hostage crisis, gold surges to a then-record $850 per ounce.
Financial Crisis Drives Gold Above $1,000 — The collapse of Lehman Brothers and the global financial crisis push investors into gold as a safe haven, breaking $1,000 for the first time.
Gold Reaches $1,900 — The U.S. debt ceiling crisis and European sovereign debt fears drive gold to nearly $1,900, marking a new all-time high.
COVID Pandemic Pushes Gold Past $2,000 — Unprecedented monetary stimulus and economic uncertainty during the global pandemic drive gold above $2,000 per ounce for the first time.
Gold Surpasses $2,400 — Record central bank buying, persistent inflation concerns, and geopolitical tensions push gold to new all-time highs above $2,400.
Gold Breaks $4,600 — Amid economic uncertainty, de-dollarization trends, and sustained central bank demand, gold shatters previous records and climbs above $4,600 per ounce.
Enter any year from 1930 to 2026 to see the average gold price per troy ounce.