Introduction to New Hampshire Goldbacks
In the heart of New England, New Hampshire has embraced a unique form of voluntary currency: New Hampshire Goldbacks.
Launched in 2021, these gold-infused notes combine the stability of 24-karat gold with the convenience of paper money.
Known for its fierce independence and libertarian leanings, New Hampshire is a natural home for this innovative currency, which reflects the state’s “Live Free or Die” ethos. This article explores the history, design, value, and significance of New Hampshire Goldbacks, optimized for search engines with key insights and an authoritative resource.
What Are New Hampshire Goldbacks?
New Hampshire Goldbacks are thin, flexible notes crafted by embedding .999 fine gold between layers of durable polyester, a process developed by Valaurum, a private mint. Each note contains a precise amount of gold, from 1/1000th of an ounce in the 1 Goldback denomination to 1/20th of an ounce in the 50 Goldback. Available in five denominations—1, 5, 10, 25, and 50—they make gold practical for everyday transactions.
As a voluntary currency, they’re not legal tender but are accepted by businesses and individuals who value their intrinsic worth. Part of the broader Goldback movement, they offer a tangible alternative to fiat money, aligning with the principles of “sound money.”
The History of New Hampshire Goldbacks
New Hampshire Goldbacks debuted in October 2021, making it the third state to adopt the Goldback model after Utah (2019) and Nevada (2020). The launch coincided with growing interest in alternative currencies, fueled by inflation concerns following the U.S. departure from the gold standard in 1971. While New Hampshire lacks a specific legal tender act like Utah’s, its tax-friendly policies—no sales tax—support precious metal use.
The state’s selection reflects its strong libertarian community, particularly tied to the Free State Project, which seeks to attract freedom-minded individuals to New Hampshire. Goldback, Inc. saw this as fertile ground for a currency emphasizing economic independence, and the Granite State has since embraced it enthusiastically.
Features and Design of New Hampshire Goldbacks
New Hampshire Goldbacks are both functional and artistic, with designs celebrating the state’s heritage and values:
- 1 Goldback: Fortitude, depicted as a Native American woman with a bow, honoring the Abenaki people.
- 5 Goldback: Veritas (Truth), shown as a colonial woman with a lantern, reflecting New Hampshire’s revolutionary spirit.
- 10 Goldback: Libertas (Liberty), set against Mount Washington, symbolizing freedom and natural beauty.
- 25 Goldback: Prudentiae (Prudence), featuring a farmer with a plow, nodding to the state’s agrarian roots.
- 50 Goldback: Pax (Peace), portrayed with a dove and the Old Man of the Mountain, an iconic granite formation until its collapse in 2003.
These gold-flecked designs make New Hampshire Goldbacks a collector’s favorite while tying them to the state’s identity.
Are New Hampshire Goldbacks Legal Tender?
New Hampshire Goldbacks are not legal tender under federal or state law, as they’re privately issued. However, New Hampshire’s lack of sales tax simplifies their use, avoiding additional costs common in other states. They function as a voluntary currency, accepted by merchants who opt in, or as a barter item valued for their gold content. This fits the state’s pro-liberty culture, where alternative economic systems thrive without heavy regulation.
The Value of New Hampshire Goldbacks
Tied to gold’s spot price, New Hampshire Goldbacks have intrinsic value:
- 1 Goldback = 1/1000 oz
- 5 Goldback = 1/200 oz
- 10 Goldback = 1/100 oz
- 25 Goldback = 1/40 oz
- 50 Goldback = 1/20 oz
With gold at roughly $2,000 per ounce in February 2025, a 1 Goldback’s gold value is about $2, though retail prices range from $4-$5 due to production and collectibility premiums. This stability makes them a hedge against inflation, a sentiment echoed on X where users hail them as “freedom money for New Hampshire.”
Why Use New Hampshire Goldbacks?
New Hampshire Goldbacks offer compelling benefits:
- Portability: Easier to carry than gold coins or bars.
- Divisibility: Ideal for small purchases, unlike bulkier bullion.
- Durability: Polymer encasing ensures resilience.
- Local Identity: Designs resonate with Granite Staters, boosting community use.
- Sound Money: Provides an alternative to fiat currency volatility.
Dozens of businesses, from Concord to Portsmouth, accept them, with adoption tied to the state’s libertarian and self-reliance ethos.
Where to Buy New Hampshire Goldbacks
New Hampshire Goldbacks are accessible through multiple channels:
- Alpine Gold: Buy directly at alpinegold.com, the official source, which also lists retailers.
- Online Dealers: Sites like APMEX (apmex.com), JM Bullion (jmbullion.com), and Hero Bullion (herobullion.com) carry them.
- Local Vendors: New Hampshire coin shops and Free State Project-friendly businesses stock them; check Goldback, Inc.’s retailer map.
- Secondary Markets: eBay and precious metal forums offer them, often at a markup for rarity.
Prices fluctuate with gold’s market rate and demand, so comparing options is recommended.
The Future of New Hampshire Goldbacks
Since their introduction, New Hampshire Goldbacks have joined a growing network, with over 8 million Goldbacks produced across all states by 2025 (per Goldback, Inc.). Their success in New Hampshire ties into the state’s unique political climate and could inspire wider adoption in New England. As economic uncertainty persists—evidenced by a 20% cumulative U.S. inflation rise from 2020-2025—they may play a larger role in local trade and wealth preservation.
Conclusion
New Hampshire Goldbacks embody the Granite State’s independent spirit, merging gold’s enduring value with practical design. Whether you’re a collector, an investor, or a resident seeking economic freedom, they offer a distinctive alternative to fiat currency.