# The 2026 Washington, D.C. 1 Goldback

> Columbia looks across a republic at its 250th year.

An illustrated guide to the standard Washington, D.C. 1 Goldback, its measured gold, civic artwork, and current published reference value.

## Current published reference

$8.71 per Goldback, effective Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

This is an informational reference value. It is not a sale price or guaranteed checkout total.

## One note for the capital

In 2026, a single Washington, D.C. Goldback brought Columbia, the capital skyline, and one thousandth of a troy ounce of 24-karat gold into the same narrow frame.

This field guide focuses on that one standard note. There is no catalogue to browse. Every page returns to the physical object, the published facts, and the questions an owner is likely to ask.

## The object

![Front of the standard 2026 Washington, D.C. 1 Goldback showing Columbia, the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, fireworks, and an eagle.](https://washingtondcgoldbacks.com/product/washington-dc-1-goldback.avif)

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Issue | 2026 Washington, D.C. commemorative single issue |
| Denomination | 1 Goldback |
| Gold content | 1/1000 troy ounce of 24K gold |
| Mintage | 250,000 total notes |
| Central figure | Columbia |
| Landmarks | Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol |
| Security | Individual serial and UV-reactive design elements |
| Inscription | “A republic, if you can keep it.” |

[Inspect the complete product record](https://washingtondcgoldbacks.com/washington-dc-one-goldback-for-sale)

## Symbols arranged as an argument

Columbia wears a freedom cap and carries a thirteen-star shield. The Washington Monument rises behind her, the Capitol glows in the distance, and a bald eagle moves across a sky filled with fireworks.

> “A republic, if you can keep it.”

[Read the artwork story](https://washingtondcgoldbacks.com/learn/story-symbolism-washington-dc-one-goldback)

## The reference value

UPMA publishes a per-Goldback reference rate. This site fetches that rate on the server, validates it, and refreshes the cached value every thirty minutes. It never substitutes a guessed value.

The D.C. note has a denomination of one, so its reference value is the published one-Goldback rate multiplied by one. Seller prices and checkout totals may be different.

[Open the calculator](https://washingtondcgoldbacks.com/goldback-calculator)

## From the reading room

- [Columbia at the Republic’s 250th year](https://washingtondcgoldbacks.com/learn/story-symbolism-washington-dc-one-goldback): Meet Columbia and trace how the freedom cap, thirteen-star shield, Washington Monument, Capitol, eagle, fireworks, and Franklin inscription form one commemorative scene.
- [What one Goldback is worth](https://washingtondcgoldbacks.com/learn/what-one-goldback-is-worth): Learn where the live reference rate comes from, how this one-denomination calculation works, and why a reference value is not the same thing as a seller’s price.
- [How a measured layer of gold becomes flexible](https://washingtondcgoldbacks.com/learn/how-goldbacks-are-made): Follow the verified production sequence: artwork and security design, polymer printing, vacuum-deposited 24K gold, sealing, and measured verification.
- [Handle the note like a small print](https://washingtondcgoldbacks.com/learn/handle-store-protect-a-goldback): Use clean hands, flat archival storage, a stable environment, and a light touch. Know what to inspect before you buy or store the note.
- [Using a Goldback by mutual agreement](https://washingtondcgoldbacks.com/learn/voluntary-everyday-exchange): Goldbacks can change hands when both people agree. Here is a clear, low-friction way to establish acceptance and value before the transaction.
- [A field guide to the D.C. scene](https://washingtondcgoldbacks.com/learn/washington-dc-landmarks-symbols): Locate the major D.C. landmarks and civic symbols in the note, then see how their position and scale support the artwork’s commemorative story.

## Common questions

### What is the 2026 Washington, D.C. Goldback?

It is a commemorative, single-issue 1 Goldback created for the 250th anniversary of American independence. Goldback states that 250,000 were produced and that the issue contains 1/1000 troy ounce of 24-karat gold.

### Is this site selling the note directly?

No. This site is an independent product guide. Its purchase link opens Goldback’s official distributor directory, where seller prices, availability, payment, shipping, and returns are handled by the chosen distributor.

### What does the published reference value mean?

It is the current per-Goldback value published by the United Precious Metals Association. For this 1 Goldback, the reference value is the published one-Goldback rate multiplied by one. It is informational and is not a guaranteed retail or checkout price.

### How much gold does the note contain?

The note states that it contains 1/1000 troy ounce of 24K gold. The gold layer is sealed between protective polymer layers.

[Read the complete FAQ](https://washingtondcgoldbacks.com/faq)