# 2026 Washington, D.C. 1 Goldback

The standard, ungraded Washington, D.C. commemorative note containing 1/1000 troy ounce of 24-karat gold.

![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)

## Current published reference value

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

Product reference value: $8.71.

The displayed reference value is informational. It is not a sale price or a promise that a distributor will offer the same amount.

[Find an authorized seller through Goldback’s official directory](https://www.goldback.com/where-to-exchange/)

## Verified specifications

| 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.” |

## The artwork

Columbia stands at the heart of the scene as the historic personification of the United States and the American people. Her freedom cap reaches back to older symbols of liberty and resistance to tyranny. In her hand, the shield’s thirteen stars refer to the original colonies.

The Washington Monument rises behind her as a memorial to leadership and sacrifice. Farther back, the Capitol brings self-government and the rule of law into view. A bald eagle crosses the upper scene while fireworks mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.

At the bottom, the note carries the line “A republic, if you can keep it.” The phrase, traditionally attributed to Benjamin Franklin, shifts the artwork from celebration to responsibility.

## How the reference calculation works

UPMA publishes the value of one Goldback. Since this note’s denomination is one, the calculation is the current one-Goldback rate multiplied by one. The result is not a retail offer.

## Care and inspection

- Handle with clean, dry hands and avoid sharp bends.
- Store flat in a clean archival enclosure away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
- Avoid adhesives, laminators, solvents, and abrasive cleaning.

## Product 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.

### Who is shown in the artwork?

The central figure is Columbia, the historic personification of the United States and the American people. She wears a freedom cap and holds a shield with thirteen stars representing the original colonies.

## Related reading

- [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.