Gold Price History Chart — 100 Years of XAU/USD Data (1925–2026)

100 years of gold price history: from the $20.67 gold standard era through Nixon Shock (1971) to the 2026 all-time high of $5,598. Interactive chart, CAGR calculator, year-by-year data — free.

Gold Price History 100 Years — Full Century Overview

The complete 100-year gold price history spans from the gold standard era (1925: $20.67/oz fixed) through the Nixon Shock (1971: free-floating gold), the first bull market peak (1980: $850/oz), the 21-year bear market (2001 low: $256/oz), the 2011 post-GFC high ($1,920/oz), the 2020 pandemic ATH ($2,067/oz), and the current era ATH of $5,598 in January 2026. The gold price history chart on this page covers the modern freely-traded era (1970–2026) — 55+ years of daily XAU/USD data.

Gold Price History Chart 100 Years — Key Milestones

100 years of gold price history in brief: 1925–1971 (gold standard — fixed at $20.67 then $35/oz); 1971–1980 (Nixon Shock → first bull market, +2,329% to $850/oz); 1980–2001 (Volcker disinflation, long bear market, fell 70% to $256/oz); 2001–2011 (modern bull market, +650% to $1,920/oz); 2011–2015 (correction to $1,049/oz); 2015–2020 (new bull market, COVID ATH $2,067/oz); 2020–2026 (central bank buying era, ATH $5,598/oz). The interactive gold price history chart above allows zoom from 1 month to 50 years.

Gold Price Chart 30 Years — 1996 to 2026

The 30-year gold price chart (1996–2026) shows one of the most dramatic appreciation periods in gold's history: gold rose from $253/oz in 1999 to $5,598/oz in January 2026 — a 2,113% total return over 27 years, equivalent to a CAGR of approximately 12%. The 30-year gold price chart captures: the dot-com era lows (1999–2001), the 2001–2011 bull market, the Taper Tantrum correction, the COVID surge, and the current central-bank-driven bull market. See our 30-year gold price history chart.

Gold Standard Definition — US History

The gold standard was the monetary system under which US dollars and other currencies were directly convertible to gold at fixed rates. The US operated on the gold standard at $20.67/oz from 1879 until 1933 (when FDR revalued it to $35/oz), and the Bretton Woods system maintained $35/oz until August 1971 when President Nixon suspended dollar-gold convertibility — the "Nixon Shock." This ended the 100-year gold standard era and began the modern freely-floating gold market. Gold jumped from $35/oz to $850/oz in just nine years (1971–1980) once freed from its fixed price.

Gold Price History India — INR Gold Rate Since 1970

India gold price history in INR shows exceptional long-term returns due to two compounding factors: rising international XAU/USD prices and persistent INR depreciation against the USD. In 1970, gold in India was approximately ₹180/10 grams. By 2026, the international reference rate exceeds ₹7,500–₹9,000/gram (including India's 15% import duty + 3% GST). This represents a gain of over 4,000x in INR terms over 55 years. For the complete gold price history India with year-wise data, see the India gold rate page and historical archive.

55 Years of Gold Price Data — 1970 to 2026

Goldify Pro tracks XAU/USD gold prices from 1970 to today — covering over 55 years of market data. The data spans the end of the Bretton Woods gold standard (1971), the 1980 gold peak at $850/oz, the 2008 financial crisis rally, the 2020 pandemic high of $2,067/oz and the 2026 all-time high of $5,598/oz.

Interactive Chart Timeframes

Switch between 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, 25-year, 30-year and 50-year chart views. All charts use daily XAU/USD closing prices from international market sources. For dedicated standalone chart pages, see the 1-year, 10-year, 30-year, and 50-year gold history chart pages.

CAGR & Return Calculator

Calculate the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and total return for any gold holding period. Enter a start year and end year to see exactly how gold performed as an investment over that window. Gold has returned approximately 8% annualized since 1971 when adjusted for USD depreciation — substantially outperforming most asset classes over a 50-year period.

Year-by-Year Breakdown

View the annual open, high, low and close price for gold in every year from 1970 onwards. See which years gold gained or lost value, and how major world events — oil crises, recessions, inflation spikes, and central bank policy pivots — impacted the gold price. The year-by-year gold rate history is also accessible via the month-by-month archive.

Gold Confiscation History — Executive Order 6102

The most significant gold confiscation in US history occurred in 1933 under Executive Order 6102, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The order required US citizens to surrender gold coins, bars, and certificates to the Federal Reserve in exchange for $20.67 per ounce. The government then revalued gold to $35/oz — effectively devaluing the dollar by 41%. This event is why many gold investors today advocate for physical possession of gold rather than paper gold certificates. Gold ownership by US citizens remained illegal until December 31, 1974.

Why Track Gold Price History?

Historical gold prices help investors understand gold's long-term role as an inflation hedge and safe-haven asset. Gold has returned approximately 8% annualized since 1971 when adjusted for USD depreciation. Long-term gold price charts help identify market cycles, strategic entry points, and how gold performs relative to bonds and equities across different macro regimes.