# Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers about Goldback notes, pricing, and practical use.

## The notes

### What is a Goldback?

A Goldback is a privately issued, voluntary local-currency note containing a stated fractional amount of 24-karat gold within protective polymer layers.

### Are Goldbacks United States legal tender?

No. Goldbacks are not United States legal tender. Use is voluntary and depends on agreement between the people or businesses in a transaction.

### Which California denominations are shown here?

This site currently documents the four supplied 2026 products: the quarter, one, three Limited Early Release, and five Goldback notes.

## Pricing and purchase

### How is the displayed price calculated?

The site reads the published one-Goldback reference price and multiplies it by the denomination. The cached rate refreshes every thirty minutes.

### Why can a seller’s price be different?

Inventory, distribution, payment processing, packaging, shipping, taxes, and limited-release demand can affect the final merchant price.

### Can I buy directly on this website?

No. Each product page includes a purchase button that opens the corresponding listing in a new tab.

## Use and exchange

### How do I use Goldbacks for a transaction?

First confirm that the other party accepts them, agree on the rate, and decide how fractional amounts and change will be handled.

### What if the total is not an exact number of Goldbacks?

Use a mixed payment, such as whole Goldbacks plus a dollar remainder, or agree to receive dollar change for an overpayment.

### Does the calculator provide financial advice?

No. It is an informational arithmetic tool. Confirm the rate and transaction terms with the other party.