US Gold Reserves as a Percentage of Federal Debt Fall to Historic Low of 3%

ZkProver · 2026-03-16T11:49:56+00:00

The ratio of US gold reserves to federal debt has fallen to a historic low of just 3%. Despite holding the world's largest gold reserves, the ratio was 18% in 1960. To return to that level, gold prices would need to appreciate 400%. This reflects the rapid growth of US debt.

ZkProver

2026-03-16 11:49:56

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ChainCatcher News, The Kobeissi Letter posted on X platform that the US gold reserves as a percentage of government debt are at a historic low. Currently, gold reserves account for only 3% of US federal debt, one of the lowest levels on record. Despite the US holding 8,133.5 metric tons of gold, the largest reserve in the world, and gold prices reaching all-time highs, this ratio remains low.

In comparison, in 1980, the ratio was about 18%, six times higher than now. To reach the 1980 reserve level, gold prices would need to increase by 400%, reaching $26,000 per ounce. In the 1940s, gold reserves accounted for over 50% of federal debt. To match the 1940s ratio, gold prices would need to rise by 1,340%, reaching approximately $75,000 per ounce. Gold reserve data highlights the growth of US debt.

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