Be it a gourmet pizza or a 10-pound bag of organic quinoa, Costco has long stood as the cornerstone for savvy shoppers looking for unbeatable deals. But while the iconic hot dog and soda combo remains eternally priced at $1.50, not every Costco item has resisted the tide of inflation over the years.
A prime example? Gold. In late 2023, Costco took a bold step by introducing 1-ounce gold bars, offering two renowned options: the PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan and the Rand Refinery bar. Prices started at $1,949.99, a reasonable entry for gold, but demand skyrocketed, and both items quickly became bestsellers.
“When we load them on the site, they’re typically gone within a few hours,” shared then-CFO Richard Galanti during a September 2023 earnings call. Shoppers were limited to two bars per membership, but the allure was undeniable.
Fast Forward to June 2025
Fast forward to today, and gold bars have seen a dramatic price surge. The Rand Refinery bar now retails for $3,369.99, while the PAMP Suisse version has jumped to $3,389.99 — an increase of 73% and 71%, respectively. This price spike closely mirrors the broader gold market’s growth of approximately 72% over the same timeframe, reinforced by a surge in global demand amid economic uncertainty.
At present, both gold bars are out of stock on Costco’s website, reflecting ongoing robust interest. Purchase limits have tightened further, with customers restricted to one transaction per membership and a maximum of two units every 24 hours.
A Safe Haven in Volatility
Gold is widely viewed as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation, maintaining its purchasing power when fiat currencies falter. In times of economic strain or geopolitical upheaval, gold tends to shine as a safe haven asset. Investors today are reacting to trade uncertainties, escalating debts, and global tensions by flocking to gold — and the results are evident.
Insights from Industry Experts
Many investment titans remain bullish on gold. Notably, Jeffrey Gundlach of DoubleLine Capital predicts gold could soar to $4,000 an ounce, while Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates underscores the importance of allocating sufficient gold in a diversified portfolio. He cautions, “When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”
Exploring Other Gold Investment Options
While Costco’s purchase limits might deter some, other avenues remain for gold investment, notably bullion dealers who aren’t imposing similar restrictions. Just be mindful of premiums as dealers often sell at marked-up prices over spot rates.
For those looking to pair the benefits of gold with retirement savings, consider establishing a Gold IRA. Partnering with experts like Priority Gold can offer significant tax advantages, enabling investors to hold physical gold within a retirement account. As an added incentive, qualifying purchases may include up to $10,000 in silver — a compelling offer in today’s market.
Diversifying Beyond Gold
Gold may be a go-to for preserving purchasing power, but it isn’t the only option. Real estate historically stands as a strong hedge against inflation, with property values rising in line with increasing costs. However, challenges such as elevated mortgage rates and managing rental properties can pose significant hurdles.
Fortunately, innovative options like crowdfunding platforms are revolutionizing real estate investment. Platforms such as Arrived allow you to invest in** rental properties with minimum investments as low as $100, bypassing the complexities of traditional property ownership.
Alternatively, accredited investors can explore Homeshares, opening doors to the $35 trillion U.S. home equity market, typically reserved for larger institutional players. With target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach democratizes access to lucrative housing markets.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice. Always consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.