Gold prices have reached unprecedented heights, and if you grabbed one of those popular Costco gold bars last year, congratulations—you’re likely seeing a nice profit.
On Wednesday, the price for an ounce of gold was listed at $3,549, and it went up a bit to $3,557 by Thursday. That’s quite a jump from last year’s price of $2,495 per ounce, which translates to an increase of around 42%—over $1,000 more.
Many Americans tend to hang onto gold as a safety net during economic uncertainty. Experts attribute this surge in value to worries about inflation, geopolitical issues, and predictions regarding Federal Reserve rate cuts.
“With two wars happening, trade tensions, US debt worries, and anxieties over Federal Reserve independence, gold continues to hold its place as a strong ‘hedge of fear’,” noted financial planner John Wulin. He added that investors are looking for stability in their portfolios.
However, if you’re thinking about cashing in on that Costco bar, it’s essential to keep in mind that the gains might not materialize just as you expect. Spot prices are simply benchmarks and don’t guarantee what you’ll actually get when selling. Most dealers tend to discount offers by about 5% to 10% or even less, as Wulin pointed out.
While Costco’s gold bars come with packaging and a certificate, they might not be practical as currency. “Whether or not it’s still in the original Costco packaging doesn’t make a significant difference because most buyers will melt it down for resale,” he explained.
Even if you sell for a good profit, remember that taxes will be a factor—that’s something you’ll have to deal with.
Costco started selling these sought-after gold bars in 2023. This past May, they had to limit purchases to two bars per member every 24 hours, a move that reflected the high demand.
Not too long after, some financial influencers were reselling their purchases, reportedly making about $600 in profit nearly a year later.
For instance, Humphrey Yang bought a 1-ounce bar at Costco in April 2024 for $2,359 and sold it in March 2025 at Wittercoin in San Francisco for $2,955.42. But who knows—maybe he was really waiting for the right moment?
