Financial Repression Tracker

Rules that steer savings into government debt or hold returns below inflation, country by country.

Block · Real asset restrictions

Gold ownership limits and licensing of dealing

What it is
Prohibit unlicensed possession or acquisition of investment gold, limit exempt holdings, and restrict sales to approved dealers. Collector and industrial exemptions can be narrowly administered.
Why it counts
Restricted legal access to bullion or coins reduces the ability to switch savings out of domestic financial claims.

When it was in force

  • United Kingdom: 1966, historical; its end is not documented
  • United States: 1933, historical; its end is not documented

2 examples

  1. United Kingdom

    1966Historical

    Its end is not documented · As cited: From 27 April 1966

    Residents needed permission for post-1837 gold coins apart from a small grandfathered holding.

    Exchange Control (Gold Coins Exemption) Order 1966, SI 1966/438Primary source
    “Henceforth only pre-1838 gold coins can be freely bought, sold and held.”

    legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)Checked: quote matched on the page by script

    United Kingdom today: index 44.4

  2. United States

    1933Historical

    Its end is not documented · As cited: 1933 regulations

    Retention and acquisition of gold for approved purposes required a Treasury licence and supporting application.

    Treasury regulations under Executive Order of 5 April 1933, reproduced in Federal Reserve Bulletin May 1933Primary source
    “may make application to the Secretary of the Treasury for a license to purchase”

    fraser.stlouisfed.org (opens in a new tab)Checked: quote matched on the page by script

    United States today: index 42.9

Examples and their dates reviewed .