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Is it legal to promote or trade using gold as money?

Yes. Individuals and businesses in the United States — and in most countries worldwide — can legally exchange goods or services using gold or any other mutually agreed form of value. This is recognized as private barter, and the IRS confirms it is legal and taxable (IRS Publication 525).

Using gold voluntarily is allowed as long as:

  • both parties agree,
  • the activity is lawful, and
  • required taxes are properly reported.

Using gold as legal tender (an official government-recognized currency) is different and requires new legislation. The Gram Gold Standard does not claim legal tender status; instead, it promotes voluntary exchange and educates policymakers on future frameworks.

Bottom line: You can legally trade in GG (GramGold) today under private contract law, and the Foundation operates fully within existing regulations.

Is there any benefit to making GG a legally recognized tender if private gold trade is already legal?

Yes. Private transactions using gold are already legal in the United States and in most countries, as long as both parties agree and taxes are properly reported.
However, legal-tender recognition provides several important advantages:

  • Tax Fairness: Certified GG coins may become exempt from sales tax and capital-gains reporting on everyday spending, making them practical for real commerce.
  • Legal Clarity for Businesses: Merchants, payroll systems, and financial institutions can use GG without regulatory uncertainty or additional compliance burdens.
  • Simplified Payroll and Pricing: Salaries, contracts, and price listings can be denominated directly in GG without special legal agreements or risk of misclassification.
  • Consumer Protection and Standards: Legal recognition allows governments to establish clear rules for authentication, anti-counterfeiting, and dispute resolution.
  • Financial-System Integration: Banks, processors, and payment networks can support GG more easily when it has an official monetary status.

In summary:
Private gold trade is already lawful, but legal-tender recognition unlocks practical, tax-efficient, and legally secure everyday use—helping GG evolve from a parallel store of value into a fully supported medium of exchange.

Will there be taxes on GG transactions?

Currently, in most U.S. states, the purchase of gold coins or bullion may be subject to sales tax unless the state provides exemptions.
The Foundation is advocating for sales tax exemption on certified GG coins and transactions. The Foundation will advocate for clear legal recognition and fair tax treatment (including potential exemptions that some jurisdictions already apply to certain precious-metal transactions). Until laws change locally, buyers and merchants should follow current state and national tax rules.

Until new laws are passed, merchants and individuals should comply with local tax laws for bullion or gold transactions.

Will GG coins be regulated like securities or digital assets?

No — GG is not a security or tokenized instrument.
It’s a physical commodity used as a medium of exchange under voluntary trade.
Digital GG or mGG units represent custodial holdings of real, existing gold, not speculative instruments.

Will GG coins be regulated like securities or digital assets?

No — GG is not a security or tokenized instrument.
It’s a physical commodity used as a medium of exchange under voluntary trade.
Digital GG or mGG units represent custodial holdings of real, existing gold, not speculative instruments.

What about anti–money laundering (AML) and KYC rules?

All certified participants — mints, custodians, and merchants — will comply with AML/KYC regulations appropriate to their jurisdiction.
The Foundation will publish guidelines to ensure transparency and legality across all transactions.

Will the GG wallet be regulated?

Any future digital wallet or payment feature will be offered by properly licensed providers where required (e.g., money-transmitter or e-money licenses). Availability varies by jurisdiction, and all users must complete AML/KYC where applicable. The Foundation itself does not operate wallets.