- Revaluing U.S. gold reserves to market prices could unlock $750B+ without selling physical gold, aiding potential Bitcoin funding.
- Countries like Germany and Italy have used gold revaluation gains to cover debts without issuing new taxes or selling assets.
- Critics warn revaluation may increase money supply and threaten Fed independence, similar to past economic policy conflicts.
The Federal Reserve has released a report analyzing how countries have leveraged valuation gains on their gold reserves to fund national priorities, raising interest in a U.S. proposal to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
The research follows legislative efforts led by Senator Cynthia Lummis, who has proposed using proceeds from gold revaluation to back a U.S. sovereign wealth fund or a Bitcoin reserve.
Though the Fed’s paper does not suggest that the U.S. adopt this policy, it outlines how other countries have executed similar financial maneuvers without selling any physical gold. These include Germany, Italy, Lebanon, Curacao and Saint Martin, and South Africa.
Proceeds Could Inject Billions Without Selling Physical Gold
The U.S. Treasury currently values its 261.5 million ounces of gold at $42.22 per ounce, a figure set in 1973. At that rate, the total value is at around $11 billion. However, at today’s market price, that same reserve is worth over $750 billion.
Revaluing the gold could unlock hundreds of billions without any actual transaction of the metal itself. According to the August 1 Fed research note, governments in other countries have used revaluation gains to pay down debt or cover central bank losses.
These actions did not involve raising taxes or issuing new bonds. In theory, the U.S. Treasury could retire the current $11 billion gold certificate and issue a new one based on an updated price. This would create fresh funds that could be directed toward a Bitcoin reserve, as outlined in Senator Lummis’ legislative proposal.
Impact on Inflation and Central Bank Independence
While the idea could offer a financial boost, concerns remain over its economic consequences. Critics argue that creating new funds through revaluation increases the money supply, which could fuel inflation.
Historical context adds to these concerns. In 1934, a similar gold revaluation expanded the money supply and reduced the Federal Reserve’s role in monetary control. That event gave the Treasury de facto control until the 1951 Fed-Treasury Accord restored central bank independence.
Given recent tensions between former President Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve over interest rate decisions, any move that appears to weaken Fed autonomy could lead to political and market backlash.
Treasury Officials Deny Revaluation Plans
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the speculation earlier this year. Speaking on the All-In podcast in March, he firmly denied any ongoing plans. “I can say today we’re not revaluing the gold,” he stated.
This position aligns with a cautious approach from federal officials, despite growing interest in alternative funding methods. The Fed’s latest report provides technical insight but stops short of endorsing revaluation.
Instead, it maps out the legal and financial steps involved should the U.S. ever pursue such a path. Although the idea is dormant, the documentation shows how unlocking hidden value through accounting shifts has precedent, and could become a key issue in future economic strategies.
