gold certificate

noun

1. a former U.S. paper currency issued by the federal government for circulation from 1865 to 1933, equal to and redeemable for gold to a stated value.

gold certificate

noun

1. a currency note issued exclusively to the Federal Reserve Banks by the US Treasury. It forms a claim on gold reserves deposited by the Federal Reserve Banks at the Treasury and is used to transfer interbank balances within the Federal Reserve System
2. Also calledgold note (formerly) a banknote issued by the US Treasury to the public and redeemable in gold

Word History and Origins

Origin of gold certificate¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

From the point of view of cover, the gold certificate is completely inelastic.

From Project Gutenberg

Again the roll of bills came out and another $20 gold certificate was gathered in by Officer 666, who grinned as he took it.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he faced about and remarked, "Whitely, I'd give a big gold certificate to know what nerve food you use!"

From Project Gutenberg

We are so pleased with the "gold certificate," it proves you are doing your best.

From Project Gutenberg

"But for that I would never have this back," and he put into his pocket the green and gold certificate.

From Project Gutenberg