The 2026 California Limited Early Release marks the start of the California Goldback series, and this example carries a perfect PMG 70 Gem Uncirculated grade with the star designation for exceptional eye appeal. The note contains 3/1000 troy oz of 24-karat gold and belongs to a numbered run of just 8,000 pieces, with each serial printed as “X of 8000” directly on the face. An LER is the first note issued for an upcoming state series, which gives these releases lasting significance for Goldback collectors.
Key Features:
- Purity and Weight: 3/1000 troy oz (0.003 oz) of .999 fine 24k gold
- Metal Type: Gold layered within a polyester note
- Obverse Design: Harmonia, the virtue of harmony, as a surfer riding a cresting wave along the California coast
- Reverse Design: Mirrored impression of the artwork in bright gold
The obverse captures a moment of pure California motion. A female surfer, the virtue Harmonia named on her wetsuit sleeve, carves down the face of a barreling wave with one hand trailing the water. A dolphin rides inside the swell beside her, pelicans glide across the upper field, and a pier with a Ferris wheel anchors the shoreline behind the break. The phrase “Courage means you don’t let fear stop you” runs beneath the scene, framed by the 3 denomination, CALIFORNIA GOLDBACKS, the LIMITED EARLY RELEASE banner, the 2026 date, and the numbered serial. Under ultraviolet light, hidden UV-reactive ink reveals a sea turtle swimming beneath the surfer, one of several anti-counterfeiting layers built into the note. The reverse displays the mirrored design through the gold itself.
PMG certification locks in the note’s flawless state inside a protective holder, with the label confirming the Harmonia design, 3/1000 oz .999 gold content, and Limited Early Release status. Goldbacks are a voluntary private currency, not US legal tender, produced through the precision Aurum deposition process.
A perfect-grade example from an 8,000-note first release in the most populous state in the Goldback network is a strong candidate for long-term collector demand. Secure this PMG 70 California LER today before the numbered run disappears into collections.