How Much Gold Is Stored at Fort Knox
Fort Knox holds approximately 4,582 metric tons of gold bullion as of the most recent public disclosure from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This makes the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox one of the largest single-location gold storage facilities in the world. The gold is stored in secured vaults and remains the property of the U.S. government, with ownership records maintained by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service. The facility is located in Kentucky and operates under strict security protocols managed by the U.S. Army. For more details on U.S. gold reserves and storage locations, visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Value and Market Impact of Fort Knox Gold
The market value of the gold stored at Fort Knox fluctuates with the spot price of gold. At recent gold prices, the total value of the stored bullion is estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars. The gold bars held at Fort Knox are primarily .9999 fine gold and are stored in standard minted bars and some historical coins. The U.S. gold reserves at Fort Knox are part of a broader global reserve system managed by central banks. The facility does not regularly allow public tours or independent audits, which has led to ongoing interest in transparency. For deeper analysis of gold reserves and market data, see the Forbes coverage on gold holdings.
History and Security of the Fort Knox Gold Vault
The United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox was established in 1936 to store gold safely during the Great Depression era. The vault is protected by multiple layers of security, including armored doors, seismic sensors, and armed military personnel. Only a very limited number of authorized personnel have access to the vault interior. The gold reserves at Fort Knox have remained largely stable for decades, with only small amounts entering or leaving the facility for testing or refining. The facility is often referenced in discussions about national assets and monetary policy. For official information on U.S. Mint and bullion operations, visit the U.S. Mint.