This 1 Costco item has skyrocketed 125% in price over just 2 years. And the retail behemoth is limiting member purchases

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For bargain hunters, Costco has long been a go-to destination for cheap eats and great deals. The warehouse giant famously still sells its hot dog and soda combo for $1.50 — the same price it launched with back in the mid-1980s. But not every Costco item has held its price as stubbornly as the hot dog combo.

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In late 2023, Costco began selling 1-ounce gold bars. At the time, shoppers could choose between two types: the PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan bar and the Rand Refinery bar, priced at $1,979.99 and $1,949.99, respectively, according to Business Insider. Despite the hefty price tag, both quickly became hot sellers (1).

Fast forward to today, and not much has changed — except the price.

As of Sept. 11 2026, the Pamp Suisse 1-ounce bar sells for $4,459.99, an increase of 125% (2). At the time of writing, gold was trading at about $4,300 per ounce, according to Goldprice.org (3). The difference is due to additional carrier fees on Costco's side. However, Costco members can get 2% cash back on this purchase, netting a clean $89.20 at mid-September's going rate.

The jump in price is in line with the broader trends in the gold market. Gold had a banner year in 2025 before retreating in early 2026. Now, the precious yellow metal has stabilized in price, which for bulls could mean that it's time to buy.

What's may be more surprising is the continued demand, and the restrictions that have come with that sustained interest.

Customers are limited to "one transaction per membership, with a maximum of 4 units per 24 hours" according to Costco's website.

Gold has long been viewed as a way to preserve purchasing power. Unlike fiat currencies, it can't be printed at will by central banks. This limited supply, coupled with a historic perception of value, can give it remarkable staying power.

It's also considered a classic safe haven. Gold isn't tied to any one country, currency or economy, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors tend to flock to it — driving prices higher. This means that, in an ideal scenario, when the rest of your portfolio drops due to stock or bond shocks, gold can hold steady — or even sometimes shoot up in price.