The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador acquired 13,999 troy ounces of gold worth $207.4 million, marking its first precious metals purchase since 1990 as the country diversifies international reserves amid a confirmed pause in Bitcoin accumulation.
According to BCR, the acquisition increased holdings from 44,106 to 58,105 troy ounces following International Monetary Fund guidance.
Gold represents approximately 20% of global central bank reserves worldwide, ranking second only to dollar-denominated holdings. El Salvador continues to hold approximately 6,244 BTC, valued at $742 million, according to the Bitcoin Office. The treasury remains profitable with 127% gains based on the average acquisition price of $46,000 per Bitcoin.
The Central Reserve Bank positioned the gold acquisition as a medium and long-term strategy for strengthening international reserves.
The reforms align with the $1.4 billion IMF loan agreement, while maintaining Bitcoin’s status as a legal tender. Bitcoin no longer receives mandatory treatment, with the fund pushing El Salvador to classify cryptocurrency as a financial asset rather than a currency.
Earlier this year, Congress approved amendments eliminating mandatory Bitcoin acceptance for businesses in January 2025, passing legislation 55-2 just minutes after Bukele submitted the bill.