Holding SGB Since 2017? Here’s How RBI’s New Update Turned It Into a 300% Win

The recent RBI update has surprised many long-term investors. What started as a quiet savings option in 2017 has turned into one of the most rewarding gold investments in years.

Back in 2017, people bought gold bonds for around ₹2,945 per gram. Not many expected what would happen eight years later. According to the RBI’s notice dated October 25, 2025, the final price for SGB 2017-18 Series IV is ₹12,271 per gram.

That’s more than 316% return, not counting the 2.5% yearly interest. Not bad for just holding on.

What Is the RBI’s Latest Update About?

The RBI SGB final redemption price is out now. This includes maturity info for SGB 2017-18 Series II, III and IV. The gold investment returns 2017-18 have shocked many, especially those who thought gold was too slow as an asset.

The RBI calculates this using the average 999-purity gold price published by IBJA for the past week. It’s official, straight from rbi.org.in.

Here’s how the series performed:
 

Honestly, not many bank FDs would come close. Some folks even forgot they had these bonds until banks sent alerts.

What Exactly Are Sovereign Gold Bonds?

These aren’t physical gold coins. Sovereign Gold Bonds, or SGBs, are digital certificates. You pay for gold, but you don’t get the metal. You get a bond, backed by the Government of India, that grows with gold’s market price.

They pay 2.5% interest every year, which is over and above the price gain. The maturity period is 8 years. If needed, you can exit after 5. That’s the rule.

The SGB 2017-18 maturity details came out after gold crossed ₹73,000 per 10g this year. Naturally, investors waited for the final rates. It came last week.

Was This Trend Seen Earlier Too?

Yes, this isn’t the first time. In July 2023, another set of bonds from 2015 matured. The return was lower, around 170%. That was still good, but this year? Way better.

We had written about it here earlier:
Gold Bonds Beat FDs in 2023

Feels strange sometimes. People bought gold for weddings, some bought these bonds for tax savings. The latter are smiling more now.

What Did the Government and Banks Do Differently This Time?

The RBI has mostly stayed consistent. Back in 2020, during COVID, it raised the issue price to over ₹4,500 for Series V. But even then, people bought it. They trusted gold.

Here’s how things looked over the years:
 

Banks have been asking people to update KYC and link accounts before maturity. Some investors ignored it. Few ended up with delayed payments. Happens every time.

According to the article on LoansJagat, the 2017‑18 Series III tranche saw a redemption price of ₹ 6,679 per gram for holders who opted for maturity in August 2025, translating roughly to a ~66 % return.

Conclusion 

The SGB 2017–18 maturity return report highlights one clear message, patience with gold-backed bonds pays off.

What looked like a slow, traditional investment turned out to deliver one of the best returns of the decade. The recent RBI update has reminded investors that gold may not shine every year, but over time, it rarely disappoints.

As the country moves into 2026, investors are already eyeing the next set of maturities. For now, those who held on since 2017 truly have a reason to smile.
 

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