Gold Codes

The Gold Codes are the launch codes for nuclear weapons provided to the President of the United States in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the United States armed forces. In conjunction with the nuclear football, the Gold Codes allow the president to authorize a nuclear attack. Gold Codes, as well as a separate nuclear football, are also assigned to the Vice President in case the president is incapacitated or otherwise unable to discharge the duties of office pursuant to the 25th Amendment. Gold Codes are arranged in a column and printed on a plastic card, nicknamed "the biscuit".