New Idaho Bullion Depository Opens Its Doors

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Utah based Precious Metals Dealer Money Metals Exchange has opened a new, state-of-the-art bullion depository in downtown Eagle. This facility, spanning 37,000 square feet, is designed to securely store precious metals for a wide range of clients, including individuals, businesses, family offices, governments, and financial institutions.

Money Metals Exchange - Eagle, Idaho Bullion Depository
Money Metals Exchange Idaho Bullion Depository

While it doesn’t have the machine-gun turrets found at Fort Knox, it is nonetheless being compared to the famous depository due to its significant capacity and security measures. The Eagle depository can store up to $100 billion in gold and silver, with the potential for expansion to 60,000 square feet.

According to the company, the bullion depository boasts the largest Class 3 vault in North America, which is the highest vault rating based on Underwriters Laboratories standards.

The facility is equipped with advanced security features, including 24/7 monitoring, secure access controls, and a security team composed of armed former law enforcement and military personnel.

This new depository not only enhances the security options available for precious metals storage in the Western United States but also brings additional employment opportunities to the Treasure Valley area.

The $28 million construction project involved a variety local Idaho businesses, including Wright Brothers Construction Co., Zions Bank, Erstad Architects, Integrated Security Resources, The Land Group, and Musgrove Engineering.

Money Metals Exchange, which currently employs around 100 people, processes approximately 40,000 gold and silver orders per month, serving nearly 750,000 customers in North America.

This new Idaho bullion depository adds a significant capability to the company’s existing infrastructure, potentially positioning it as a key player in the global precious metals storage industry.

The opening of this depository reflects the growing demand for physical precious metals, driven by concerns over currency debasement and economic uncertainty.

Facts About the Fort Knox Bullion Depository

The Fort Knox Bullion Depository is located in Kentucky, about 30 miles southwest of Louisville, situated inside the Fort Knox military base, providing an additional layer of security.

The depository was constructed in 1936 during the Great Depression in response to the need for a secure place to store the nation’s reservesr, which had been confiscated from the American people in 1933.

The depository’s security features include a combination of physical barriers, electronic systems, as well as armed guards. The vault door is blast-proof and is constructed of steel and concrete. The vault door is set to a time lock and can only be opened with multiple combinations known by different individuals.

Fort Knox houses approximately 147.3 million troy ounces of gold, a significant portion (roughly 56.35%) of the total U.S. gold reserves. The gold stored at Fort Knox is valued at over $200 billion, which fluctuates based on the current market price of gold.

The Fort Knox Vault it is not open to the public, and even high-ranking government officials rarely get to enter. The last official audit of the gold at Fort Knox took place in 1953 under the Eisenhower administration amid concerns over the adequacy and security of the nation’s gold reserves.

However, during the 1950s and 1960s, substantial amounts of gold were transferred from Fort Knox to foreign governments and central banks under the Bretton Woods system, during an era when the U.S. dollar was backed by gold, and other currencies were pegged to the dollar.

By the time Nixon closed the gold window in 1971, the U.S. gold reserves had declined significantly. It is estimated that the U.S. gold reserves were reduced from over 20,000 metric tons in the 1950s to around 8,133.5 metric tons by 1971.

About Money Metals Exchange

Already recognized for its extensive product inventory, competitive pricing, and superior customer service, the opening of this bullion depository and fulfillment center further solidifies Money Metals as a leader in the precious metals industry.

It has been named Best Overall Online Precious Metals Dealer by Investopedia multiple times and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Money Metals Exchange reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

The new depository is positioned to further strengthen Money Metals’ role in the market, providing secure and cost-effective storage options that surpass those offered by traditional bank vaults and other facilities.

Money Metals offers a range of services, including the buying, selling, and storage of precious metals, gold loans, as well as investment options through IRAs and monthly purchase plans.

Do you need a safe to store precious metals at home?

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vintage gold coins

Whether you should buy a safe to store precious metals at home depends on several factors and personal preferences. Many investors choose to store their metals at home, sometimes alongside firearms and other valuables.

There are many advantages to keeping your precious metals at home. Most importantly, you will always have direct, anytime access to your precious metals without needing to go through a third party or institution.

In situations where part of your holdings may be stored in a bank safe-deposit box or third-party depository, you are at the mercy of the facilities business operating hours. In recent years, the trend within the banking industry has been to eliminate or consolidate their deposit box services to fewer locations, limiting access even further.

By storing valuables at home, you avoid the risks associated with third-party storage, such as business failure or mismanagement.

This year, we have seen the largest number of bank failures since the 2008 Financial Crisis, and the Federal Reserve is expecting even more to come. In the event of a bank failure, safe-deposit boxes are not insured or protected by the bank.

Keeping your holdings in a home safe ensures privacy and confidentiality. Under the guise of pursuing the profits of criminals, the FBI has seized over $86 million in assets from innocent Americans in recent years that were stored in private vaulting facilities.

Also keep in mind that the risks of storing gold at home are rising. As the United States economy continues to experience recessionary vibes, crime is already on the rise. Stories of gold thefts continue to make recent headlines.

Considerations for a Home Vault for Storing Precious Metals

When buying a home safe for precious metals, it’s crucial to understand that a safe to store precious metals is just one layer of protection that should be part of an overall security plan. Other factors are also important to consider, such as your home’s security, including cameras, monitored alarm system, accessibility and the level of protection you may need against various threats before making a significant investment in a safe.

A small amount of gold and silver can often be hidden throughout the home in places that the everyday thief who’s looking for a quick score might not normally look. Some investors have been known to wrap a few 10 oz silver bars in butcher paper and toss them in the freezer.

Imagine how the structure of a bank was built during the 20th century. After the foundation was laid and cured, the vault would be built next. Secured via reinforcements in the cement foundation. The building was then built around the vault.

The building provides additional layers of security, such as multiple locking doors in between the vault and the exits. Security cameras and alarms provide addition layers of protection at times when the bank is closed.

When considering buying a safe to store precious metals for your home, it is important to consider the location. Consider an area that is against a wall in a low-traffic area. While some locations like the master bedroom closet are obvious to would be thieves, you might consider other options like installing a floor safe beneath a side chair in a home office or den.

Specialty companies also sell various pieces of furniture that are designed to be hidden in plain site.

Most reputable manufacturers will provide options that allow for the secure mounting of the safe to the foundation or framing of the house. This helps to deter would-be thieves from carrying your safe to another location where they have more time and better tools.

Home Safe Options

It’s important to think about the size of your your current collection and any future additions when choosing a safe. If you’re planning to keep some gold at home as a physical savings, a few 1 oz gold coins are small enough to fit alongside a pistol in a nightstand gun safe.

Choose a safe that is heavy enough to deter thieves from trying to remove it from your home. A much better option is to secure the safe with bolts to the foundation of the house. If that’s not possible, securing the safe to the framing inside a closet is another good option.

Look for a safe with high-quality lock mechanical locking mechanism. Electronic safes, such as those having electronic keypads or biometric scanners are easily hackable and many contain default codes from the manufacturer that law enforcement can use to open some safes. Dual locks that requiring two methods to open can provide an extra layer of security.

Choose a safe that has adjustable shelves or drawers that offer options for organization and quick access to frequently used items.

Burglary Ratings

The ability of a safe to withstand attempts by a skilled burglar is measured by its Tool Latency, or TL rating. TL ratings for safes are a set of standards used to measure the security level of a safe, particularly against attacks aimed at breaking into it. The TL rating indicates the amount of time that a safe can withstand an attempted break-in with common hand tools, electric tools, cutting torches, or any combination thereof.

These ratings are issued by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety certification company that sets industry-wide standards for safes and other security containers.

Below is a list of some of the more common TL ratings and what level of protection is offered from each.

  • TL-15: The safe can resist entry for a minimum of 15 minutes when attackers use common mechanical and electrical hand tools or picking tools. The tools could include items such as drills, sledgehammers, pry bars, etc.
  • TL-30: Similar to the TL-15 rating, but the safe can resist entry for at least 30 minutes.
  • TL-30×6: This indicates the safe can resist entry for at least 30 minutes on all six sides, meaning the door as well as the five other sides of the safe.
  • TL-60×6: This is one of the highest standard ratings for commercial safes, signifying that the safe can resist entry for a minimum of 60 minutes on all six sides.

The UL rating of a safe typically corresponds to its price, with higher-rated safes being more expensive and can provide enhanced security features and thicker walls and more robust construction.

For valuable collections, important documents, or significant amounts of cash or precious metals, a higher TL-rated safe might be necessary. Always consult with both a safe professional and your insurance provider when selecting a safe, as insurance coverage requirements may also dictate the necessary security level.

Fire Protection Ratings

Fire ratings for safes are a measurement of how well a safe can protect its contents against high temperatures and fire over a period of time. Independent organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) conduct a rigorous battery of performance tests to see how well safes can withstand intense heat while maintaining a set internal temperature that would prevent damage to the contents.

  1. UL Class 350: This rating indicates that the safe will maintain an internal temperature below 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a critical threshold for paper documents that would char at temperatures beyond this point. The rating may come with a time designation, such as 1 hour (UL 350-1hr) or 2 hours (UL 350-2hr), indicating the duration for which the safe can maintain this protection.
  2. UL Class 150: This rating maintains an internal temperature below 150 degrees Fahrenheit, suitable for protecting magnetic tapes and photographic records.
  3. UL Class 125: The highest level of protection for safes, maintaining an internal temperature below 125 degrees Fahrenheit, which is suitable for preserving digital media such as CDs, DVDs, USBs, and external hard drives.

Each class rating come with an additional rating for impact resistance, indicating that the safe can withstand a fall from a certain height during a fire, which simulates a floor collapse.

When choosing a fire-resistant safe, it’s important to consider what you’ll be storing inside it and choose a fire rating that’s appropriate. It’s also wise to consider additional factors, such as water resistance, as fires are typically extinguished with water which can also damage the contents of a safe.

Manufacturer Reputation

Reputable manufacturers have proven processes to ensure that their safes meet high standards for durability and security and stand behind their products with robust warranties and responsive customer support.

Buying a safe from well-known manufacturer will help it retain its value and are easier to sell if you ever decide to upgrade or no longer need the it.

Other Considerations

  • Choose a safe that allows for easy access to frequently used items.
  • Consider a safe with adjustable shelves or drawers for better organization.
  • A good safe should come with a warranty that covers defects and damage.
  • Ensure there is customer support available in case you have issues with the safe.
  • Buy from a reputable manufacturer known for quality products.
  • Read reviews and ask for recommendations from experts or other collectors.

Remember, while no safe is completely impervious to theft, fire, or water damage, a high-quality safe can significantly reduce the risk of loss. Consider the total value of what you are storing and invest in a safe that provides adequate protection relative to that value.

Tips for Storing Bullion Bars and Coins at Home

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For many investors, having a few hundred ounces of silver or a few ounces of gold at home provides an additional level of financial security beyond traditional investments like stocks and bonds. New investors often have questions about storing precious at home. While storing silver bullion at home in very common and gives you immediate access, it does comes with risks such as theft or loss in a disaster.

A home alarm system may deter burglars and surveillance cameras can add a layer of security. But the most basic way to avoid the possibility of theft is to keep your investment confidential. Loose lips sink ships, as they say.

With porch pirates and package thefts on the rise, some investors choose to have their packages delivered to an alternate address, such as a work address or a PO Box.

Most reputable online bullion dealers will ship packages with return address information left blank beyond a PO Box or street address. Some may obfuscate the originator of the package as a precious metals dealer to make it less likely that a theft may occur during shipping.

For most investors, you don’t need to dedicate much space at home for storing precious metals, but for some, it’s important to consider the different space requirements needed for typical bullion items.

  • A typical monster box that holds 500 troy ounces is roughly the size of a shoe box.
  • A private mint 10 oz silver is similar in size to a deck of playing cards.
  • A tube of 1 oz silver rounds is roughly 1.75 x 1.75 x 3 inches.
  • A few ounces of gold bars in assay cards can easily be stashed in a nightstand drawer or alongside other important personal items.
  • Most fractional gold coins, like 20 francs, have similar dimensions as modern clad coins and can be stored in plastic tubes that are available from Amazon and other retailers.

Some investors keep their precious metals in a safe, stored alongside firearms and other valuables. Beyond silver tarnishing as it’s exposed to air, precious metals are noble metals. They are not typically effected by the environment in which they are stored. Silver and gold coins that have been discovered on shipwrecks that have survived hundreds of years under the sea with minimal indications of damage.

When storing silver at home, you should pick an area of your home that has low air exposure to help reduce the amount of tarnish that can form. Also keep in mind that some everyday household items like rubber bands are made with sulfur and can accelerate tarnish. If you chose to store your silver coins in plastic flips, be sure to choose a brand that is made from mylar and is free of PVC.

Think of unconventional locations to store silver, like a hidden compartment or behind a false wall. Some investors go as far as installing a decoy safe in an obvious location to distract a thief looking for a quick grab. Even throwing in some modern coins and scrap metal to give the would-be thief the impression that there are valuables inside.

A diversion safe is also a common tactic for keeping a stash of precious metals discrete by resembling everyday household products, such as soda cans, cleaning products, or food containers. When placed among genuine products in a pantry or cupboard, they are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing and can be effective in deterring casual burglars who are in a hurry.

A classic example is the “book safe.” From the outside, it looks like an ordinary hardcover book. But when opened, a hollowed-out compartment is revealed inside. Some are designed to look like standard electrical outlets, but can be removed from the wall to reveal a hidden compartment. Items like wall clocks, picture frames and even pieces of furniture are built with hidden compartments designed to hold valuables.

Investing in a High-Quality Safe

When installed properly in a discrete location a good, high quality safe can be a decent deterrent against theft.

When shopping for a safe to store silver and gold bullion, it is important to look for one that has a TL rating. A TL rating, also referred to as a “Tool Rating”, refers to the amount of time that a safe should be able to withstand an advanced criminal attack. The rating was developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a third-party certification company that has been around for over a century. The TL rating is accompanied by a numerical value, which indicates the number of minutes the safe can withstand a break-in attempt using basic tools. For example, a safe with a TL-15 rating offers protection against a break-in attempt using common hand tools for up to 15 minutes.

Fire Ratings are separate from a TL rating and deal with the amount of time and temperature that a safe or home vault can endure protecting the contents inside. Fire ratings are typically provided by either Underwriter Laboratories or Intertek.

The products are put through a battery of tests to ensure that the interior contents remain at a reasonably safe temperature while being exposed to extreme temperatures. Some fire-resistant safes also offer protection against water. This isn’t a direct component of the fire rating, but it’s a related and can be valuable feature.

If considering the purchase of a safe, be sure to choose a location where it can properly bolted in a secure and discrete location. Remember that no safe is entirely “fireproof”; they are “fire-resistant” for specific durations under certain conditions.

Inflation & Other Issues Begin to Pile Up on the Economy

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assorted weight gold colored gold plated bars
Gold $1867.90 Silver $23.72  Platinum $1046.30 Gold/Silver Ratio 78.75

Confidence in the stock market continues to wane amid concerns over escalating issues involving Ukraine and inflation taking hold in the US economy. Oil and other commodity prices have risen sharply this week.



Many people struggle to save money under normal circumstances. The pandemic has brought a tremendous amount of economic uncertainty for many people. According to a recent report from Bloomberg, more than 30% of American’s earning $50,000 or less have lost almost their entire life savings due to the As the economy continues to recover, more and more people are looking for alternative ways to save money and store value. Precious metals is one of the best ways to save money.



Financial experts recommend that everyone have enough money set aside in liquid savings to cover six to twelve months of expenses in the event of a sudden job loss. The most popular selling products among silver stackers in recent months has been 10 oz silver bars. Precious metals markets are closed for the weekend.

Gold jumped more than 1% this week on news that the US is sending up to 3,000 infantry soldiers from the 82nd Airborne to Poland in anticipation that a Russian invasion of the Ukraine could happen during the next few weeks.

Multiple countries are evacuating embassy staff from Kiev. The US State Department has ordered staff and their families return home and issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory recommending Americans leave Ukraine immediately and avoid future travel to the region.

Crude oil prices recently hit an 8-year high. The average price per gallon is now reportedly $3.47 per gallon.

In addition to the political tensions, some analyst are warning that unregulated robo-trading of derivatives may contribute to higher prices.

Precious metals prices have been rising slowly over the past month and some industry analysts are revising their predictions on precious metals prices.

As investor confidence in the stock market and cryptocurrencies continues to drop, analysts from mainstream, left-wing and right-wing media are making predictions about whether these are symptoms of a recession starting later in 2022. (Learn more are political Bias in the Media)

Trends in Statista data suggest that there is rising probability of a recession starting this year.

Most Americans are already feeling the pain of inflation and there is rising concerns that issues at home and overseas will continue to disrupt a recovering economy.



Having trust in any bank today is challenging. The fees charged by all banks continue to rise. Whether it is ATM fees, monthly service charges or other hidden fees we should expect banks will follow the trends from fintech and newer payment providers.

Most people have already gotten used to paying fees on sending money with apps CashApp, PayPal and others. Consumers already expect to pay fees when shopping online or sending money to friends with Venmo.

Coinbase, Binance, Bisq and other crypto exchanges charge a transaction fee whenever you buy or sell bitcoin and other tokens. All of the crypto exchanges have a complicated and confusing fee structure that remains largely unregulated.

Every corner of the economy has found a way to hide fees into every transaction and that trend is likely to continue as banks and merchant providers race to implement blockchain technologies into normal everyday life.

All payment methods aside from cash have some sort of transaction fees associated with it that go straight into the profits of the banks. Alternate payment methods like PayPal, bitcoin and cryptos charge varying fees on both sides of each transaction.

Using credit cards, debit cards and PayPal to shop online has gotten more expensive. Merchant providers automatically charge at least 4% in fees on top each transaction that most online stores hide by raising their prices or charging other fees.

Many online bullion dealers hate the fees too. Some have found creative ways avoid the fees charged by merchant providers and banks. Most online bullion dealers will offer a “cash discount” when paying with alternatives to credit and debit cards. Similar to how some gas stations still have different prices for cash and credit cards. This is a perfectly legitimate to save additional money on premiums by avoiding excess fees charged by banks.

You can also buy silver online from many dealers using digital tokens such as bitcoin as payment. Some of the out of pocket fees associated with buying precious metals online can’t be avoided. Using crypto to buy silver can reduce the fees charged by banks and leave you with the lowest premiums on silver.



The lowest premium are secondary market silver bars which had once been bought when they were newly minted. These are often sold to pawn shops, “We But Gold” stores, jewelers, local coins shops and other local bullion retailers. Most online bullion dealers will also buy silver and gold from you.

Even though there are reports of counterfeits found in the wild, ordering from trusted and reputable dealer helps to assure you are getting genuine precious metals. millions of people are stuck working low wage jobs, collecting unemployment and other government benefits according to a press release on February 4, 2022 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.





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What is the best way to store my silver rounds?

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Silver Round Storage Tubes

How do I store silver rounds? Is one of the most frequently asked question that comes up from new investors, coin collectors and silver stackers.

The simple answer is to use plastic storage tubes that are specifically made for holding silver rounds and silver coins. Several manufacturers produce popular plastic silver round storage tubes in specific dimensions. The design of the storage tubes makes it easy to protect your investment in silver rounds and make them easier to organize and stack.

Plastic tubes can hold multiple silver rounds and provide protection against scratches and contaminants. These tubes are also easy to stack and store.

What size are Silver Rounds?

Which size silver round storage tubes you need will depend on the weight and dimensions of the silver rounds you have. Most silver rounds come in standard weights, such as 1/2 troy ounce, 1 troy ounce, 2 troy ounces and 5 troy ounces.

The actual diameter and thickness of each size rounds will vary slightly by manufacturer and mint. One ounce bullion rounds can vary between 35 mm to 40 mm in diameter, with a thickness variances between 3 mm and 4 mm. Typically, most generic 1 oz silver rounds are around 38 mm – 39 mm in diameter.

Silver Rounds that weigh 1/2 troy ounce are slightly smaller, most have a diameter of 32.6 mm and roughly 2.25 mm thick.

With these dimensions in mind, there are several manufacturers that make silver round storage tubes that fit these dimensions.

CoinSafe Medallion Storage Tubes

Silver Round Storage Tubes

CoinSafe Medallion Tubes are one of the most popular silver round storage tubes available. Each tube holds twenty 1 oz silver rounds. The storage tubes have a square shape so you can stack them on top of each other. You can store multiple tubes densely for a nice compact storage solution for your silver rounds.

CoinSafe Medallion Tubes can be purchased individually from Amazon or on eBay or can be purchased more economically in lots of 5, 10 or 20 tubes.

CoinSafe American Silver Eagle Storage Tubes

American Silver Eagle coins have a slightly larger diameter than their silver round counterpart. Silver Eagle 1 oz coins are 40.6mm in diameter and will be too large for a CoinSafe Medallion Tube.

CoinSafe manufacturers a similar square tube that is slightly larger. The design of the Silver Eagle Size Tube allows for the storage of 20 American Silver Eagle 1 oz coins in a single tube. You can buy Silver Eagle Size CoinSafe storage tubes from Amazon or eBay at a very low price.