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Donald Trump Silver Rounds

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With the price of silver hovering around $34.17 an ounce, it’s hard to see the announcement of the Trump Silver Round with a retail price of $100 as anything other than a money grab.

Like the pricing of Donald Trump silver rounds, any commemorative or politically themed precious metal product involves several factors beyond the spot price of silver.

However, for something like this to have even semi-numismatic value, it must be of limited mintage to create rarity and scarcity. The mintage of these rounds is unlimited, transforming the product into a form of political expression through numismatics rather than a collectible asset with investment potential.

While some collectors believe this is a piece of political memorabilia that could increase in value over time, they are most likely to end up in a dealer’s generic bin or back at the refinery.

If you want to add Trump Silver Rounds to your collection, a wide variety is available from silver dealers throughout the country at more affordable prices.

Each round varies in design, but common themes include Trump’s inaugural moment, the White House, and more symbolic imagery like the bald eagle or the American flag.

2024 1 oz Trump Silver Presidential Medal

This beautifully crafted the 1 oz Trump Silver Presidential Medal is exclusive to SD Bullion.

2024 1 oz Trump Silver Presidential Medal Obverse
2024 1 oz Trump Silver Presidential Medal Obverse

These rounds are minted using a similar finishing process as The Commanders Series, which features legendary leaders and military strategists who have left an indelible mark on history.

2024 1 oz Trump Silver Presidential Medal Reverse
2024 1 oz Trump Silver Presidential Medal Reverse

The Trump Silver Presidential is available in 1 oz and 5 oz sizes. It features an image of the 45th President, Donald J. Trump, in full effigy and has a reverse-proof finish.

The details of the portrait and rim are highly reflective and have a proof-like finish, while the rest of the Medallion features a smooth satin finish.

The reverse shows an American bald eagle with its wings stretched.

Trump Mugshot 1 oz Silver Round

Based in Winchester, Indiana, the team at Silvertowne Mint is responsible for issuing the 1 oz Trump Mugshot Silver Round.

Trump’s mugshot became a highly publicized and symbolic image during his legal battles, mainly stemming from his indictment and arrest in Fulton County, Georgia. Taken during Trump’s arraignment in

The obverse features a reproduction of the infamous mugshot portrait, showing Trump with a stern, defiant expression, wearing a dark suit and red tie. Inscribed “Wanted For a Second Term” surrounds the portrait.

The reverse shows the White House in a triangle pattern with six stars above it. The phrases “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE TROY OUNCE .999 FINE SILVER” surround the picture.

1 oz Trump 2024 Round

The commemorate the election campaign, these private mint Trump 2024 silver rounds show the former president standing in front of a large American flag background, with the words “Trump 2024” inscribed in the design.

The reverse shows an eagle, with the words “United States of America”, “45th President” and “e pluribus unum” inscribed, along with the weight, purity and “MP” mintmark.

These private mint silver rounds can be found from a variety of dealers, local coin shops and eBay for a small premium over silver spot price.

1 oz Trump ‘The Don’ Round

Produced by the CutSaw Mint, 1 oz Trump “The Don” Silver rounds feature a full surface mug shot, with the height lines from the wall used as a background. The placard shows the words “Never Surrender” and “The Don.”

The reverse shows a perspective portrait of the White House, the words “The White House” and is inscribed with the weight and purity and AG.

These private mint silver rounds are really popular, given the mugshot context and can be found at local coin shops, eBay and online dealers like Bullion Exchanges, Hero Bullion and others.

Trump Portrait 45th President 1/4 oz Gold

While no official gold coin has been minted with the former president’s image, Money Metals Exchange has minted an exclusive 1/4 oz gold round that features a headshot of Trump on the obverse. Along the top edge of the round “Donald J. Trump” is inscribed, while “45th President” is inscribed to the lower right. The Money Metals Exchange logo hallmark is to the lower left.

The reverse features a detailed portrait of the White House and is inscribed with the weight and purity. While Money Metals Exchange is the exclusive retailer for these rounds, quantities are limited and some have fetched higher premiums at auction.

Trump – 45th President 1 oz Round

Produced by Elemetal, these 45th President Trump Silver Round contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver that pays homage to President Donald Trump.

Obverse features the profile of President Trump with his right hand in the air. Inscribed with “Donald J Trump” and “45th President”. The familiar columns of The White House are pictured on the reverse, along with inscriptions, “The White House” and “1 oz 999 AG”.

The design of this silver round is available from Local Bullion Dealers, eBay and others.

10 oz Mount Trumpmore Silver Bar

The creative team at Scottsdale Mint designed the obverse of the 10 oz Mount Trumpmore Silver bar with a unique high-relief silver bar that inserts a bust of the head of former President Donald Trump among the founding fathers on Mount Rushmore. There is no doubt that Trump remains a polarizing political figure with a strong following.

The reverse of this silver bar contains the colonial flag originally designed by Betsy Ross with 13 stars in a circle.

His rise in popularity as a leading political figure reinforces many Americans’ disdain towards both parties.

For Trump’s supporters, purchasing these rounds could be a way to express their political allegiance.

The novelty and rarity of Trump-themed silver rounds make an exciting addition to a collection.

As silver rounds, they carry the intrinsic value of the metal. They can be an effective hedge against inflation, with the potential for value appreciation due to their unique design and historical significance. The unique design and theme of Trump Silver Rounds might add some collector’s value, but the silver content usually drives the price.

For some supporters, displaying Trump Silver Rounds have been described as a way to “trigger liberals,” reflecting the polarized political climate.

Whether viewed as a wise investment, a piece of history, or a political statement, the Trump Silver Rounds remain a fascinating intersection of politics, finance, and culture in contemporary America.

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What is a Kilogram?

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The kilogram is the standard for measuring everyday items such as food and body weight and commodities like silver and gold.

The definition of a kilogram is part of the International System of Units (SI), widely used globally in science, industry, and everyday life.

In precious metals, a kilogram bar is a standard unit used by investors and large institutions like central banks.

Scientific Definition of a Kilogram

Scientifically, the kilogram is defined by taking the fixed numerical value of the Planck constant ℎ as 

6.62607015×10−346.62607015 × 10^{-34}6.62607015×10−34 joule seconds (J·s)

with the meter and the second being defined in terms of the speed of light and the cesium frequency, respectively. This definition links the kilo to fundamental physical constants, ensuring long-term stability and precision​.

In scientific research and various industries, the kilogram is crucial for precise measurements is widely used in calibrations and standards for manufacturing processes, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.

History of the Kilogram

The history of the kilogram is deeply rooted in the development of the metric system during the French Revolution and has evolved significantly over time.

Origins of the Kilogram

The kilogram was first defined in 1795 as the mass of one liter (10^-3 cubic meters) of water at the freezing point. This was part of the metric system developed during the French Revolution to create a uniform system of measurements based on natural constants.

In 1799, the definition was refined, and a platinum artifact known as the “Kilogramme des Archives” was created as a unit of mass and became the basis for the kilo until the late 19th century.

The International Prototype Kilogram (IPK)

The General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) established the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK) in 1889, made of a platinum-iridium alloy. This artifact was stored at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sèvres, France.

By BIPM – https://www.nist.gov/si-redefinition/kilogram, CC BY-SA 3.0 igo, Link

The IPK was the primary standard for the kilo for over a century, with numerous copies made and distributed to various countries for calibration purposes.

Issues with the IPK and Re-definition Efforts

Over time, it became apparent that the mass of the IPK and its copies could change due to surface contamination or material degradation, leading to inconsistencies.

This prompted the scientific community to seek a more stable and precise definition based on fundamental constants of nature.

The Kilogram Today

On May 20, 2019, the kilogram was redefined based on the Planck constant (h), a fundamental constant of nature. This marked a significant shift from using a physical object, to a definition based on a fundamental property of physics.

The new definition uses the fixed numerical value of the Planck constant, 

h=6.62607015 × 10−34Jsh = 6.62607015 × 10^{-34} {Js}h=6.62607015 × 10−34Js

along with definitions of the meter and the second, to establish the kilogram. This approach ensures long-term stability and precision. This is also the benchmark used for determining today’s gold price per gram.

This redefinition also aligns with the broader goal of basing all SI units on fundamental constants rather than physical artifacts.

Summary

The kilogram’s history reflects the evolution of metrology from practical measurements to highly precise and stable definitions based on the fundamental constants of nature. The shift from the IPK to a constant-based definition represents a major milestone in scientific measurement, ensuring greater accuracy and consistency in scientific research and industry.

For more detailed information, you can refer to sources such as:

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PAMP Suisse and Activision Collaborate on Gold and Silver Bars to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Call of Duty Modern Warfare III

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To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Call of Duty video game franchise, Activision has partnered with PAMP Suisse to develop a line of limited edition silver and gold bars featuring the imagery from the game.

The obverse shows the outline of a shield with a game character dressed in military fatigues along with the franchise title “Call of Duty” in vertical orientation. The reverse shows a diagonal pattern of Call of Duty Modern Warfare III logo, with the makers hallmark, weight and purity in the center and includes a unique serial number that is also printed on the matching assay card.

Additionally, all of the COD silver and gold bars include a code that is redeemable for a bonus in-game weapon charm.

Further details can be found in the press release from MKS PAMP.

PAMP Suisse

Founded in 1977 and based in Ticino, Switzerland, PAMP is one of the world’s leading bullion brands, known for its high-quality gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products. The company produces a wide range of bullion products, including bars, coins, and ingots, which are popular among investors and collectors alike for their purity, craftsmanship, and innovative designs.

PAMP Suisse gold bars come with an assay certificate, which guarantees the purity, weight, and authenticity of the bar. Each PAMP Suisse gold bar is individually serialized, which aids in authentication and adds to its collectibility. While the intrinsic value of the gold itself is a significant factor in the value, the collectibility of these limited edition bars can add a premium above the spot price of gold.

Call of Duty

“Call of Duty” is an influential and popular first-person shooter video game franchise developed and published by Activision. The series began with the launch of the original “Call of Duty” game on October 29, 2003. The game was initially set in World War II and was praised for its immersive storytelling, realistic gameplay, and engaging multiplayer modes. Over the years, the franchise has expanded to include various settings, including modern times, futuristic worlds, and even space.

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” is an update of the original game that features missions that mirror modern military conflicts and tactics. The franchise itself is developed and published by Activision, with various development studios working on different entries, including Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games.

The original “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare” launched in November 2007 and was a pivotal game in the series, marking a shift from World War II settings to contemporary battlefields and significantly influencing the first-person shooter genre with its realistic gameplay, narrative depth, and multiplayer modes.

The “Call of Duty” franchise boasts millions of active players across its various titles and has extended its reach beyond video games into a broad array of merchandise and media, including Action figures, LEGO sets, gaming peripherals like branded controllers, headsets, and mouse pads and narrative extensions of the franchise’s storylines, offering deeper dives into its lore and characters.

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How to Verify a PAMP Suisse Gold Bar? 

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The number of counterfeit PAMP Suisse bars in the market has increased in recent years due to the rising demand for precious metals like gold and silver. While PAMP Suisse is one of the most trusted and reputable precious metals refiners globally, the high value associated with its products makes it a target for counterfeiters. That said, authentic PAMP Suisse bars have several security features that make it difficult for counterfeit versions to go unnoticed.

PAMP’s VeriScan system uses a microscopic surface topography unique to each bar. Buyers can scan their bar and verify its authenticity against the PAMP database using a mobile app.

PAMP bars typically come in tamper-proof packaging that includes a certificate of authenticity, a serial number, and detailed specifications. Each authentic PAMP bar is stamped with a unique serial number and the assayer’s mark, adding another layer of security.

Counterfeiters often attempt to replicate this packaging, but discrepancies are often detectable.

You’re more likely to encounter counterfeits in private transactions, social media, online forums, or from unknown or untrustworthy dealers. The likelihood of encountering a counterfeit bar increases significantly when purchasing from non-reputable sources or when the price seems “too good to be true.”

PAMP Suisse has made it easy to verify the authenticity of its products with the Veriscan app, which can be downloaded on the App Store for iPhones and iPads.

PAMP Veriscan Mobile App

The surface of all precious metals has microscopic topographic features as unique as human fingerprints. Using the app, you can scan the front surface of the bar, allowing the app to interpret the surface topography of the bar. The bar’s surface topography is then compared against the data stored in the PAMP VERISCAN database. The app will display an affirmative result for authentic products and issue a failing result for products that it suspects may be counterfeit. 

PAMP Suisse Veriscan Instant Authentication Mobile App
Authentic PAMP Suisse products can be verified with the PAMP VERISCAN App

The PAMP Suisse Veriscan Mobile Application can authenticate gold, silver, and platinum bars issued by PAMP Suisse, along with bullion coins and bars issued by a handful of other established mints, including the Royal Australian Mint, Bank of China, Lombard Bank Malta, and UBS.

You can scan larger silver bars and gold bars from any of the six sides of the bar.

Scan the product’s QR Code with the PAMP VERISCAN App

All PAMP Suisse Veriscan-enabled products are issued with a unique QR code that, when scanned with the app, allows the lookup of the specific bar’s topographic features that were scanned during the manufacturing process.

After scanning, the Veriscan app will open a corresponding page that contains the bar’s details, including its weight, purity, mint mark, and serial number. 

Verify PAMP Suisse products with the PAMP VERISCAN App
The PAMP VERISCAN App provides information to authenticate PAMP Products

This allows you to compare the information from the mint with the information from the packaging of your PAMP Suisse product. If they match, you have a genuine PAMP Suisse product. Having the application verify PAMP Suisse products allows greater confidence in the authenticity of your gold bar. If they do not match, verify that you’ve followed the provided instructions to determine if your product is counterfeit.

Instruction for scanning larger-size PAMP Suisse Silver and Gold Bars is available in the application’s menu. When scanning larger-size bars, the Veriscan application provides options to choose which sides of the product will be scanned. Authenticating larger PAMP gold and silver bars is easy with the enhanced authentication option, which can scan any of the six sides of a gold, silver, or platinum bar. 

The PAMP Suisse Veriscan App can be downloaded from the Apple App Store directly to your iPhone or iPad for easy verification and authentication at home.

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Silver Gold Bull 10 oz Bar at Spot Price Deal Returns

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One of the most popular silver at spot price deals is the 10 oz Silver Bar at Spot Price from Silver Gold Bull. This particular silver bar is minted by Sunshine Minting and contains a custom design that features the Silver Gold Bull charging bull logo. Click here to visit the Silver Gold Bull product page to learn more about this offer.

  • Minted with 10 troy ounces of .999 fine silver.
  • Obverse: Silver Gold Bull logo with a charging bull and the words “999 Fine Silver 10 Ounces”
  • Reverse: Silver Gold Bull logo and the words “Build your wealth in ounces” with the bull logo ghosted in the background

The silver at spot price deals that are offered by various online bullion dealers are a way for new customers to explore the ownership of precious metals with very low risk.

For many investors, 10 oz silver bars are the most popular choice as a store of value due to their compact size, low price point, wide availability and stackability. These bars are one of the most liquid silver investments and easy to sell when the time comes to liquidate your portfolio.

Silver Gold Bull is a well-regarded player in the precious metals market, known for its wide range of products, competitive pricing, and reliable service. They catering to both investors and collectors, each looking for quality and value in precious metals products.

Silver Gold Bull is known for offering competitive pricing on their products and provide market-driven prices for bullion that are aligned with the current spot prices of gold and silver.

Their website includes transparent pricing, price charts and market analysis, which can be beneficial for customers in making informed purchasing decisions.

This 10 oz silver bar at spot price offer is one of several available similar offers from reputable dealers. Currently, the available silver at spot price offers include:

Check out our silver at spot price deals page for more offers from other dealers.

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The Basics of Silver as a Store of Value and Wealth

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In an age where digital transactions and cryptocurrencies are the norms, the concept of precious metals as a form of currency might seem outdated to many. However, there’s a compelling case to be made for considering silver not just as a relic of the past but as a relevant and wise choice for long-term wealth preservation and financial security.

The Forgotten History of Silver as Money

For centuries, silver and gold have been the cornerstone of global trade and currency. Our grandparents carried silver coins in their pockets, and the coins in circulation prior to 1965 were minted from 90% pure silver. Many in America built their wealth based on gold and silver reserves.

This historical significance isn’t just a matter of antiquity; it’s a testament to the intrinsic value these metals have played for thousands of years across various cultures and civilizations, but which is often overlooked in modern times.

Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese, used silver as a primary medium for trade. Silver coins were minted and used extensively for commercial transactions. Various countries, at different times, adopted a silver standard, a monetary system in which the value of paper currency was defined in terms of a certain amount of silver.

The Spanish silver dollar, sometimes referred to as “pieces of 8”, was widely used beyond Europe, especially in the Americas and Asia, with silver playing a key role in early global trade. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, silver, like gold, began to be seen more as a commodity and an investment. The shift to paper money and, later, digital transactions, led to a decline in the use of silver as everyday currency.

Today, silver continues to be an important asset in investment portfolios and is still used in various forms of commemorative and investment-grade coins. The historical significance of precious metals as a medium of exchange and store of value remains an important part of the global monetary systems.

Why Silver is Relevant Today

In the world of digital finance, silver stands out because it is a tangible asset. It’s an object that you can own and keep as a store of value, like a savings account. Unlike digital currencies or stocks, silver is something you can hold.

Silver has historically offered protection against inflation. When fiat currencies like the dollar lose value due to economic policies and market fluctuations, precious metals often retain their value. There have been many examples in history where their value has even appreciated. This is because these commodities often have an inverse relationship with other investments.

Compared to gold, silver is much more affordable, making it an accessible investment option for young investors who are starting to build their portfolios.

Diversifying your investment portfolio is a fundamental principle of sound financial planning. Including silver can provide balance and stability, especially during times of high inflation and economic uncertainty.

Beyond its value as an investment, silver’s industrial uses are expanding in the tech and medical industries, potentially driving up its demand and value. For the environmentally conscious, silver offers a sustainable investment. It’s recyclable and plays a crucial role in various green technologies, including solar panels.

How to Get Started with Silver Investing

Start by learning about the history of silver as currency and its current role in the economy involves delving into various educational resources and platforms.

A good place to begin is with books focused on the history of precious metals as money and currency. Most of these well regarded books are available in Kindle and other eReaders, paperback and hardcover:

Stay updated with the current role of silver in the economy by following financial news platforms and blogs that specialize in precious metals. Websites such as Kitco, The Silver Institute and FindBullionPrice.com offer news, analysis, and data on silver markets.

Various online learning platforms offer courses in economics and history, some of which specifically offer courses that cover the use of precious metals as currency.

The CME Group, the company which runs and operates various commodities markets and exchanges include COMEX, offers a free self-guided Introduction to Precious Metals online class that provides an overview of various precious metals, how they are consumed by industry and why they are important investments.

YouTube also offers numerous educational channels where experts and influencers discuss the history and economics of silver. Documentaries and TV programs that focus on economic history or the history of money often cover the role of silver.

Social Platforms such as Reddit, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other specialized online forums have communities devoted to precious metals, such as /r/Silverbugs and /r/Gold. These and other online communities can be valuable for discussions, resource sharing, and advice from experienced investors and enthusiasts.

Silver ETFs and Buying Vaulted Silver

Silver can be purchased in physical form (as bars or coins) or through silver Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). A silver ETF purchases and holds silver or silver-related assets in a trust. The value of an ETF share is thus linked to the price of silver, minus fund expenses and fees.

Investors can buy and sell shares of a silver ETF on a stock exchange, just like individual stocks. This provides a simple way to invest in the silver market without dealing with the challenges of physical silver storage and security while aiming to track the spot price of silver. This means that the ETF’s share price moves in tandem with silver prices in the global market.

Additionally, digital platforms like OneGold.com and Vaulted.com provide investors with a mobile application that enable quick and easy buying of vaulted allocations of physical silver, gold and platinum. These vaulted allocations can be easily redeemed anytime for secure delivery of physical precious metals to your home.

OneGold.com specializes in digital precious metals, allowing customers to buy, sell, and hold digital gold and silver without the need for physical storage. The metals backing digital investments are stored with well-known vaulting services, ensuring the security of the physical metals backing your digital investments.

OneGold.com was founded as a partnership between two of the biggest names in the precious metals industry, APMEX and Sprott Metals. Founded in 2000, APMEX is a leading online retailer of precious metals. Founded by Eric Sprott, a renowned investor in the precious metals sector, Sprott Money is known for providing valuable insights into the precious metals market with articles, reports, and analysis that can help investors make informed decisions. They also offers investors a variety of services including options for precious metals IRAs and other investment accounts.

Vaulted.com is an online mobile web app that allows investors to buy and sell allocated silver and gold. Each client is provided with an advisor who offers a personalized approach to investing in precious metals. Vaulted stores its precious metals in the Royal Canadian Mint, which provides investors with a high level of security and assurance. With Vaulted, you can buy, sell, and even request physical delivery of their precious metals for a small transaction fee for buying and selling and a low annual maintenance fee for storage and insurance.

Buying Silver Online

Buying silver online offers numerous advantages, including convenience, variety, and competitive pricing. As a tangible asset, silver provides security and privacy, similar to real estate, but with greater liquidity.

Online dealers offer a wide range of silver products, from coins and bars to specialty and numismatic items, providing more options than what might be available in your local coin stores. Many online dealers offer products from a variety of international mints that aren’t available locally. With lower overhead costs compared to brick and mortar stores, online dealers can offer lower premiums over the spot price of silver. Several dealers also offer silver at spot price deals catered specifically to new investors that offer a low risk way to start.

Buying online allows you to easily compare prices and products across multiple dealers with many providing a variety of educational materials, market analysis, and investment guides. Most of the trusted and reputable online dealers are have customer reviews and ratings on third-party websites, helping you make an informed decision based on other buyers’ experiences.

Online transactions provide various payment options, including credit cards, bank transfers, and even a large assortment of cryptocurrencies through platforms like Bitpay. Combined with purchases being delivered discreetly and securely to your doorstep, this level of privacy, discretion and convenienceis not be possible with in-person transactions.

FindBullionPrices.com provides comprehensive price comparisons for various physical silver coins, silver bars and silver rounds from a wide range of online dealers and enables investors to quickly find the best available prices. By aggregating prices from dozens of reputable online bullion dealers, FindBullionPrices.com gives investors access to a broad market landscape from a single platform that saves time and effort that would otherwise be spent visiting multiple websites.

PAMP Suisse 10 oz Cast Silver Bar

Our product listings covers a vast array of silver coins, bars, rounds, and even collectible and numismatic items. In addition, we provide access to a broad range of educational materials, analysis and detailed guides on investing in precious metals. These resources help buyers understand market dynamics, investment strategies, and other factors affecting precious metals prices.

The most popular silver investments include a variety of notable silver coins and bars. Top selling 1 oz coins like the American Eagle, the Canadian Maple Leaf and the Krugerrand are a mainstay for investors who prefer government backing or have a specific need such as a Silver IRA.

Private mint 10 oz silver bars offer a combination of low premiums, high liquidity, bulk discounts and unique varieties that are suitable for both long-term holding and short-term trading. Compared to smaller denominations like 1 oz coins or bars, 10 oz silver bars have lower premiums over the spot price of silver allow you to acquire more physical silver for the same money.

Silver has a high market demand and is recognized globally, facilitating easier buying and selling. Silver’s value is universally recognized, with prices updated daily based on global markets, enhancing its liquidity.

Unlike real estate or land, silver can be bought, sold or traded in smaller units, making transactions simpler and quicker. This liquidity, combined with its global recognition and ease of transaction, makes silver, along with other assets like gold and stocks, a preferred choice for beginning investors seeking liquid tangible assets.

Like any investment, the spot price of silver constantly fluctuates. Keeping an eye on the market can help you make informed decisions. The “spot price” of commodities like silver and gold refers to the real-time market price at which they can be bought or sold for immediate delivery. The spot price of silver is influenced by various factors, including supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, market speculation, and currency fluctuations. For precious metals like silver, gold, and platinum, the spot price is typically quoted per troy ounce.

For beginning investors, especially Millennials and Gen Z, rethinking silver as a currency and store of value offers a bridge between the past and the future. It’s a way to preserve wealth in a tangible form that has stood the test of time, while also aligning with modern values of sustainability and diversification. In an ever-changing financial landscape, the enduring value of silver can provide both stability and peace of mind.

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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.

US Mint Silver Eagle Monster Box

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.

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Silver Bullion Premiums Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels

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The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on global supply chains, creating a myriad of problems and challenges for mining and minerals companies, refineries and mints.

Many mines and refineries around the world were shut down or operated at reduced capacities due to lockdowns, quarantine measures, and worker illness. This led to reduced output and shortages of silver, gold and platinum, not only for investors, but especially in industries where precious metals are consumed.

The supply chain disruptions and lockdowns led to wholesale premiums on precious metals to increase quickly as demand from investors was driven by uncertainty and supply concerns.

The premiums on US Mint Silver Eagles were impacted more than others. Most of the high premiums were caused by a combination of things that included a variety of repeated shutdowns, issues with blank planchets from suppliers and other problems related to the production of coins. At their peak, the dealer premiums on Silver Eagles were in excess of 50% more than the silver spot price.

In today’s market, bullion buyers are able to find deals on 10 oz silver bars from various online dealers with premiums below $2.00 per ounce over the prevailing silver spot price. For investors looking for larger silver bars, such as silver kilos and 100 oz bars, dealer premiums can be the range as low as $1.25 to $1.50 per troy ounce above spot silver.

Silver premiums have not been this low in several years making this a great opportunity to back up the truck and load it up.

Although the Federal Reserve has paused interest rate hikes for the time being, many analysts are speculating that the results of the policy hikes aren’t likely to be felt for twenty-four months or longer. The Fed began the string of rate hikes in March 2022 as a following two years of consistently high inflation impacting prices.

If analysts predictions are correct, the CPI, which includes consumer prices of essential everyday goods, including housing, gasoline and food, isn’t likely to show meaningful decreases until the first quarter of 2024 or beyond.

JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon continues to repeat his dire prediction of an extended period of stagflation.

Stagflation is an economic term used to describe a situation in which an economy experiences stagnant growth, high unemployment, and high inflation simultaneously. This combination is particularly troubling for policymakers because the usual tools to combat inflation, like raising interest rates or reducing government spending, can exacerbate unemployment and further hinder economic growth. While measures to boost the economy, like lowering interest rates or increasing government spending, can worsen inflation.

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Gold & Silver Bars of the Atocha

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The Atocha was a famous Spanish treasure galleon that we by the full name of “Nuestra Señora de Atocha”, Our Lady of Atocha. The Atocha was laden with a vast cargo of gold, silver, emeralds, and other valuable items from the New World, destined for Spain. These treasures were accumulated from the wealth of the Spanish colonies in the Americas.

On September 6, 1622, the Atocha was caught in a severe hurricane as it was sailing from Havana, Cuba, to Spain. The ship was driven onto a coral reef and sank, taking down most of its 265 crew members and passengers, as well as its precious cargo.

Shortly after the shipwreck, Spanish salvagers tried to locate and recover the Atocha’s treasure but had little success. The location of the wreck remained a mystery for centuries.

The exact inventory of the Atocha is extensive, but the majority of the Atocha’s cargo consisted of silver. According to historical records there were 1,038 silver bars and over 255,000 silver coins, mostly consisting of “pieces of eight” that were minted in the Americas and used as a global trade currency during the era.  The silver coins had been hand-stamped at mints in Potosí, Lima, La Plata, Mexico City and Santa Fe de Bogotá.

The silver bars found in the wreck of the Atocha were each massive and all had a purity greater than 99%. Each ingot was formed by pouring more than 80 pounds of silver into a casting mold. As soon as the ingot cooled, it was struck with a serial number and stamped with the fineness, the same information would be listed on the ship’s manifest. Over 900 silver bars were listed on the ships manifest and many of the bars were mined and processed in upper Peru (at Potosí or Oruro).

Other marks were sometimes added by shipmasters and other officials as the bar progressed on its journey to Spain.

Atocha Gold Bars

At least least 160 gold bars and discs were found in the Atocha shipwreck, as well as a significant number of gold coins. These bars vary in weight, typically ranging between 5 to 10 pounds each, with an estimate of over 7,175 ounces of gold.

Heritage Auctions Atocha Gold Bar
Heritage Auctions – Atocha Gold Bar

Several of the Atocha Gold Bars have come up for auction in recent years. In 2008, Heritage Auctions sold

In May of this year, Sedwick Auctions offered one of the gold bars weighing over 5 pounds with presale price estimates exceeding $200,000. The bar is stamped with a single foundry and assayer mark reading “SEBATN / ESPANOL” in the center and includes eight royal tax stamps and marking indicating 17 karat gold fineness.

17 karat Atocha Gold Bar
Sedwick Auctions 17k Atocha Gold Bar (8-3/4” x 1-1/2” x 3/4″ – 2,274 grams)

In addition to precious metals, the ship carried a considerable quantity of rough and worked emeralds amongst its cargo, with some of exceptional quality and size. The emeralds came from the Muzo mines in Colombia.

In 1985, treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his team made international headlines by discovering the main wreckage site of the Atocha just off Marquasas Key, west of Key West in the Florida Keys.

The extensive recovery operation led by Mel Fisher recovered a significant portion of the Atocha’s gold bars, but many believe that there’s still more to be found.

Atocha Treasure Value

The find resulted in the recovery of an estimated $400 million worth of coins, jewelry, and other artifacts. This made it one of the most valuable shipwreck finds in history.

The discovery of the Atocha’s treasure led to legal disputes between Mel Fisher’s team and the state of Florida. Eventually, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Fisher, granting his company, Treasure Salvors, Inc., ownership of the shipwreck and its cargo.

The artifacts and treasure from the Atocha offer a unique glimpse into the past and the extensive wealth and trade of the Spanish Empire during the 17th century and its discovery has spurred additional interest in shipwreck diving and the quest for sunken treasure.

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Why Many Investors Prefer Silver Over Gold

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Investing in precious metals is a big commitment. The notion of taking a portion of your cash savings buying a physical asset goes against the mainstream narrative.

The Federal Reserve has announced that the FedNow service is NOT a CBDC. Most “conspiracy theorists” are suggesting that the Fed may not be telling the truth. Luckily, a few states like Florida and Texas have efforts to reject any fed issued digital token.

More people want precious metals as a store of value in lieu of cash and deciding which is the best metal to buy can be a laborious choice. Ideally, having a balanced portfolio that is diverse with a portion in both gold and silver, alongside traditional investments, can provide extra assurance to cover many unexpected financial scenarios.

Silver is Cheaper Per Ounce

The most obvious reason many investors prefer to buy silver is the enormous price gap per ounce. The average per ounce premium is often higher on silver as a percentage of the price.

However, just like with the stock markets, the commodities markets also have bull and bear periods where the returns on silver can shine or tarnish.

For example, at the start of the pandemic in 2020, the price per ounce of silver hit a low of $11.77 per ounce. In three years, silver is already trading up more than 100%.

Silver coins and bars

Gold prices have been trading at record highs in recent weeks. Rumors have been circulating for weeks about an upcoming announcement from the BRICS summit in South Africa related to a new gold-backed reserve currency.

Easier to Liquidate

This has some analysts continuing to suggest that gold prices will continue to climb higher as central banks in many emerging economies continue adding gold to their reserves.

A portfolio containing many smaller silver coins, such as Britannias or 1 ounce silver bars is naturally more convenient to sell than larger bars or a full ounce of gold.

Silver stacking is far more popular than most people realize. Many find it to be a convenient and effective way to set aside a little bit of cash each week or month.

As a physical asset, it’s a little more difficult to spend than cash and easy to keep stashed at home is available in a variety of formats that span from naturally fractional junk silver to larger kilogram and 100 ounce silver bars.

There are many options, both locally and online that make selling silver easy when the time comes. Whether it’s for an unexpected emergency repair or to raise some cash for a new venture.

While selling a portion of silver coins is a straightforward process, it’s not as easy or practical to cut a gold bar in half.

Growing Industrial Consumption

Silver is consumed by various industries in considerably greater quantities than other precious metals. Although undeniably an excellent store of value, silver is also one of the best conductors of electricity and is used everything from iPhones and other consumer devices to solar panels and EV batteries. According to statistics released since was used in smartphone manufacturing.

The largest growth in consumption industrial consumption continues to be driven by globalist climate change and green energy initiatives. Global statistics on solar panel manufacturing shows consistent year over year growth likely to continue based on the 2030 narratives.

Renewable energies represents an area where many see potential for continued increases in consumption. Compared to other metals, silver is relatively scarce in nature. There are very few naturally occurring silver ore deposits.

Most raw silver is mined as a by-product of other metals such as lead, copper and gold, which makes the mining of these other metals relatively more important.

Medical Applications

Silver plays a huge role in medical technology and with natural antibiotic properties. The invention of x-rays, MRI and other medical imaging technologies would not have been possible without silver.

Silver bromide is a chemical compound that is sensitive to light and plays a key role in X-Ray and photographic films.

Silver plays many hidden crucial roles in countless ways throughout our everyday lives. Around half of all silver mined annually is consumed during the production of over 3000 various technologies including integrated circuits, medical radiology equipment, water purification, photographic imaging and even explosives.

Silver is Undervalued

The gold-silver ratio is a great way of keeping track of silver’s fluctuations and its current value relative to gold. It demonstrates the relationship between their respective values and can be a way investors spot potential opportunities.

Over the long-term, the price of silver has steadily increased relative to the dollar due mainly to inflation.

Recent CPI data indicates that inflation continues to rise at a steady rate while the data used by the Fed in decision making lags behind the reality that consumers face each day.

Most countries fill their reserve vaults with gold, there are a few countries holding significant silver stockpiles such as Peru, Mexico and China.