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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 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.

There was also an estimate of over 7,175 ounces of gold, in the form of at least 160 gold bars and discs, as well as a significant number of gold coins.

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 treasures, but many believe that there’s still more to be found.

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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US Mint Updates 2023 Product Release Schedule

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The United States Mint releases a large variety of numismatic and bullion coins each year. Some of the coins are commemorative issues that are based upon various cultural themes.

The product release schedule is updated periodically as materials and production capacity adjustments are made. The Mint has provided an update to its 2023 numismatic products launch schedule through the end of November.

The sales launch schedule for the remainder of the year follows.

  • Aug. 9: Proof 2023-S Morgan dollar.
  • Aug. 9: Proof 2023-S Peace dollar.
  • Aug. 9: Proof 2023-S Peace dollar.
  • Aug. 10: Proof 2023-W American Liberty gold $100 coin.
  • Aug. 10: Proof American Liberty 1-ounce silver medal struck at the Philadelphia Mint without Mint mark.
  • Aug. 14: Matte Finish Andrew Johnson Presidential silver medal.
  • Aug. 15: 2023 American Women, Jovita Idar quarter dollars, circulation quality, in bags and rolls, including two-and three-roll sets.
  • Aug. 22: 2023-S Silver Proof set.
  • Aug. 24: Five individual 2023 American Women quarter dollar ornaments.
  • Aug. 28: 2023 American Innovation, Mississippi dollars in bags and rolls.
  • Sept. 7: Uncirculated 2023-W American Palladium Eagle $25 coin.
  • Sept. 11: Matte Finish U.S. Marine Corps 1-ounce silver medal.
  • Sept. 29: Mighty Minters 2023 ornament with 2023-P Native American, Maria Tallchief dollar.
  • Sept. 29: United States Mint 2023 ornament with 2023-P Native American, Maria Tallchief dollar.
  • Oct. 2: Ulysses S. Grant Presidential silver medal without Mint mark from San Francisco Mint.
  • Oct. 10: Proof 2023-S American Eagle 1-ounce silver dollar.
  • Oct. 23: American Women, Maria Tallchief quarter dollars in bags, two-roll and three-roll sets.
  • Oct. 26: Four-coin 2023-S American Innovation $1 Proof set.
  • Nov. 9: Four-coin 2023-S American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof set.
  • Nov. 14: Two-coin 2023-S Morgan and Peace dollar silver Proof set.
  • Nov. 28: 2023-S Limited Edition Silver Proof set.

Products with no specific sales date:

  • 2023 Uncirculated Coin set, containing 10 coins each from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints.
  • U.S. Marine Corps 1-ounce bronze medal.
  • One expected product is currently not on the current schedule:

Many of the products are in the Mint’s subscription program, with orders accepted now. Customers should review the Mint 2023 products catalog for details on what products are available by subscription.

Two other offerings have both been giving “TBD” launch dates in the Fall. Those include the United States Marines bronze medal and 2023 Uncirculated Coin set.

The schedule is posted on the US Mint website.

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The Basics of Coin Collecting

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Coins and currency are tangible artifacts that provide a window into the history, culture, politics, and economics of different time periods and civilizations.

Collecting coins and other numismatic items allows you to hold pieces of history in your hands and learn about the past through their collection. Prior to 1933, gold coins were part of the economy and were used for many every day transactions. Many of the Pre-1933 gold coins are now well over 100 years old.

Coin collecting originated as a pursuit driven by curiosity, fascination with history and the desire to preserve and understand the past through tangible artifacts. The origins of coin collecting, or numismatics, can be traced back to times as ancient as the coins themselves as some have been around for thousands of years. Over the centuries, it has grown into a well-established hobby with a diverse and enthusiastic community of collectors.

Coin Collecting Origins

The practice of coin collecting gained significant momentum during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods. Scholars, artists, and thinkers of the era became interested in the history, artistry, and symbolism of coins.

One Italian poet, scholar and humanist in particular named Francesco Petrarch is often considered one of the earliest coin collectors. He owned a vast collection of coins, manuscripts, and artworks which he displayed in his “Cabinet of Antiquities.”

The concept of a “cabinet of curiosities” was popular during the Renaissance and Enlightenment. These cabinets, also known as Wunderkammer, were private collections that included various objects, including coins, fossils, natural specimens, artwork and antiquities.

Collectors like Petrarch saw coins as valuable artifacts that could provide insights into different and ancient cultures and historical periods, in addition to the intrinsic value.

Another notable early coin collector was English antiquary and politician Elias Ashmole. His eclectic collection included rare books, manuscripts and artifacts alongside a massive and significant collection of coins. Ashmole was one of the early members of the Royal Society and his collection formed the basis of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, one of the oldest public museums in the world.

Coin Collecting Catalogs

The emergence of coin catalogs began in the 18th and 19th centuries as numismatists began publishing books about coins, detailing their characteristics, origins, and historical context.

These catalogs helped collectors identify and classify coins, and they played a crucial role in the development of numismatic scholarship.

In the 19th century, organized coin collecting groups and societies began to form. These groups provided a platform for collectors to share their knowledge, exchange coins, and collaborate on research projects.

Founded in 1891, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) is one of the oldest and most influential coin collecting and numismatic organizations in the world. Their mission is to promote and advance the knowledge and enjoyment of numismatics, as well as to foster the exchange of information and ideas among collectors, dealers, and scholars.

Virgil Brand, an early American collector, assembled one of the most extensive and diverse coin collections of his time. His collection included an impressive array of rare U.S. coins, world coins, as well as rare and valuable ancient coins.

One of Brand’s notable contributions was the creation of the “Brand Book,” a multi-volume catalog of his collection.

The Brand Book provided descriptions and information about each item in his collection and remains an important resource for researchers and collectors.

The American Numismatic Association (ANA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and collection of coins and other related items.

Today, the “Red Book,” formally known as “A Guide Book of United States Coins,” is the most widely recognized and respected reference guide for collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts of United States coins. It is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative sources of information about U.S. coinage, providing essential details about coin values, mintage figures, historical background, and collecting tips.

The Red Book is published annually by Whitman Publishing with contributions from various numismatic experts. It has been in publication since 1947, making it a staple in the numismatic community for over seven decades.

The 77th edition of the Red Book covers everything from early colonial copper tokens to hefty Old West silver dollars and dazzling gold coins. The book includes more than 32,500+ prices and auction records for nearly 8,000 coins, tokens, medals, coin sets and other collectible species. 

Diversification: Coin collecting can diversify an investment portfolio. Since the value of rare coins or coins made from precious metals can move independently of traditional financial markets, they can provide a hedge against market volatility.

Inheritance and Estate Value: Well-curated coin collections can become valuable family heirlooms, passed down through generations. Over time, the historical and monetary value of these collections can grow significantly.

Educational Value: The knowledge gained from coin collecting about history, economics, and numismatics can be invaluable. This expertise can aid collectors in making informed purchasing decisions, potentially leading to profitable sales or trades.

Enjoyment and Satisfaction: While not a direct financial gain, the enjoyment and satisfaction of building a collection should not be underestimated. For many collectors, the value of their collection is also in the journey and passion for the hobby.

Networking and Community: Engaging with the coin collecting community can lead to opportunities for profitable trades, sales, or purchases. Networking can also provide insights into market trends and valuable information about rare and valuable coins.

Market Timing and Strategy: Skilled collectors who understand market dynamics can buy coins when prices are low and sell when they are high, much like stock market investments.

Condition and Preservation: Collectors who skillfully maintain and preserve the condition of their coins can see an increase in value over time. The condition of a coin is a critical factor in its valuation.

However, it’s important to note that coin collecting as an investment strategy carries its own risks and requires knowledge and research. The market for coins can be volatile and influenced by numerous factors. Therefore, it’s recommended to approach coin collecting with both an interest in the hobby and a strategic investment perspective, and not solely for the purpose of wealth generation. As with any investment, diversification and not putting all your financial resources into one type of asset is a prudent strategy.

US Mint Pre-1933 Gold Coin Investments

Collection of Pre-1933 Gold Coins

Coin collecting can also be a method of building wealth, albeit with certain nuances compared to traditional investments.

Many collectible coins, such as older coins or special bullion issues, are made of precious metals like gold and silver. The intrinsic value of these metals fluctuates with the markets and gold has a history of being a hedge against inflation.

Beyond the intrinsic value of the metal, collectible coins can acquire a numismatic premium. This premium is based on factors like rarity, condition (grade), historical significance, and market demand.

Rare coins, especially those with historical significance, limited mintage, or unique features, can appreciate in value over time. The scarcity and demand for these coins can drive their prices higher in the collector market.

The Executive Order 6102 required U.S. citizens to surrender their gold coins, gold bullion, and gold certificates to the government. Many gold coins deemed of numismatic value were exempt, however, a significant number of coins were melted down. This reduced supply has added to the rarity and desirability of many pre-1933 gold coins.

Collecting pre-1933 gold coins can be a rewarding and strategic choice for investors with an interest in numismatists since these coins were minted during an era when the gold standard was in place..

Pre-1933 gold coins offer the additional advantage of physical ownership of a tangible asset. Holding these coins provides a sense of connection to the past as well as a hedge against economic uncertainty.

These coins contain a significant amount of gold. For example, a $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coin contains .9675 ounces of gold. The intrinsic value of the gold content provides a floor for their market value. Most pre-1933 gold coins also numismatic value, even in circulated condition. The numismatic premium is determined by factors like rarity, demand, condition, and historical significance. In certain market conditions, the numismatic premium on specimen coins can substantially exceed the melt value.

Including a collection of Pre-1933 gold coins in an investment portfolio can provide a level of diversification beyond traditional financial assets.

Coin Grading Scale

As numismatics evolved during the 20th century, collectors and experts recognized the need for standardized terminology and grading systems. The Sheldon Coin Grading Scale, developed in the mid-20th century by Dr. William Sheldon has become the most widely adopted system for assessing the condition of coins.

With advancements in communication and technology, coin collecting has become more accessible to a global audience. The internet allows collectors to connect, research, sell and buy gold coins from around the world. Online auction platforms and forums have expanded the reach of numismatics.

Coin collecting has evolved beyond merely acquiring coins for their monetary value. Many collectors now focus on various aspects, including historical significance, artistic appeal, rarity, and cultural context, with some collectors specializing in specific periods, rulers, or coin types.

Universities and museums often have numismatic departments that contribute to research and education. These institutions offer academic programs and conduct research to further the understanding of coins’ historical and cultural importance.

Today, numismatics is a global hobby with collectors from different countries sharing their passion and expertise. Numismatic events, exhibitions, and conferences provide opportunities for collectors to connect and learn from one another.

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Understanding Coin Finish

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Modern minting technology allows for a wide range of finishes, providing both government and private mints with many creative options in the ideation of unique coins. Each finish serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall appeal and collectible value of the coin.

Many mints issue the same coin with different finishes, mainly for aesthetic purposes and to enhance their overall appearance. The choice of finish can give a coin a distinct look and feel, making it more attractive to collectors and investors.

Special finishes are sometimes used for commemorative coins, marking significant events or anniversaries, helping to distinguish commemorative coins from regular bullion coins.

Proof Finish

A proof coin is a special type of coin that is struck using a unique minting process to create a high-quality, highly detailed, and mirror-like finish.

The term “proof” is derived from the original purpose of these coins. Historically, minting facilities would produce a small number of test coins to ensure the dies were properly prepared and to showcase the quality of their work. These “proofs” were often presented to mint officials for approval before regular coin production.

Proof coins are specifically made for collectors and are not intended for everyday circulation. They are often considered to be the highest standard of coin production and are sought after by numismatists and investors.

A proof finish is achieved through multiple strikes on specially prepared dies and planchets. The planchets used for proof coins are carefully selected to ensure they are free of defects or imperfections.

The dies used to strike proof coins are polished to a mirror-like finish to ensure the finest details are captured on the coin’s surface.

Proof coins are struck multiple times with greater pressure than regular coins. This process helps to achieve sharp, well-defined images and deeply mirrored fields.

Throughout the production process, proof coins are carefully handled to minimize the risk of scratches or blemishes on the coin’s surface. The result is a highly detailed, mirror-like surface with frosted design elements.

Due to their limited mintage, unique appearance, and higher quality, proof coins typically command higher prices than their standard bullion counterparts. Proof coins are produced for collectors and often come in protective cases with certificates of authenticity.

US Mint Proof American Eagles and Buffalos

The US Mint issues Proof finish American Eagle coins in both silver and gold. The Proof Finish American Gold Buffalo is only minted in limited quantities, making it one of the most sought after each year.

Buying random year American Eagle Silver Proof coins is a great way to become familiar with why collectors adore these coins. The mintage amounts change each year based on subscriptions, demand and pre-orders.

During the current year release, these coins are sold directly by the mint to consumers at a fixed price. Collector demand is extremely high and the coins are quickly sold out, typically within hours of becoming available to order.

Due to the high collector demand, the numismatic premiums quickly rise and values are highest for the smallest American Silver Eagle Proof Coin Mintage Years.

They are popular among collectors for their aesthetic appeal and numismatic value. Many other countries issue annual proof coin sets, which often include a variety of denominations and designs, making them attractive additions to coin collections.

Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Finish

The term “Brilliant Uncirculated” indicates that the coin is in pristine condition, free from any signs of wear or circulation marks. BU coins are intended for collectors and investors, and they are typically not intended for circulation.

The dies are polished to ensure sharp and clear design elements, and the planchets are carefully handled to avoid any potential damage. Sometimes referred to as a Business Strike, this is the most common finish amongst newly minted silver coins.

BU coins have a lustrous and shiny appearance, often resembling the look of freshly minted coins. They feature well-defined and raised design elements, with deep, crisp details. The background of the coin is usually smooth and reflective, adding to the coin’s overall brilliance.

This finish is used for coins intended for circulation or general use but with a higher level of detail and quality than standard circulation coins. BU coins have a lustrous, shiny appearance and are typically free from marks or imperfections.

Matte Finish

A matte finish coin has a non-reflective, satin-like appearance on its surface. Unlike the traditional shiny and reflective surfaces of most coins, a matte finish coin has a smooth and subdued look, which gives it a unique and distinct appearance.

The matte finish is achieved through a different minting process than the standard brilliant uncirculated (BU) finish. During the minting process for matte finish coins, the dies and planchets (blanks) are treated differently to create a less glossy and reflective surface.

The design elements may be more detailed than a standard circulation coin, but they lack the mirror-like shine of proof coins.

To achieve the matte finish, the dies used in the minting process are sandblasted or chemically treated, creating a textured surface on the coin’s design elements.

This texture results in a subdued appearance and reduces the coin’s reflectivity. Additionally, the planchets may be treated or annealed differently to achieve the desired matte appearance.

Matte finish coins are often sought after by collectors who appreciate their unique appearance and rarity. The production of matte finish coins is usually limited, making them relatively scarce compared to coins with standard finishes.

Reverse Proof Finish

In a reverse proof coin, the design elements on the coin’s reverse side (the back) have a frosted or matte-like appearance, while the background has a mirror-like, highly polished finish.

This is the opposite of a traditional proof coin, where the design elements are mirror-like, and the background is frosted.

Reverse proof coins are typically issued in limited quantities to mark special occasions, anniversaries or to commemorate significant events and collectors take notice upon their release. The unique appearance of reverse proof coins adds to their appeal, and they are often considered a highlight of many coin collections.

In 2019, the US Mint released an Enhanced Reverse Proof Silver Eagle, extremely limited to just 30,000 coins. The coins sold out in minutes and demand from buyers was so great that it caused the USMint.gov website to crash.

The United States Mint, as well as various other mints around the world continue issuing reverse proof coins for a variety of coin series and denominations. These coins are popular among numismatists and coin enthusiasts for their rarity and eye-catching design.

Antique Finish

Antique finish coins are deliberately aged to give them an antique or vintage appearance.

The process of creating an antique finish involves applying various chemicals or treatments to the surface of the coin to artificially age it. This can include adding patinas, using chemical solutions to darken certain areas, or using mechanical abrasion to create wear and tear marks. The goal is to give the coin the appearance of historical significance or a vintage relic.

The aged appearance of antique finish coins can enhance the details of the design, making them more visually appealing and unique.

The well-known Scottsdale Mint in Arizona is known for producing outstanding silver rounds and bars that are precision machined. The Mint is also contracted by various governments to produce coins on for investors and collectors that are also legal tender.

The Ghana Alien 1 oz Silver Coin series is minted by Scottsdale and is available in an antique finish, along with a variety of others.

Satin Finish

Satin-finish coins have a smooth, non-reflective surface that falls between a proof and a matte finish.

Coins with a satin finish are often characterized with a smooth, even lustrous sheen that is less reflective than a proof coin.

The process of creating a satin finish involves sandblasting the coin’s surface with tiny particles to create a fine, uniform texture. This texture gives the coin a soft, muted appearance and reduces the reflective properties of the metal. Unlike proof coins, which have a mirror-like shine, or brilliant uncirculated coins, which have a standard, glossy finish, satin finish coins have a more subdued and elegant look.

Colorized Finish

This technique uses colorized paints, inks and dyes to add artistic elements to the coin’s surface. Colorized coins are a popular choice among collectors and can feature a wide range of designs, from nature scenes to famous artworks or commemorative themes.

The process of colorizing a coin involves applying a thin layer of color to specific areas of the coin’s design using a specialized ink or paint. This work is often performed by hand after the coin is struck.

Artisans will often work with and the magnifying glasses to ensure colors are carefully and skillfully applied. Some modern mints use advanced technology to ensure precision, consistency and detail.

Colorized coins offer a visually stunning and unique novelty or decorative item that make a great addition to traditional investment coins. Collectors who appreciate the artistic aspect of numismatics also find colorized coins to be attractive additions to their collections.

Collectors interested in colorized coins should be mindful of the quality of the colorization process, as poorly executed colorization can negatively impact the overall value and appeal of the coin. Additionally, colorized coins may require special care to preserve the integrity of the colors over time, as exposure to light and environmental factors can cause fading or damage to the added colors.

Gilded Finish

Coins that have a gilded finish have a thin layer of a different precious metal is applied to specific parts. The additional metal may be of a different color or hue often applied in a way that accentuates particular design elements.

The gilding process involves electroplating or mechanically bonding a thin layer of gold onto the surface of the coin. Various metals are utilized based on their individual characteristics.

The Ghana Alien 1 oz Silver coin series includes a version gilded with Rhodium, in addition to glowing neon colored eyes.

The metal used in gilding is typically of high purity, such as 24-karat gold, to ensure a bright and lasting finish. The gilded layer is carefully applied to specific parts of the coin’s design, often highlighting important elements like portraits, symbols, or inscriptions.

Gilded coins are a popular choice among collectors, as they offer a balance between affordability and the elegance of precious metals. They are often issued as limited editions or special commemorative pieces. Gilded finishes can be found on various types of coins, including bullion coins, numismatic coins, and collector’s editions.

Gilded finishes are primarily decorative in nature and may not significantly affect the intrinsic value of the coin, especially if the underlying coin is made from a base metal.

However, gilded coins can add a touch of luxury and exclusivity to a collection, making them appealing to both investors and numismatists.

Each coin finish serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall appeal of the coin for collectors and investors. The choice of finish depends on the mint’s artistic vision, the theme of the coin, and the intended target audience.

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What is a Silver Certificate?

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The silver certificate was a type of representative money issued by the United States from 1878 to 1964. These certificates were some of the country’s first forms of paper money.

When silver certificates were first issued by the U.S. government in the 19th century, they were redeemable for their face value equivalent in silver dollar coins. Most typically, Morgan Dollar coins early on, then Peace Dollars. Though it is possible to have exchanged the certificates for any combination of silver coins, including dimes, quarters and half dollars as well.

As silver coins were being transitioned from the economy the Treasury stopped providing an exchange in silver coins. Instead, silver certificates were exchanged for raw silver bullion.

In 1968, the U.S. government halted the redemption of silver certificates for silver bullion entirely. While silver certificates are technically still fiat legal tender, most often they are kept as collector’s items or keepsakes, with some having significant numismatic value in certain conditions.

Key Facts About Silver Certificates

  • Silver certificates are a former legal tender paper currency that was issued by the U.S. government beginning in 1878.
  • Each certificate represented the face value amount in silver bullion, enabling individuals to carry and use paper currency for all the same transactions as silver and gold coins.
  • The Treasury Secretary declared that silver certificates would no longer be redeemable for silver dollars in 1964.
  • Silver certificates can still be redeemed for their face value in fiat currency today, however, many have historical and numismatic value beyond the face value.

Understanding Silver Certificates

On the front of each silver certificate, the following phrase was printed: “This certifies that there is on deposit in the Treasury of the United States of America X dollars in silver payable to the bearer on demand.” The ‘X’ represents the denomination of the certificate that ranged from $1 to $1,000.

When silver certificates were first introduced, silver and gold coins were considered to be real money. The value of each coin was based on the amount of silver that it was minted with. Each $1 USD silver coin has a gross weight of 26.73 g, with a silver content of 0.7734 ozt.

This means that for every ten Morgan Dollar coins someone was carrying, the weight of those coins was 8.6 troy ounces, a little more than half a pound. With the introduction of paper money, the same amount of silver value could be carried with just a few folded pieces of paper.

The key characteristic that helped insure that people adopted the use of silver certificates is that they were backed and guaranteed by the US Treasury and could be redeemed at anytime for the equivalent amount of silver coins.

Value of Silver Certificates

With precious metals removed from the economy completely in the early 1970s, modern U.S. currency, including paper bills and coins, is now fiat money with no underlying commodity providing backing.

This includes both Federal Reserve Notes and the no-longer-issued silver certificates, as neither are currently redeemable for a set amount of a silver or gold.

The value of individual silver certificate as numismatic collectibles can vary widely based on their age, condition, rarity, and specific print run, among other factors. Some are particularly valuable, especially specimens in good condition or with certain serial numbers, with many examples of PCGS graded large denomination silver certificates fetching hundreds of dollars.

Silver certificates continue to have strong appeal among silver stackers, currency collectors and those who appreciate the history and nostalgia they represent. They serves as a historical artifact that is a reminder of an era when silver was integrally woven into the fabric of the economy and how changes occur in the currency system regularly.

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1921 Silver Dollar

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Designs of the 1921 Morgan and 1921 Peace Dollars

The 1921 Silver Dollar holds significance as the last year of regular issue for the Morgan Silver Dollar series. After the passage of the Pittman Act in 1918, which authorized the melting and recoinage of silver dollars, the Morgan Silver Dollar production resumed in 1921 for a brief period before being replaced later in the year.

The United States saw an economic boom following the end of World War I and 90% silver coins were the bedrock of the economy.

The US Mint responded to shortages by restarting the production of the Morgan $1 Silver Dollar in March of that year, turning out 86,730,000 coins across three mint facilities:

  • Philadelphia (no mintmark) produced the highest number of 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar coins, roughly 44,690,000 with no mint mark.
  • Denver (D mintmark) minted roughly 20,345,000 1921-D coins.
  • San Francisco (S mintmark) minted 21,695,000 1921-S silver coins

At the same time, many politicians felt it would be a suitable time to change the design of the coins to have a more contemporary feel.

The Commission of Fine Arts petitioned an invitation-only competition in 1920 to find a suitable design to symbolize peace after the end of World War I.

The competition invited several prominent sculptors to submit designs for the new silver dollar coin. Among the participants were Anthony de Francisci, Hermon MacNeil, and Adolph A. Weinman. Each artist presented their proposed designs, which were reviewed by a panel of judges. Ultimately, the design created by Anthony de Francisci was selected as the winning design as the Peace Dollar silver coin.

Anthony de Francisci’s design featured a portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a radiant crown on the obverse side of the coin, with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed. The reverse side showcased a perched bald eagle resting on a rock, clutching an olive branch, symbolizing peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” were also included on the coin.

The 1921 Peace Silver Dollar holds historical significance as the first year of issue for the series. However, it had a very limited mintage compared to the Morgan Silver Dollar, making it relatively scarcer and often more sought after by collectors. The Peace Silver Dollar series was produced from 1921 to 1935, with additional issues in 1964 and 1965.

The coin was only issued in a high-relief format, similar to a proof. In total, just 1,006,473 1921 Peace Silver Dollar coins were minted at the Philadelphia Mint, making it a single mint issue.

It’s worth noting that the availability and desirability of specific mintmarks can vary among collectors, and some command very high numismatic premiums due to their relative scarcity or historical significance.

With more than 80 million coins struck, it is very common to find 1921 Morgan Dollars in Brilliant Uncirculated that condition. Coins in finer condition and graded specimens tend to see higher increases in numismatic premiums over time.

Silver dollar coins often hold greater collector appeal compared to smaller denominations. Their larger size, historical context, and unique designs make them attractive to coin collectors and many build comprehensive collections spanning all mintage years and mintmarks. This collector demand influences the market value and potential appreciation of silver dollar coins over time with numismatic premiums.

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Understanding Silver Eagle Premiums

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The US Mint is one of the largest producers of coins and also happens to be one of the oldest continually operating minting operations in the world. However, this year a variety of production problems have struck the mint related to the production of bullion coins leading to tremendous volatility with Silver Eagle premiums in recent months.

Some investors have continued buying Silver Eagles, hoping that their dollar-cost average, along with rising commodities prices will offset the rising cost. Other investors are seeking out alternatives and buying bullion coins from other government mints.

Results from a recent third-party audit have shown that the Mint’s production techniques remain some of the most efficient because of regular and ongoing continuous improvements for the last 75 years.

Although newer processes exist for manufacturing large volumes of small parts (such as injection molding), the Mint’s ability to produce the quantity and quality of metal stampings are far more economically cost effective.

Silver Eagle Production Costs

The Mint does no longer operates refineries and provides limited assay services. Instead, the US Mint purchases raw materials for coins either in large rolls of sheets of metal strips or as ready-to-strike planchets from a select few approved suppliers such as Sunshine Minting, Coins’N’Things and other precious metals producers.

Prior to minting, the blanks are sent through a furnace in a process to soften the material, referred to as “annealing”. The blanks are then rinsed and cleaned before the “upsetting” step. The upsetting step raises the edges or rim of the blank to turn it into a planchet. The planchet is then ready to be struck into a coin.

In addition to wages, each of these steps in the production process cost the Mint resources, such as electricity, water, tools, dies and other materials. It is established by law that the Mint must charge a premium to cover the cost of production of each silver coin to prevent the program from operating at a loss.

The premium that the Mint charges at a wholesale level to the Authorized Purchasers includes the production costs reflect the amount of work the Mint does to produce, package and distribute each coin.

The West Point Mint is currently the only facility that produces Silver Eagle bullion coins.

Authorized Purchasers

Only companies that meet very stringent criteria are allowed to buy Silver Eagle coins wholesale directly from the mint. There are just ten companies in the US that are “Authorized Purchasers” of the US Mint. The criteria and process to become an AP is arduous and requires a significant amount of financial capital.

Some of the Authorized Purchasers are companies that are familiar to precious metals investors as they include wholesalers and one major online bullion dealer. Others include financial and banking institutions that provide an array of investment solutions.

CompanyHeadquartersAuthorized Metals
A-Mark Precious Metals Inc (AMRK)El Segundo, CASilver, Gold, Platinum & Palladium
American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Silver, Gold Platinum & Palladium
Coins & Things, Inc. (CNT)Bridgewater, Mass.Silver, Gold Platinum & Palladium
Dillon Gage Inc. of DallasAddison, TexasSilver, Gold Platinum & Palladium
Fidelitrade, Inc.Wilmington, DelawareSilver, Gold Platinum & Palladium
Jack Hunt Coin Broker, Inc.Kenmore, New YorkSilver, Gold Platinum & Palladium
Manfra, Tordella, & Brookes, Inc. (MTB)New York, New YorkSilver, Gold Platinum & Palladium
ScotiaMocatta (Scotia Bank)New York, New YorkSilver, Gold Platinum & Palladium
StoneX BullionSanta Monica, CaliforniaSilver, Gold Platinum & Palladium
The Gold CenterSpringfield, IllinoisSilver only

Monthly Silver Eagle Sales Volume

The US Mint provides reports that show the monthly sales of bullion coins. The sales reports are effectively mintage reports since the Mint only manufactures coins based on pre-sales from Authorized Purchasers.

The largest mintage year for 1 oz Silver Eagle coins was 2015. That year, the Mint produced more than 47 million coins. This indicates that the West Point Mint is capable of producing nearly 4 million coins per month.

Yet, sales reports for the first few months of this year indicate that the mint has been producing only 900,000 coins per month, the equivalent to just 1,800 monster boxes. This is drastically lower than current demand and restricts the supply of current year coins.

Since restarting operations following pandemic shutdowns in 2020, the Mint has issued several press releases indicating difficulty sourcing suitable blank planchets from providers like Sunshine Minting, Coins’n’Things and other suppliers. This led to the cancellation of the 2022 Morgan Silver Dollar and Peace Silver Dollar commemorative issues from being produced. The fate of this and other coin programs remains unknown.

Coincidentally, the providers of blank planchets are owned by the same companies that are also Authorized Purchasers. This creates what is effectively closed-looped for the production and distribution of silver bullion coins, with the US Mint providing manufacturing services at a fixed cost. The control of the wholesale market is controlled by less than a dozen companies, with several of those companies also being primary suppliers of the raw materials and blank planchets.

As the future of the economy continues to be filled with uncertainty, many investors are driven to precious metals as a safe-haven.

Across the market, it is apparent that premiums on 1 oz silver coins from other sovereign mints have remained lower than Eagles throughout the recent financial crisis. Some investors perceive retail premiums on Silver Eagle coins to be artificially high.

There has been many posts on Reddit and other social media forums in recent months questioning the current Silver Eagle premiums. Some have speculated that suppliers may be intentionally restricting the supply of blanks as a mechanism to increase wholesale profits among the Authorized Purchasers.

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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.

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Investors Losing Confidence in the US Mint, while Coin Minting Reports $171 Million Net Loss

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The US Mint operates with a lean business model that operates in a just-in-time manner, managing incoming blank planchets from designated materials suppliers based on sales demand from Authorized Purchasers as a gauge of investor demand.

Keeping up with investors demand has been a difficult task for the US Mint. The pandemic lockdowns caused a total shut down of mint operations, forced mine closures and caused other widespread disruptions throughout industrial supply chains.

Problems for the Mint only got worse as investor demand for bullion investment coins skyrocketed because of the pandemic. For a few months, the minting of Silver Eagle coins was secretly shifted to the Philadelphia Mint for the first time in history as backorders began to pile up.

The US Mint is required by law to mint Silver Eagle coins in quantities “sufficient to meet public demand.” However, data provided in recent mintage reports shows monthly sales of the coins are down significantly when compared to the same period in 2021.

The latest reports show that for January, monthly sales totals were 3,949,000 coins. Most of these coins were minted during the final months of 2022 when the mint announced it would start minting the coins early. The mint stockpiled the coins, waiting to ship them to bullion dealers until after the start of the year. Did they hedge the price of silver during that time?

Since then, the mint appears to be on track to shipping only 900,000 coins per month, consistently. Far less than the monthly sales volumes reported just a few years ago.

For 2021, the monthly sales figures for February, March and April of that year being: 3,191,500, 4,087,000 and 1,053,000 respectively.

So far, the Mint has provided no explanation for the current production shortages, leaving investors shopping for silver bullion coins looking at options from alternative government mints.

Both the Perth Mint and Royal Mint have announced reaching historical sales records in recent years. Silver bullion coins from both mints have significantly lower wholesale and retail premiums as those mints. Neither appear to be having issues keeping up with demand from investors or industry.

At the retail level, premiums have, at times, exceeded 90% over spot price per ounce. The wholesale premiums that dealers pay to Authorized Purchasers has reached historic highs as well, forcing retail dealers to offer record prices over spot on buy backs. Some long-term silver investors have been able to take advantage of the current price spread compared to retail premiums paid several years ago.

The Mint also pointed to production and supply chain issues in its decision to the postpone the production of the Morgan and Peace $1 silver coins that were highly anticipated by investors and collectors in 2022.

Investors have grown extremely frustrated with premiums on Silver Eagles and lost faith in the US Mint. Most have already started to buy silver coins from foreign governments that are able to provide a dependable and continuous supply of investment grade precious metals.

Rising base metal prices are reportedly to blame for the effecting traditional minting of circulated coinage. The cost to produce pennies and nickels continues to increase with tremendous uncertainty in global metals markets.

With the cost for minting each penny being roughly 2.5 cents, and nickels topping 7.42 cents, total losses on these coins have been steep, with pennies taking a net loss of $92.7 million to produce, and nickels losing a total of $78 million, totaling $171 million in gross loss.