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Gold Price Cracks $2,300 oz and Holds Steady

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The price of gold rallied past $2,300 per ounce on Thursday, shocking retail investors and marking a new all time high for the shiny metal. During mid day trading today, the price was holding steady above $2,320.

It’s no secret that in recent years central banks have been buying gold. Last year, China’s central bank ran through several rounds of gold buying, acquiring 225 metric tons, representing roughly 25% of the overall central bank purchases of 1037 tons acquired by governments’ last year.

Reports are surfacing that China could be sitting on an unpublished stash exceeding 5,300 tons of gold bars, doubling the 2,235.39 tons in the holdings reported through Internation Monetary Fund statistics.

Despite recent reports of positive economic data, inflation remains rampant with interest rates stuck at the highest levels in decades. The inflation problem continues to baffle the Federal Reserve, with recent remarks from Chairman Powell suggest that they may be reconsidering a rate cut in the near future.

With gold investing seeing a resurgence in popularity among Gen Z in China, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that Millennial investors are the leading buyers of Costco gold bars. According to the study, a growing number of Millennials recognize gold as a store of value and hedge against economic uncertainty, with the average having up to 17% of their net worth in gold. While Baby Boomers allocate only around 10%.

Gold has historically been seen as an effective hedge against inflation. The ongoing dedollarization efforts driven by BRICS have played a roll in driving the price higher. When currency values decline, gold prices rise helping to preserve purchasing power.

For retail investors, Gold Coins are one of the most highly liquid tangible asset. Coins are widely recognized and can be easily bought and sold from online bullion dealers, local coin shops and others.

Gold coins are minted in a variety of industry standard weight denominations that enable investors with varying budgets to participate in the gold market.

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Investing in Vintage Gold Coins

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Many vintage gold coins come with a rich history that provides a tangible connection to a bygone era, something that modern bullion doesn’t offer in the same way. These coins represent ancient empires, defunct monarchies and bygone eras from when many economies were on a gold-standard, which can be intriguing to investors and collectors alike.

For investors who value gold as a store of wealth, vintage gold coins are seen as reliable in terms of their gold content. Given that they were minted under a standardized system, there’s a level of trust regarding their purity and weight. Because of their connection to history, they also serve as collectible items and as tangible assets with intrinsic value.

These coins were minted during an era when the world economy was based on the trusted gold-standard. Intended for circulation, most of these coins were minted with an alloy of .900 fine gold, with the remainder a more durable metal, most typically copper.

While all gold coins carry intrinsic value due to their metal content, vintage coins can also have numismatic value. The numismatic value depends on collector demand, rarity, historical significance, condition, other attributes and can fluctuate based on market conditions.

US Mint Pre-1933 Gold Coins

US Mint Pre-1933 Gold Coins

Gold coins minted by the United States prior to 1933 are an investment choice that is part of history. These coins often carry a numismatic premium and most trade at a premium over spot, unless in very poor or damaged condition.

When the government ordered the seizure of gold in 1933, not everyone complied with the order. Some people simply chose to keep their gold and hoped that they wouldn’t get caught. The actual enforcement of the executive order was primarily targeted prosecution against vocal opponents of the seizure. A historical use of the courts to create examples of political foes and propagandizing the media to instill fear into the people.

The executive order made exceptions for gold coins with recognized special value to collectors of rare and unusual coins, which meant numismatic (collectible) coins were exempt. Many individuals claimed their gold coins held collectible or numismatic value, even if they were relatively common.

With the passage of Public Law 93–373, signed by President Gerald Ford on August 14, 1974, Americans regained the right to own gold, which had profound implications for the gold market, the economy, and individual financial freedom. The law repealed the restrictions on private ownership of gold that had been in place since President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 6102 in 1933, reflecting a changing view toward gold ownership and the role of gold in the U.S. financial system.

Pre-1933 U.S. gold coins represent an era in American numismatics before the significant gold recall and meltdown. Owning these coins is akin to holding a tangible piece of American history.

In addition to their bullion value, many pre-1933 gold coins have numismatic or collector value. Rarity, condition, mint marks, and historical significance can make certain coins particularly sought after by collectors. Pre-1933 U.S. gold coins like the Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagle and the Liberty Head design are well recognized among coin dealers and collectors worldwide. Their gold content and purity are consistent and widely accepted.

Mexican Peso Gold Coins

Mexico City is home to the oldest mint in North America, established in 1535 under decree of the Spanish Crown. Vintage Mexican Gold Peso coins are some of the most beautifully designed gold coins in the world.

The Mexican gold peso, especially the “Centenario” 50 pesos coin, holds a notable place in the realm of gold coinage. The smaller denominations of Mexican gold peso coins, namely the 2, 2.5, and 5 gold peso coins, were introduced in various periods of the 20th century as both commemorative and circulating coins.

Introduced in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain, the Centenario became a mainstay in the international gold market. Its purity and the reputation of the Mexican Mint made it a trusted coin for international trade, especially in regions with close economic ties to Mexico.

The smaller denominations of Mexican gold peso coins were introduced in various periods of the 20th century as a reliable store of value. Most of these coins have seen limited circulation because of the high gold content.

European Gold Coins

Most countries in Europe minted gold coins during the 17th, 18th, 19th and even into the early 20th century. Most were intended for use in merchant trade were widely circulated. Although today they are mainly considered bullion coins, many are in surprisingly good condition for their age and can have additional numismatic value.

20 Francs

20 Francs Gaelic Rooster

The Latin Monetary Union (LMU) was a 19th-century to unify several European currencies into a single gold-standard based around the French Franc, which facilitated trade and commerce among member nations. The LMU established standardized weights, denominations and purity specifications for the gold or silver content of coins.

The coins were minted to a common specification that could be used in all member states, similar to how the Euro is used today across the Eurozone.

Many gold coins from LMU member states, like the French Gold Rooster or the Swiss Vreneli, have become iconic. These coins feature designs that resonate with the culture and history of their respective nations.

Although the weight and purity of the gold were standardized across LMU members, each country had its own design for these coins. For instance:

  • France had the “Napoleon” coin depicting Napoleon III.
  • Switzerland’s 20 franc coin featured the bust of Vreneli.
  • Italy had the 20 lire coin with designs such as King Victor Emmanuel II.
  • Belgium, Greece, and other member and affiliated states had their distinct designs.

The gold content in 20 franc coins is consistent, set to 0.1867 troy ounces (5.805 grams) of gold. This makes them easy to trade, as their gold value is straightforward to calculate. Because they are not as actively minted as modern bullion coins, and their fractional size, the premiums on 20 franc coins can be lower than on more popular gold bullion coins, offering a cost-effective way to invest in gold. Their smaller size compared to a one-ounce gold coin makes them more affordable for individual investors, allowing for more incremental investments.

Gold Sovereign

By the latter half of the 19th century and early 20th century, the gold sovereign had become the “chief coin of the world,” circulating widely not just in the British Empire but also in international markets and areas outside direct British influence. It was a favored coin for international trade and was often held in central banks as a reserve currency.

The Royal Mint established branches in Sydney (1855), Melbourne (1872), and Perth (1899). Australian sovereigns can be identified by mintmarks S, M, or P respectively and were minted until 1931.

The Ottawa branch of the Royal Mint in Canada produced sovereigns from 1908 to 1919. The Pretoria branch minted sovereigns from 1923. The Bombay branch of the Royal Mint produced sovereigns only in 1918.

Dutch Gulden

The Dutch 10 Gulden coin is a notable gold coin from the Netherlands that holds historical and numismatic significance and was part of the country’s currency system before the adoption of the Euro.

The 10 Gulden gold coins were minted at various times during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The designs of the coins featured the reigning monarch of the Netherlands at the time of minting. For instance, coins from the late 19th and early 20th centuries commonly bore the likeness of King Willem III or Queen Wilhelmina. The reverse side typically featured the national coat of arms and the denomination.

Netherlands 10 Gulden Gold Coin

These coins are prized by collectors for their historical significance, gold content, and artistic design. The value of a 10 Gulden coin can vary based on its condition, rarity, and the specific year of minting as well as the intrinsic value of the .1947 troy ounces of gold.

The 10 Gulden gold coins are a reflection of the Netherlands’ rich history and its economic status during the times they were minted. They were part of a broader system of gold-based currency that was common in Europe prior to World War I and the subsequent shift to fiat currencies.

Given their gold content and historical significance, Dutch 10 Gulden coins are sought after by both gold investors and numismatic collectors. They offer a glimpse into the Dutch monetary history and are considered valuable pieces in European gold coin collections.

In summary, the Dutch 10 Gulden coin is a historic gold coin that represents a significant period in the monetary history of the Netherlands. Its collectability stems from its gold content, artistic designs, and the historical context under which it was minted.

Conclusion

Beyond their intrinsic gold content, vintage coins can have additional numismatic or collector’s value. Coins that are rare, in high demand, or in excellent condition can command prices significantly above their melt value.

Vintage gold coins provide an alternative avenue for diversifying a precious metals portfolio. While modern bullion may track the spot price of gold more directly, vintage coins can have value fluctuations based on their rarity, demand, and condition, offering a different investment dynamic.

Older coins often feature intricate designs and craftsmanship that differ from modern coins. The artistry of past eras, combined with the historical context, can make vintage coins more appealing to some collectors and investors. Holding a vintage gold coin provides a tangible connection to a bygone era, something that modern bullion doesn’t offer in the same way. vintage gold coins offer both tangible and intangible benefits that extend beyond mere gold content. Their historical, artistic, and numismatic aspects make them a favored choice for many collectors and investors with an appreciation for history and artistry.

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What gold coins are 22k?

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Many gold coins minted around the world are 22-karat gold, which means they are made up of 91.67% gold and 8.33% of other metals, usually copper or silver, to make the coins more enduring for circulation.

The British Gold Sovereign, minted since 1817, is one of the most widely circulated 22k gold coins in the world.

Many 22-karat gold coins are favored by investors because the addition of other metals, like copper, provides added durability, making them less prone to scratches and dents compared to 24-karat gold coins.

  1. American Gold Eagle: Introduced in 1986, the American Gold Eagle is the official gold bullion coin of the United States. It’s alloyed with copper and silver.
  2. South African Krugerrand: One of the most recognized gold bullion coins worldwide, the Krugerrand was first minted in 1967 and was the dominant choice for gold investors until the 1980s. It’s alloyed with copper.
  3. British Sovereign: A historic coin that has been minted since 1817, the Sovereign has been used across the British Empire as a circulating coin. It’s made from a gold and copper alloy.
  4. British Gold Britannia (pre-2013): The Britannia is the UK’s official bullion coin. While the coin was originally produced in 22k gold, since 2013, it has been minted in 24k (or .9999 fine) gold.

What Are the Pros and Cons of 24k vs. 22k Gold Coins?

Many investors who are learning about gold coins often wonder whether or not there is a difference when considering 24k or 22k gold coins. Each contains the same 1 troy ounce of pure gold.

Modern 22k gold coins, like the Krugerrand and Gold Eagle, each have a gross weight of 33.93 grams or 1.09 troy ounces. In addition to the one ounce of gold, each of these coins contains small amounts of copper and silver to provide rigidity and strength that helps to protect the coins from scratches and nicks that can occur when handling. The addition of the alloy also gives these coins an orangish hue.

Pure 24k coins contain only the gold. Pure gold is soft and malleable, making these coins more susceptible to scratches, dents, and dings. Due to their high gold content, they often have a brighter, more distinct yellow color.

In deciding between 24k and 22k gold coins, investors should consider their own preferences and priorities, whether they value durability over purity, historical significance over modern appeal, or vice versa. Both types offer the same intrinsic gold value and can be excellent additions to an investment or holdings.

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What are US Mint Pre-1933 Gold Coins?

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In the realm of numismatics, pre-1933 gold coins hold a special place. These gleaming pieces of history are valuable precious metal assets and windows into a fascinating era. With their unique designs, historical significance, and rarity, Pre-1933 US Gold Coins offer collectors and investors a glimpse into the past and a tangible connection to the stories of our ancestors. This article will delve into Pre-1933 US Gold Coins, discussing their historical significance, investment potential, and the difference between “Raw” and “Graded” coins.

What are US Mint Pre-1933 Gold Coins?

Pre-1933 US Gold Coins have an important position in US history and are strongly tied with the Gold Seizure that occurred in the early 1930s. This incident, also known as the Gold Confiscation, marked a watershed moment in the country’s monetary policy and had a long-lasting impact on how the government and its citizens viewed gold.

These coins are available in various values and designs, each representing a distinct epoch in American history. Some famous examples include the 10 Gold Eagle, 20 Gold Double Eagle, Liberty Gold Coin, Incuse Gold Indian, 2.50 Gold Coin, and 5 Half Eagle Gold Coin. These coins were widely used as currency during their time of circulation. Each denomination carries its own unique characteristics and historical context. For example, the $20 Double Eagle is the largest denomination, while the $2.50 Quarter Eagle is the smallest.

Are Pre-1933 Gold Coins Valuable?

Pre-1933 US Gold Coins are highly valued for several reasons. Firstly, their gold content gives them intrinsic value based on the current price of gold. Gold has long been considered a haven asset and a store of value, which makes these coins inherently valuable from an investment standpoint.

Additionally, these coins’ scarcity and historical significance contribute to their worth. The US government recalled most gold coins in 1933 as part of a national effort to stabilize the economy during the Great Depression. As a result, many of these coins were melted down, making the surviving specimens even rarer and more desirable among collectors and investors.

Do Pre-1933 Gold Coins Have Numismatic Value?

In addition to their intrinsic gold value, Pre-1933 US Gold Coins often have numismatic value. Numismatics is the study and collection of coins, and numismatic value refers to the worth of a coin based on factors such as rarity, condition, historical significance, and desirability among collectors.

Certain Pre-1933 US Gold Coins, especially those in excellent condition or with unique features, can command premiums far beyond their gold content. For example, coins with low mintages, coins from specific years or mints, or coins in exceptional states of preservation may have a numismatic value that exceeds their bullion value. The numismatic market for these coins is robust, with collectors and enthusiasts eager to acquire these pieces of history.

How to Invest in Pre-1933 Gold Coins?

Investing in Pre-1933 US Gold Coins can be thrilling and potentially lucrative. If you’re thinking about adding these currencies to your investment portfolio, bear the following points in mind:

Educate Yourself

Learn about the many sorts of US Mint Pre-1933 Gold Coins, their historical significance, and the variables that influence their value. This knowledge will allow you to make more informed judgments when purchasing coins.

Determine Your Budget

Set a budget that aligns with your investment goals and financial capabilities. Pre-1933 US Gold Coins can range in price, so it’s essential to establish a precise spending plan. Many online bullion dealers offer a random year selections based on available inventory. Many can also offer encapsulated coins that are authenticated by third-party grading services that can be purchased by its grade.

Choose a Reputable Dealer

When purchasing Pre-1933 US Gold Coins, working with a trusted and reputable dealer specializing in gold coins is vital—research dealers’ credentials, reviews, and track records before making any transactions. FindBullionPrices.com tracks gold coin prices from dozens of trusted and reputable online bullion dealers to help you find the absolute best prices.

Authenticity

Ensure that any coins you buy are genuine and authentic. Be cautious of counterfeit coins and buy from reputable dealers or auction houses with a record of dealing in rare coins.

Condition

Consider the state of the coin. Coins in better condition generally command higher prices, especially in the numismatic market. However, balancing need and affordability is essential, as pristine examples can be significantly more expensive.

Diversification

Diversification is essential in any investment. To spread your risk and maximize your profits, consider amassing a diversified collection of Pre-1933 US Gold Coins, including different denominations and varieties.

Storage and Security

Properly store and secure your investment. Pre-1933 Gold Co Pre-1933 US Gold Coins ins should be kept in a secure location, such as a safe or a bank safety deposit box, to protect them from theft or damage.

What is the difference between “Raw” & “Graded” Gold coins?

When discussing Pre-1933 US Gold Coins, you may come across the terms “raw” and “graded” to describe their condition and authenticity.

Raw gold coins are coins a professional coin grading service has not officially graded. These coins are typically bought and sold based on their bullion content, historical significance, and overall appearance. Raw coins may vary in condition, and their value is often subject to the buyer’s interpretation and the market’s sentiment.

Graded gold coins, on the other hand, have passed a thorough review process by expert coin grading agencies. Before providing a grade on a specified scale, these agencies evaluate a coin’s quality, authenticity, and other characteristics. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) are two of the most well-known grading firms.

Graded coins are encased in a protective plastic holder known as a slab, which displays the coin’s grade and other relevant information. The grading procedure gives the coin’s condition legitimacy and transparency, making it easier for buyers and sellers to establish its value.

While raw coins offer more flexibility in pricing and personal interpretation, graded coins provide a standardized assessment and greater confidence in a coin’s authenticity and condition.

Pre-1933 US Gold Coins combine historical relevance, intrinsic worth, and numismatic appeal. Their gold content, rarity, and age add to their value, making them an appealing investment option for gold and numismatic enthusiasts. Investors can explore the potential rewards of owning these magnificent pieces of American history by knowing the market, interacting with trustworthy dealers, and considering issues such as coin condition and storage. Pre-1933 US Gold Coins are tangible memories of a bygone period, whether for their gold investment potential or numismatic worth.

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Texas Committee Passes Bill To Create 100% Gold And Silver-Backed Transactional Currencies

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Legislators in Texas are leading the charge against the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on fiat money by offering an option for people to conduct business in sound money. The principal idea reverses Gresham’s Law, where good money drives bad money out of circulation and the people can choose to decline to accept less valuable fiat money from the Fed.

The bill has the bipartisan support of 42 sponsors to create a viable gold-backed alternative to a central bank digital currency (CBDC) already in development by the Federal Reserve. 

If the bill becomes law, it would require the state comptroller to establish and provide for :

  • The issuance of gold and silver specie – A specie is a physical coin or token, typically made from a precious metal that is suitable for or customarily used as currency.
  • Require the comptroller to authorize the Texas Bullion Depository as issuer of the specie as legal tender in payment of debt and readily transfer the specie to another person
  • A mechanism to use 100% backed gold and silver digital currencies in everyday transactions
    • Use the digital currency as legal tender in payment of debt.
    • By electronic means readily transfer or assign the digital currency to another person.

Physical gold and silver backing the digital currency would be stored in a pooled account at the Texas State Bullion Depository.

Federal lawmakers from Texas are also leading the charge against the Federal Reserve issuing a consumer CBDC. In March, Senator Ted Cruz introduced legislation specifically aimed at preventing the Fed from establishing a central bank digital currency.

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2023-W Proof Gold Eagle and Buffalo Coins from the US Mint

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2023-W Gold Eagle Proof 4 coin collectors set with box (ogp) and coa

The US Mint releases proof finish versions of the American Eagle and American Buffalo coins each spring. The coins are meticulously struck using specially-prepared planchets which gives a mirror-like finish that highlights the astonishing sculpted details.

The coins are sold directly to consumers through the US Mint website. The prices that are established by the mint are much higher than the bullion issues. Proof finish coins have a limited annual mintage and are highly sought after by collectors.

Proof coins from the US Mint are also available on the secondary market through local coin stores and online bullion dealers. Resale premiums on proof finish coins are higher than bullion. Dealer Buyback prices are often a few percent above melt value for coins that are in mint state.

Some investors will ship proof-finish coins directly to third party grading companies such as NGC and PCGS while still wrapped in the original shipping box from the mint. Grading specialists from these companies will open the boxes and inspect each coin for fine details and assign a numeric grade.

The numismatic coin industry uses a 70-point scale to grade coins of all types. Developed in 1948 by Dr. William Sheldon, an American psychologist and numismatist. After decades of revisions, the scale was adopted by the American Numismatic Association in the 1970s is the industry standard today.

Graded coins with a PR-70 rating, the absolute highest, can command significant premiums on buy back, secondary market sales, and auction.

Some investors look for opportunities to make a substantial profit from the arbitrage between the initial release price and having the graded coin sold at auction or on the secondary-market.

2023-W Proof American Gold Eagle

These proof coins are struck from 22-karat gold and are issued as a numismatic version of the U.S. Mint’s popular bullion American Gold Eagle. However, unlike the bullion coins, each proof features frosted design elements against mirror-like backgrounds.

2023-W Proof American Gold Eagles, as well as a collection of the four coins in a set.

The size options with their corresponding denominations are shown in the table below.

Face ValueGold WeightCompositionOverall WeightDimensions
$50 Proof1 troy oz22k gold1.0909 ozt (33.931 g)32.70 mm x 2.87 mm
$25 Proof1/2 ozt22k gold0.5455 ozt (16.966 g)27.00 mm x 2.15 mm
$10 Proof1/4 ozt22k gold0.2727 ozt (8.483 g)22.00 mm x 1.78 mm
$5 Proof1/10 ozt22k gold.1091 ozt (3.393 g)16.50 mm x 1.26 mm
2023-W Proof American Eagle Denominations

2023-W Proof American Buffalo Gold Coin

James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel design is captured in incredible luster and brilliance on the American Gold Buffalo coins.

Proof Gold Buffalo coins showcase the native beauty of the American West and continue to be popular among both investors and collectors due to their beautiful design, 24k gold purity and high quality mirror-like finish.

The 2023-W Proof Gold Buffalo coin has an annual mintage of only 16,000 coins.

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Banking Crisis Excites Investor Demand for Silver and Gold

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Gold is money. Period. The fiat paper currency that we use for daily transactions is little more than an IOU from the government. Except with inflation, the value of fiat keep getting lower and lower.

The start of the latest banking crisis began with the failure of SVB that was quickly followed by Signature Bank. Regulators attempting to prevent bank runs put up ‘backstop’ to ensure depositors that their funds will be safe and accessible.

The current Orwellian doublespeak flaunted by the mainstream press is driven by regulators trying to convince customers that this time is different. It’s essentially a bank bailout.

The big global banks like JP Morgan and Bank of America have seen an influx in deposits as smaller regional banks continue to request emergency funds from the Fed.

Hot on the heals of this banking crisis, the Federal Reserve has announced that it will rolling out its FedNow instant payment service in July which many see as a precursor to CBDC rollout.

As the stock market continues to tumble, the latest news about Credit Suisse and from the Bank of Japan may be sending the Western world into a recession as some analyst are predicting that Russia, China and Iran are on the cusp of launching of a BRICS gold-backed currency that will unseat the dollar’s hegemony.

Over the past few weeks investor uncertainty has returned to the stock markets as retail investors pile into precious metals in volume unseen since the start of the pandemic.

Estimates of precious metals sales based on inventory data from APMEX shows record sales of both gold and silver.

Gold sales at APMEX topped 27,000 troy ounces in the past seven days. While sales of silver bullion exceeding over 1 million troy ounces in the same seven day period.

FindBullionPrices.com tracks prices from dozens on online bullion dealers, including APMEX. APMEX is one of the largest and most popular bullion dealers in the country.

As precious metals prices remain relatively low many other online dealers are reporting delays in shipping as order volume continues to rise.

Retail investors looking for deals to add to their stack can often find the best prices when buying random year or secondary market coins.

The secondary market is where previous year gold bullion coins are traded between investors and dealers. These coins may have been stored since the year they were minted or may have traded hands dozens of times. Regardless, these gold coins maintain their intrinsic value and will continue to be a store of wealth for future generations.

Stacking physical gold and silver bullion a one way to help protect the financial security of your family in ways far beyond that of trading crypto or ETFs.

First time precious metals buyers are invited to checkout the current Spot Deals page for offers from online dealers to buy silver for spot price. Gold buyers also have the opportunity to buy 1 oz gold bar at spot price.

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Understanding Investment Grade Gold Coins

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vintage gold coins

While ETFs like SLV and GLD may help balance out your stock portfolio, the crypto markets continue to raise anxiety for investors, tucking away some gold coins in a discrete location can give you financial security and peace of mind. Gold Coins are an investment that you want to hold and it’s a wise idea to have a stack.

A key concept to understand is that gold ownership is a store of wealth. When you buy coins minted of precious metals you are transferring your hard-earned fiat currency into a physical asset. The value of gold is driven by the commodities markets, central bank buying and its innovative use by industry.

Which Gold Coin is Ideal for Stacking?

All major gold bullion coins that are manufacturered by government backed mints are widely recognized worldwide. While the full one troy ounce of gold coin is the most popular, various fractional ounce sizes are available for investors of all budgets.

The allure and luster of pure 24k gold is part of what draws investors to some coins. They prefer the beauty, color and the way pure gold reflects light.

Other investors have a preference for stacking coins that are more practical and made for the rigors of circulating in the economy. Modern and vintage 22k gold coins contain an alloy that incorporates other metals for durability and scratch resistance when handling.

The prestigious 1 ounce Gold American Buffalo from the US Mint is one of the best selling pure gold coins. This coin is highly revered for the immaculate detail in the design. However, the Gold Maple Leaf, Britannia and a variety of gold coins from the Perth Mint are also the same purity and often available for a significantly lower price from one or more online bullion dealers for the same amount of gold.

Modern Gold Coins

The US Mint produces millions of gold coins each year in the Eagle and Buffalo series’ plus a variety of commemorative issues that highlight and celebrate American values and culture.

Various laws passed by Congress require that the US Mint to charge wholesalers a premium over spot price to cover the costs of manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution of newly minted coins. The pandemic lockdowns caused a chain reaction that led to increasing costs along the entire supply chain from mine to mint.

Sovereign owned mints, such as those in Canada, Europe and Asia also have large-scale operations for producing coins for investment. Lower foreign manufacturing costs combined with other market-driving factors put the prices of these legal tender coins at a lower premium over spot than those produced domestically.

Even though they have a nominal face value in a foreign currency, most are also eligible for inclusion in a precious metals IRA based on their legal-tender status and gold purity.

Vintage Gold Coins

Long before the invention of paper money and fiat, gold has a long traditional history as money that has proven to stand the test of time. Pure gold is very soft and easily damaged during circulation. Many vintage gold coins are minted from a 22k gold alloy, which blends other metals such as copper and silver to provide rigidness.

Gold coins were the acceptable currency for everyday spending, making major purchases and for international trade.

The lust for gold and wealth was the primary driver of Colonial expansion during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

European kings and monarchs built mints in far away places to create coins from their newly acquired riches. The Spanish were the first to establish a mint in North America in 1535 to melt down Aztec treasures into Spanish gold escudos coins.

The British established a branch of the Royal Mint in Western Australia to mint Gold Sovereign coins that later become the Perth Mint.

For hundreds of years, coins such as British Gold Sovereigns, the 20 francs and other European gold coins like the Gold Corona were minted with qualities that made them ideal for circulation and to withstand generations.

Gold is Insurance Against CBDC

The record amounts of stockpiling by central banks is recent years is a top indication that there is a global economic shift towards a gold-backed currency for international trade.

Many countries, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and Asia have been ramping up their gold buying in preparation for the introduction of a BRICS+ commodity-based basket currency.

Gold is a unique physical asset that is easily exchangeable into cash. Having a portion of your savings outside of the traditional banking system that is controlled by the government and central banks gives you more control of your money and your future.

The Federal Reserve and White House have both announced plans to roll out a CBDC. Many are correct in their beliefs that the government will attempt to force the use of a programmable currency in the coming years as the state of the economy worsens.

Owning even a small investment in gold coins can provide peace of mind and financial security that is expected to come with a collapse of our current financial system in the coming years.

Practical Gold Preps

It’s growing harder for families to maintain a budget when the cost of basic groceries and gas to fill up the car increases with each passing week.

Being able to set aside enough cash savings to cover a few months of expenses is nearly impossible in the current climate of skyrocketing inflation, alongside continually rising interest rates and massive layoffs in the job market.

The importance of having a stable, trusted and reliable store of value has never been more critical than it is today.

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Moscow World Standard Driven by Corruption in the LBMA

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Gold reserves are a key component of central banking and are pivotal to the backing of and supporting a country’s currency, both for its domestic economy and foreign trade.


For decades, Russia has been increasing their gold reserves and central bank holdings.

The reported amounts of gold held in reserves have varied depending on the source.

The amount of gold actually held inside Fort Knox has been question asked by Congress many times. The answer is always the same. That’s classified.


Recent economic sanctions against Russia includes a ban from participating in the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA),  a global clearinghouse and trading association for large bullion transactions.


As early response to the economic war waged by the NATO allies, Russia began a program to buy gold from citizens in exchange for Rubles, effectively returning to a partial gold-standard.

The gold for Rubles program also helped to stabilize the value of the Russian Ruble in the international currency and exchange markets like FOREX.

The latest strategic move by Russia in the fight against the economic sanctions, Russia’s Finance Minister has announced that they will introduce a new “Moscow World Standard” as a new alternative to the LBMA.

According to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, the Moscow World Standard is an attempt to stabilize and normalize the functioning of the precious metals industry.

Russia has positioned the new Moscow World Standard as an alternative to the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) whose credibility in the eyes of the world leaders has been rocked in recent years due to a number of scandals involving price manipulation.

The most recent scandal involves the criminal conviction of Michael Nowak, a prominent LBMA Board member who was outsted from his role with the LBMA following his arrest in 2019.

Nowak was also a top executive at JP Morgan Chase.

In his leadership role as the Managing Director of the Precious Metals Trading Desk, a key position overseeing global trading operations which led to billions in profits to both JP Morgan Chase’s top and bottom lines.

Nowak was charged under the RICO Act. The government had enough hard evidence to support a case that Nowak was the kingpin in charge of a wide-spread criminal organization operating inside the JP Morgan Chase for almost a decade.

Numerous other executives from inside the JP Morgan Chase Precious Metals Group have also been convicted or have pled guilty for their roles and received reduced sentences in exchange for their testimony against the others.

Separate, but Related criminal investigations against other bullion trading banks and trading practices have led to guilty pleas and massive fines in recent years.

Ample evidence exists to support the Russian position that the LBMA and members of the organization have been involved in widespread fraud, price manipulation and exploitation at all levels. The reality is that this type of corruption can and does have long-term effects on the ebbs and flows of the economies in many smaller countries where precious metals are mined, but also some of the other elements such as Lithium, Cobalt and Magnesium which are considered essential and “critical elements” for current battery technology.

Many of the smaller BRICS countries already look to China and Russia for guidance, leadership and assistance on many financial policy decisions due to long-standing and established trading relationships and other international treaties that exclude many NATO countries. As many leaders from these countries have likely encountered difficulties when working within the confines of the system set forth by the LBMA Board of Directors.

Russia has been suggesting greater transparency to some degree for leaders of BRICS nations, many of whom have significant mining operations that are controlled through large private banks and companies affiliated with the LBMA.

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/jp-morgan-gold-trading-boss-former-lbma-board-member-found-guilty-us-jury
https://www.bullionstar.com/blogs/ronan-manly/lbma-board-member-jp-morgan-managing-director-charged-with-rigging-precious-metals/

https://www.sprottmoney.com/blog/The-Convicted-Criminals-of-JP-Morgan-Craig-Hemke-August-16-2022

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Zimbabwe to Issue Gold Coins in New Weight and Currency Denominations

FindBullionPrices.com

Earlier this year the government of Zimbabwe released a one troy ounce gold coin as a tool for the Central Bank to help keep inflation under control.

For many years the Zimbabwe economy has not only been the butt of many jokes, it has served as a very public example of how rampant and out of control inflation can destroy an economy and a fiat currency.

The earlier trial release in the issuance of gold coins to help with their fiat problems has been deemed such a success that they have announced the upcoming release of additional denominations.

The new Zimbabwe fractional gold coins will be minted on demand and will include tenth ounce, quarter ounce and half an ounce denominations. The coins will be available for buy beginning in November.