Precious Metal & Rare Coin Market News

What do Hollywood movie studios and the foreign policy declaration by President James Monroe, known as the Monroe Doctrine, have in common? No doubt it's an odd pairing. The answer is – a 1923 commemorative silver half dollar. In the early 1920s, scandals were tarnishing the reputation of the motion picture industry.  Within a span of a few months, actor Wallace Reid died from a drug overdose, director William Desmond Taylor was murdered under mysterious ... >> Read More        

It took Congress three separate attempts – over a span of nearly 60 years – to approve the striking of a 2-cent coin. The First Attempt In the spring of 1806, Senator Uriah Tracy from Connecticut first introduced legislation to authorize the U.S. Mint to strike a two-cent coin. Not everyone liked the idea. Concerned about fraud, Mint Director Robert Patterson used his political might to stop the plan. To illustrate his concerns, Patterson sent ... >> Read More        

Many people forget how much of history is governed by chance. There is no better example of this than the circumstances leading up to the Louisiana Purchase. This enormous part of the U.S. passed through several owners before finally becoming a part of the nation’s identity. Originally, the 530-million-acre section of land was owned by France because of French explorers who originally laid claim to the area in the late 1600s. During this time, the ... >> Read More        

The 1853 Seated Liberty Quarter was part of U.S. currency that began in the mid-1830s and extended to the late 1890s. The obverse shows the Goddess of Liberty grasping a pole. On the top of the pole is a Phrygian cap. This detail was meant to convey freedom. The cap is recognized by a distinct fold in the top. Originally, the hat signified the Roman goddess of liberty. In time, this symbolism later appeared in ... >> Read More        

It was September 1857. A 280-foot, wooden-hulled steamer named the S.S.Central America set sail for New York from San Francisco. Known as the Ship of Gold this steamer carried 578 souls and over two tons of gold and coins from San Francisco. Unwittingly, this legendary ship sailed straight into a Category 2 hurricane off the coast of the Carolinas. She took on water fast and the 105 mph winds shredded her sails. Steam pressure fell ... >> Read More        

With the U.S. dollar index down 10% this year and inflation stirring, it's a great time to diversify investments with blue chip rare gold. A generation ago, it was common to find rare coins, collectible books, art masterpieces and extensive wine collections only in the homes of the wealthy upper class. Today, investor movement toward alternative stores of value has exploded. In fact, middle class investors want in on these smart money tangible investments too ... >> Read More        

As the California gold rush introduced more gold into the economy the U.S. Congress resolved to design and issue a gold dollar. The decision, however, was not without detractors. The Mint director at the time, Robert Patterson, was opposed to the idea. When a bill was introduced to support the initiative, some argued that it would lead to problems like counterfeit currency, and confusion with other coins. Others, in favor of the idea, cited benefits ... >> Read More        

An Early Southern Gem After the end of the American Revolution, the state capital of South Carolina – Charleston at the time, was considered vulnerable to attack by sea, and also too far from the magnificent plantations and agricultural lands that were being developed throughout the state. The South Carolina legislature took action. In 1786, they named Columbia, alongside the Congaree River, the new state capital of South Carolina. This made Columbia one of the ... >> Read More        

The Fugio cent offers insight into the psychology of the nation in its earliest days. The design was the work of Benjamin Franklin and represents two key ideas that seem to be ever-present is his work and life: dedication to one’s business affairs and an unwavering desire to remain productive. The coin was minted from copper and was developed when the Congress of the Confederation authorized the design. Production lasted for only one year in ... >> Read More        

On a Sunday morning in 1865, a paddle steamer called the Brother Jonathan departed Crescent City Harbor, California. The ship was the idea of Edward Mills from New York. His original aim was to create a route from New York to Chagres, Panama. This was to be the first of a two-leg trip. After reaching Panama travelers could continue, via another ship from Panama to California, which was attracting people from all over the country ... >> Read More