6 Rules for Coin Collecting
Posted onYou may agree that coin collecting is one of the most rewarding pursuits in the world. After all, it was once known as the “hobby of kings” due to its roots during the European Renaissance among wealthy Europeans. Historically, collectors purchased rare coins for their historical significance and beauty. But as these coin collections were sold for significantly higher values, investors began turning to rare coins as an asset class of their own, to gain capital appreciation, diversification, non-correlation to stocks and as a hedge against inflation.
As you look to acquire your next coin, it’s useful to keep in mind several rules around coin collecting. These ideas can enrich you both personally and through the value of your coin portfolio.
1. Education
Learn as much as you can about numismatics. Study the amazing history of coins, which brings to life past eras in our country and world. Learn about the current market dynamics. Read publications like Coin World and Numismatic News and follow our blog here at Blanchard. Talk to other collectors. Talk to one of our Portfolio Managers who will gladly answer any and all questions and take the time to get to know you personally, along with your interests and goals within numismatics. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—that’s how you learn!
2. Acquire the finest available
This one is simple. Here’s what we at Blanchard tell our clients: Always acquire the highest quality coin that fits your budget and you will never be disappointed.
3. Specialize
Serious investors don’t need a large variety of products to build a solid portfolio.
4. Know what you are buying
Take the time to learn about coin grading. The PCGS Grading Standard is a reliable method to understand the coins you are considering.
Here at Blanchard, we work with the best numismatists in the country to personally purchase and curate every coin that we sell. Any coin that we sell has been reviewed and graded in advance.
5. Buy coins for the long term
Coins are a long-term investment. Never assume a coin investment will make you rich overnight. The greatest collections of all time were built over decades, which leads us to our last rule.
6. Think like a collector: $400,000 to $45 million
You may have heard of Louis Eliasberg. He is a legend in the numismatic world. Starting in 1925, Eliasberg began purchasing U.S. coins and by 1950 his collection was considered to be one of the greatest coin collections in U.S. history.
He compiled his entire collection for less than $400,000. After his death in 1976, Eliasberg’s collection passed down to this two sons. Neither of them shared their father’s passion for numismatics and eventually they auctioned off the collection. It sold for an estimated $45 million.
This shows that one of the best ways to invest in rare coins is to collect rare coins. Eliasberg’s collection is proof that collections are sold as a whole for dramatically more than the total value of the individual coins.
How have you found coin investing to be rewarding? Share a comment below
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8 Rare John Adams Dollar Error Coins
Posted onCollectors who appreciate the rich history of the United States highly value presidential coins for their meticulous craftsmanship and stories they tell about the nation’s leaders. To add depth to their presidential coin collections, enthusiasts often go beyond the standard issues. They seek out interesting varieties and errors of coins featuring their favorite leaders. Among the most sought-after presidential coins are those featuring the two Adams presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams. This piece will discuss rare John Adams dollar coin value, highlighting:
- Riveting facts about the Adams presidents.
- Notable John Adams dollar coins errors.
- Where to buy rare John Adams dollars online.
Watch a presidential coin collector show off his rare pieces in this amazing video:
Two presidents that John Adams coins are devoted to
Born in 1735 in Massachusetts, John Adams was a lawyer and political philosopher who played a pivotal role in shaping the United States. After graduating from Harvard College in 1755, Adams began a successful legal career, which eventually led him to become a delegate to the Continental Congress. There, he advocated for independence and played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence.
In 1777, Adams left the Continental Congress to serve as a diplomat in Europe. During his time abroad, he honed skills that would prove to be instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War and secured the United States’ independence from Great Britain.
Adams’ extensive experience in law, politics, and diplomacy prepared him for his role as the second president of the United States. In 1796, he was elected to succeed George Washington and served from 1797 to 1801. Adams’ tenure was marked by navigating political turbulence and external threats, such as the Quasi-War with France.
Committed to peace, Adams chose to pursue diplomatic negotiations rather than full-scale conflict, despite considerable pressure from his party and the public. While this affected his popularity at the time, today he is remembered for his integrity, strong principles, and dedication to the nation, as is evidenced by the fact he is commemorated on the 2nd president U.S.A John Adams coin.
John Adams’ legacy extended through his son, John Quincy Adams, who would follow in his father’s footsteps to become the sixth president of the United States. Like his father, Quincy Adams studied at Harvard College and established a distinguished diplomatic career in Europe before serving as Secretary of State.
During his presidency from 1825 to 1829, Quincy Adams focused on modernizing the American economy, promoting education, and improving infrastructure. He also maintained a strong stance against slavery and, later, as a member of the House of Representatives, successfully argued for the freedom of illegally captured Africans before the Supreme Court in the Amistad case. His dedication to public service and reform mirrored his father’s legacy, further shaping the young nation.
Both Adams presidents left lasting legacies of service, integrity, and dedication to the United States. Honoring them through the Presidential $1 Coin Program celebrates their significant contributions and ensures their impact on American history is remembered. The John Adams $1 coin was released in May 2007, followed by the John Quincy Adams coin in June 2008.
Noteworthy John Adams dollar coin errors
John Adams coins offer a tangible connection to a pivotal figure in American history. These pieces are must-haves for enthusiasts of presidential numismatics, who are seeking the maximum John Adams commemorative coin value to enrich their collections with both historical and monetary significance.
1. $1 John Adams presidential coin (Position A)
As the second coin released in the Presidential Dollar Series, this John Adams dollar holds a significant place in the collections of presidential coin enthusiasts. Designed by Joel Iskowitz and Don Everhart and minted in Philadelphia, it showcases a portrait of John Adams on the obverse and a striking rendition of the Statue of Liberty on the reverse.
Notably, being a Position A coin, its edge lettering appears upside-down when the President’s portrait faces up. With limited availability in high grades, this John Adams coin value appreciates significantly, underscoring its desirability among collectors.
2007-P $1 John Adams Position A
- Metal: Copper
- Year: 2007
Photo by PCGS
2. $1 John Adams presidential dollar (Position B – First Day of Issue)
This $1 John Adams Position B coin is highly coveted among John Adams dollar coins due to its Position B designation and status as a “First Day of Issue” coin. Unlike Position A coins where the edge lettering is upright when the President’s portrait faces up, Position B coins have the edge lettering inverted in relation to the portrait. Additionally, being a “First Day of Issue” coin means it was among the first batch of coins released to the public on the day of its issue, adding historical significance and rarity.
2007-P $1 John Adams Position B – First Day of Issue
- Metal: Copper
- Year: 2007
Photo by PCGS
3. $1 Doubled Edge Lettering John Adams 2nd president coin
The best answer to the question “Are John Adams coins worth anything?” lies in unique specimens like this notable error coin. This Doubled Edge Lettering John Adams dollar is prized by collectors for its unique characteristics. Unlike standard issues which have inscriptions on the edge only once, this particular piece features doubled or overlapped edge lettering, a semi-minor error that adds a fascinating dimension to it.
2007-P $1 Doubled Edge Lettering Overlap John Adams
- Metal: Copper
- Year: 2007
Photo by PCGS
4. $1 Missing Edge Lettering John Adams president coin
The $1 Missing Edge Lettering John Adams coin is a rare gem among presidential dollars. What sets it apart is its unique error: the absence of edge lettering, which typically features the coin’s date, mint mark, and motto. This error occurs during the minting process when a coin fails to pass through the edge lettering machine properly, resulting in a blank edge.
Remarkably, it is only the second coin found in the presidential series with this error, contributing to its significant rare John Adams 1797 to 1801 coin value. Compared to its predecessor, the Missing Edge Washington dollar, the Missing Edge Lettering John Adams coin is scarcer, making it a desirable choice for numismatists.
$1 Missing Edge Lettering John Adams
- Metal: Copper
- Year: 2007
Photo by PCGS
5. Weak Edge Lettering dollar coin with John Adams
With its multitude of distinctive attributes, this John Adams coin serves as a great answer to the question “Is the John Adams dollar coin rare?” A remarkable specimen, this coin is primarily coveted for its weak edge lettering error, characterized by faintly struck inscriptions along the coin’s edge. This distinctive feature, coupled with its Position B designation and status as a “First Day of Issue” release, contributes to its rarity and desirability among collectors.
$1 Weak Edge Lettering Adams – Position B – First Day of Issue
- Metal: Copper
- Year: 2007
Photo by PCGS
6. 2008 Missing Edge Lettering Quincy Adams dollar coin
Continuing the tradition of commemorating American presidents, the U.S. Mint honored John Quincy Adams with a dollar coin in 2008. While standard issues of Quincy Adams coins are appreciated by collectors, the real treasure lies in error coins like this Missing Edge Lettering John Quincy Adams error coin. Holding even greater value due to its omission of edge lettering, this unique piece stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of rare US error coins and numismatic anomalies.
$1 Missing Edge Lettering John Quincy Adams
- Metal: Copper
- Year: 2008
Photo by PCGS
7. 2008 Weak Edge Lettering Quincy Adams dollar coin
Another error coin that provides a compelling response to the question “How rare is a John Adams dollar coin?” is this Weak Edge Lettering $1 John Quincy Adams. Not only does its weak edge lettering error set it apart, but its Position B designation, denoting the portrait’s specific orientation on the coin, further enhances its uniqueness. These distinctive characteristics make it an outstanding addition to any numismatic collection.
$1 Weak Edge Lettering John Quincy Adams, Pos. B
- Metal: Copper
- Year: 2008
Photo by PCGS
8. John Adams silver dollar medal
Collectors of John Adams coins may expand their collections beyond the Presidential Dollar Series to include other notable pieces, such as this John Adams Silver Medal issued by the US Mint. While the Presidential Dollar Series honors Adams’ presidency, this silver medal was released to commemorate his broader contributions to American history. Crafted in 99.9% fine silver, this medal offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of history while diversifying their numismatic collections with a high-quality item. While there may not be a gold John Adams coin available yet, acquiring this silver medal can still enrich a collector’s portfolio.
Coin name
- Metal: Silver
- Year: 2018
Photo by United States Mint
To browse through valuable silver coins beyond John Adams dollars, click here.
FAQ about the John Adams dollar coins
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about John Adams dollars.
What coin is John Adams on?
The Adams presidents are featured on coins from the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which began in 2007.
When was the John Adams dollar coin made?
The John Adams dollar was minted in 2007, while the John Quincy Adams coin was released by the US Mint in 2008.
Where is the mint mark on a John Quincy Adams dollar coin?
The mint mark on Adams dollar coins, like other Presidential dollar coins, is located on the edge of the coin.
How much is a John Adams dollar coin worth?
The value of a John Adams dollar coin depends on various factors such as its condition, rarity, and collector demand. In circulated condition, it is typically worth its face value of $1. However, rare versions like the ones discussed in this article have a higher value.
Is John Adams on a dollar bill?
No, John Adams is not featured on any current U.S. dollar bill.
What dollar bill is John Adams on?
John Adams is not on any U.S. paper currency.
Treasured for their historical significance, presidential coins are beloved by numismatists worldwide. Notably, John Adams coins boast unique variations and errors, making them highly sought-after additions to any collection. To acquire these rarities, trust Blanchard‘s exceptional curation of numismatic treasures. Blanchard’s expert team is always on hand to address all inquiries regarding presidential dollar coins, John Adams coins and beyond.
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Inflation Data Gives Green Light for Fed Rate Cut
Posted onThe Federal Reserve finally got what it was waiting for.
Inflation appears to be under control and trending lower. It’s been a long wait for not only the Fed, but for millions of Americans who have been battered by the double whammy of high inflation and high interest rates. That has put big ticket purchases like homes, cars and other items out of reach and on hold for many consumers.
In July, the Consumer Price Index slowed to 2.9%, from 3.0% a year ago, marking the first time the annual inflation rate dipped below 3.0% since March 2021.
Translation? The inflation report gives the Fed the green light to start cutting interest rates at its September meeting. While inflation still stands above the Fed’s target at 2%, many economists say the Fed has enough evidence that progress is being made toward its target rate.
Traders on Wall Street are locked and loaded, expecting a rate cut at the Fed’s next meeting on September 18. Indeed odds for a 25 basis point rate cut stand at 72.5%, according to CME Group Fed Watch. Meanwhile, odds for a 50 bp rate cut total 27.5%.
Given the current set-up, financial markets would be very disappointed if the Fed fails to pull the trigger and starts to lower its benchmark interest rate from a 23-year high.
What about gold?
Investors have been piling into gold since the start of the year amid safe-haven buying and also on expectations for Fed rate cuts. The precious metal is up nearly 19% year-to-date. Gold is trading just below its all-time record high set in July at $2,469.70—with major banks targeting additional gains in the months ahead toward targets at $2,500 and $2,600.
The start of the Fed rate cutting cycle is expected to support another up leg in the gold market, with prices historically climbing for nearly 21 months following the beginning of a rate-cutting cycle.
The Bottom Line.
Rate cuts are on the horizon. The uptrend in gold is strong, with higher prices seen ahead. That means today’s gold prices offer long-term precious metals investors an opportunity to lock in what could seem like bargain prices just a couple years from now.
Consider this. A mere two years ago in the fall of 2022—the price of gold traded $1,625 an ounce. Today it trades over $2,400 an ounce. Time goes fast. Investors who strike at opportune times like today will thank themselves in the future.
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Global Stock Sell-Off Signals New Phase: Volatility Ahead
Posted onIn a blink of an eye, stock markets around the world began careening sharply lower on Aug. 1. Bad economic data and disappointing earnings started the crash and the stock rout accelerated as traders around the globe began unwinding leveraged stock market trades from Japan to the United States.
What Triggered the Stock Market Sell-Off?
A series of bad U.S. economic reports showing weakening employment, manufacturing and construction data pushed the stock market sharply lower on August 1.
Then, the sell-off escalated the following day with the release of a lousy July employment report. The data showed a significant cooling in the labor market, as the unemployment rate jumped to 4.3% in July. Meanwhile, employers added only 114,000 new jobs to the economy last month, well below the expected 185,000 number.
Stocks Get Battered at Home
Here in the U.S., the technology-heavy Nasdaq 100 index has now plunged 16% from its highs scored last month. U.S. small cap stocks have tumbled 13% from last month’s highs and on one day alone – the S&P 500 fell 3% on Aug. 5, marking the biggest daily loss since September 2022.
Stock Slump Quickly Spread Around the Globe
There was no place to hide as the stock losses spread from one time zone to another.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock index crashed 12% overnight on Aug. 5, which marks the biggest single-day drop there since the Crash of 1987. Over in Europe, stock markets there officially entered so-called correction territory, with total losses of over 10% from their recent high. Chinese stocks fell roughly 8% from their recent high. And, emerging market stocks tumbled about 7%.
What Lies Ahead?
The swift stock market collapse warns of more volatility ahead. What can you watch for?
The Fed: Quickly, the narrative on Wall Street has shifted to: Did the Federal Reserve wait too long to cut interest rates?
Many now believe the Fed should have cut rates at its July meeting amid signals of an already slowing economy. Some on Wall Street now expect the Fed may even pull the trigger on a larger than expected .50 basis point rate cut at the September meeting, versus the previously expected .25 bp rate cut. This would be a positive for gold as the precious metal historically trends significantly higher during Fed easing cycles.
Recession: Some investors are now worried the U.S. could face a recession in the months ahead as new economic data reveals a slowdown and amid the impact from the Fed’s still high interest rates. If the economy were to weaken into an official recession, this would further weigh on corporate earnings and the stock market. That in turn would increase demand for assets like gold that perform well during economic downturns and stock market declines.
Geopolitics: Beyond our shores, heightened focus is on the potential for military conflict to escalate in the Middle East, with the potential for Iran to get more directly involved in the Israel-Hamas war. A widening of the war could have broad implications for the price of oil, inflation, global equities and would likely be a catalyst for a fresh move higher in gold amid safe-haven buying.
What Does It Mean For You?
As an investor, there are steps you can take to protect your wealth and your portfolio against the uncertainty and potential for increased stock market volatility that lies ahead.
Gold and silver historically climb in value when other markets like stocks crash. Owning a percentage of your portfolio in precious metals helps offset the losses that can occur in stock, bond and even real estate markets during economic, political and military shocks and crises.
Wondering what size allocation could be right for you? New research from the well-respected CPM Group stated that over the past 50 years, the best return of a portfolio including stocks, bonds, and gold was for portfolios that had around 25% – 30% of their value in gold. Do you own enough?
John Albanese: A Titan in the World of Numismatics
Posted onCelebrated for his significant influence in the numismatic community, John Albanese has left an indelible mark on the industry through his numerous contributions and innovation.
John began his numismatic journey in 1978, with the establishment of his own company. It wasn’t long before his expertise and dedication opened up additional opportunities. In 1986, John co-founded the Professional Coin Grading Service (PGCS) which, at the time, set the gold standard for professional coin grading. The following year, John founded the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) where he personally graded over one million coins and served as president, cementing his reputation and establishing himself as a top authority in his field.
A Master of Innovation
In 2007, John founded the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC), a service that elevated the reliability and accuracy of coin grading. CAC evaluates coins that have previously been graded by other major services, confirming their grade and ensuring that only those meeting the absolute highest standards receive the coveted green CAC sticker. In 2023, CAC expanded to include a separate grading entity, CACG, providing rare coin owners with the absolute pinnacle of rare coin grading and certification. CAC-stickered coins have positively impacted the numismatic market because that sticker will often command prices higher than more traditionally graded coins.
John’s expertise isn’t limited to grading, however. In 2001, he created Intercept Shield, products specifically designed to protect coins from corrosive gasses. And in 2005, he founded the Numismatic Consumer Alliance (NCA), which has helped recover millions of dollars for buyers who fell victim to unscrupulous coin dealers.
His keen eye for quality and rarity has allowed him to handle some of America’s greatest numismatic treasures, including an 1804 Silver Dollar, a 1794 Specimen Silver Dollar and a Brasher Doubloon. And if that weren’t enough, he also served as the only numismatic marketing strategist for coins recovered from the shipwreck S.S. Central America.
Awards and Recognition
John’s contributions have been widely recognized. He has received prestigious awards such as the Abe Kosoff Founder’s Award and the Sol Kaplan Award from the Professional Numismatic Guild (PNG), and he was inducted into the PCGS CoinFacts Coin Dealer Hall of Fame.
In 2022, he was awarded the National Silver Dollar Roundtable Lifetime Achievement Award. And in 2023, John was named Numismatist of the Century by COINage.
Legacy and Current Work
Today, John Albanese remains a pivotal figure in numismatics. His lifelong dedication to the field, coupled with his numerous achievements, have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential leaders in the field.
John’s career is a testament to his passion and commitment to excellence. His work has elevated the standards of coin grading and he is responsible for protecting and educating countless collector and investors in the rare coin market.
At Blanchard, we are immensely proud of our longstanding partnership with John. His dedication to excellence and integrity aligns perfectly with our values and we are honored to work alongside him.
The Truth about Gold and Fed Easing Cycles
Posted onThere is an often-quoted market adage: “In Wall Street, what has happened before will happen again.” It’s true. Investors who look at market cycles and invest accordingly can benefit from the knowledge of history. 
That leads us to one of the biggest economic questions of 2024 for gold investors:
What does history tell us about how gold performs during Fed easing cycles?
New research from the Wells Fargo Investment Institute provides the answer: “the average price of gold has tended to rise quite nicely and for nearly 21 months, following the start of past Fed interest-rate easing cycles.”
Short answer is simple—gold trends higher and for almost two years once the Fed begins cutting interest rates.
What else does Wells Fargo say in their July 22nd research report?
“The bottom line is that gold fundamentals remain solid, and inflation rates have likely fallen enough for the Fed to begin cutting interest rates later this year. If this indeed occurs, history suggests that gold prices could move significantly higher for some time. We continue to recommend Precious Metals as one of our favorite Commodities sectors.”
Let’s explore what happened the last time the Fed started cutting interest rates.
One Year Later Where Was Gold?
On August 6, 2020, a year after the Fed started cutting rates, gold had climbed 44% to $2,059.90.
2024 Outlook for Gold
Let’s take a look at what J.P. Morgan said in mid-July about gold: “Many of the structural bullish drivers of a real asset like gold — including U.S. fiscal deficit concerns, central bank reserve diversification into gold, inflationary hedging and a fraying geopolitical landscape —have lifted prices to new all-time highs this year despite a stronger U.S. dollar and higher U.S. yields, will likely remain in place regardless of the U.S. election outcome this autumn,” said Natasha Kaneva, Head of Global Commodities Strategy at J.P. Morgan.
How high could gold climb in the months ahead?
J.P. Morgan predicts new all-time highs for gold. “The direction of travel is still higher over the coming quarters, forecasting an average price of $2,500/oz in the fourth quarter of 2024 and $2,600 in 2025,” according to Gregory Shearer, Head of Base and Precious Metals Strategy, at J.P. Morgan.
So, there you have it. History shows we are about to enter another big upswing for gold with the start of a new Fed easing cycle. Will you benefit from the knowledge of history? Explore current gold investment opportunities now.
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Breaking news: Fed says rate cut could come in Sept. Gold climbs!
Posted onFed Signals Rate Cuts May Come Before Election 
Gold traded higher after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its meeting today. However, the central bank made an important pivot in how it talked about the economy, signaling to Wall Street that it is getting closer to an interest rate cut.
Gold is climbing in afternoon trading at $2,449.90, not far from its record high set earlier this month at $2,469.70.
At the Fed’s post-meeting press conference, Fed chair Jerome Powell confirmed that an interest rate cut “could be on the table” at its next meeting on September 18.
With the U.S. presidential election front and center for so many Americans, Powell addressed that head on and said he “absolutely” believed that Fed can stay out of politics with its monetary policy actions. Powell added that “Anything we do before, during or after the election will be based on the data,” as opposed to trying to help one political party or another.
In fact, Congress has deemed that the Federal Reserve is an independent central bank and must make its decisions without taking politics into consideration, though that hasn’t stopped political figures from making requests of the central bank around election time.
Progress has been made on inflation.
The Fed used today’s meeting to prepare the financial markets that interest rate cuts are coming, as the inflation rate continues to retreat. In June, the consumer price index fell 0.1% to an annual rate of 3.0%. While it is still above the Fed’s 2% inflation target, there has been significant progress made from the sky-high 9.1% inflation reading from June 2022.
How fast could rates fall once the Fed gets going?
The Fed’s benchmark interest rate stands today at a two-decade high of 5.25-5.50%, but lower rates may be in store by the end of the year.
The Fed’s most recent economic projections from June revealed that the central bank could lower rates about every other meeting once they begin cutting. That could tug the Fed’s benchmark interest rate down to 4.1% by the end of the 2025 and as low as 3.1% at the end of 2026.
Fed shifts focus back to its dual mandate
Digging into the Fed’s meeting statement today, the bankers said that employment and inflation goals “continue to move into” better balance.
Fed-speak translation
This implies that the central bankers are ready to treat both sides of their dual mandate, inflation and employment more equally, as opposed to the sharp focus on inflation following the major jump in consumer prices during and after the pandemic.
More gold gains ahead
Key takeaways? Expectations are rising for interest rate cuts later this year and that’s positive for gold. Once the Fed starts cutting interest rates, research shows that the price of gold tends to rise on average for the next 21 months.
Is it time for you to consider increasing your allocation to gold? The next upside targets for gold lie at $2,500 and $2,600 and with the way the precious metal has been trading this year, it could achieve those levels in a couple of blinks of the eye.
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Chasing the Dream: An Olympic Gold Medal
Posted onThis summer in Paris, 10,500 of the best athletes from around the globe will compete across 32 different sports for the ultimate prize: an Olympic gold medal.
As billions of viewers around the world watch the hope, glory and defeat, competing at the Olympic Games is the moment these athletes trained a lifetime for.
To these athletes, the value of winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games could never be measured in dollars, but the intrinsic value of the medal most certainly can.
So, just how much is an Olympic gold medal actually worth?
If the Olympic gold medals awarded to the victors this summer in Paris were made of pure gold, the intrinsic value would be just north of $41,000.
Spoiler alert. The gold medals aren’t made of pure gold.
Due to the surging value of precious metals prices over the decades, the last time pure gold medals were given out was in 1912.
Today, the cost of the combined metals in a 2024 Olympic gold medal totals about $950. That includes gold, silver and even a piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower in Paris! Both the gold and silver medals are made with over 95% silver.
Looking Back
The history of the Olympic Games has deep roots in ancient Greece, beginning in 776BC. Spanning twelve centuries, the games took place every four years.
From farmhands to soldiers and royal heirs, all free Greek males were allowed to compete in the games. The cherished event lasted five days and included competitions for running, jumping and throwing, boxing, wrestling, pankration (a combination of boxing and wrestling) and chariot racing. It is estimated that 40,000 spectators packed into the stadium each day to witness the dramatic events.
There are a few differences in the Olympic rules from back then to today.
For example, at the ancient Greek Olympic Games all athletes competed naked as a tribute to the Greek God Zeus. They wanted to show off their physical power and muscles to the gods.
Back then, there was no first, second and third place—only one winner for each event. Instead of a medal, the winner received a crown made of olive leaves. Plus, once they arrived back in their hometown, they were given a cash gift roughly equivalent to $100,000 today. Not too shabby.
Other differences between the ancient games and today? Corporal punishment was given to those guilty of a false start on the track. And, for athletes competing in combat sports, surrender was achieved by raising their index fingers. Sometimes, the athletes died before they could do this. Thankfully, times have changed.
Just Like Rare Coins, Olympic Medals Feature Unique Designs
So, what’s featured on modern Olympic medals? According to tradition, the design of the Olympic medals falls to the host city’s organizing committee. That means every Olympic Games medals feature a different and unique design, just like rare coins! The Paris 2024 medals feature the Olympic flame, and the face of Marianne—a cherished symbol of the revolution and the people of France. The words “Paris Olympics” and the Olympics logo of five rings are featured under the emblem.
Check out a few photos below of past Olympic medals.
Beijing 2022
London 2012
Atlanta 1996
All medal images courtesy of Olympics.com
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Is This An AI Stock Market Bubble?
Posted onCracks in the 2024 stock market bull are starting to appear. 
In just five trading days in mid-July, the so-called Magnificent Seven (Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, Tesla, Apple, Meta and Amazon) tumbled lower, shedding a stunning $1.128 trillion in market capitalization. That marks the biggest loss since May 2022.
Many Wall Street pros have been voicing worries about the rapid increase in stock prices this year, along with the high valuation levels and the euphoria around the artificial-intelligence technology—which many say is reminiscent of the late 1990’s dot.com boom.
Just look at the history-making run in Nvidia, a leader in artificial intelligence computing today. Nvidia’s stock price skyrocketed nearly 4,300% over five years. That has many on Wall Street remembering back to the dot.com boom, when for example Cisco ballooned about 4,500% over five years leading up to its peak in 2000.
The worry? The AI-driven 2024 stock market price surge will face the same ending as the dot.com boom in 2002: a catastrophic bust and stock market crash.
Back in the late 1990’s, the Nasdaq Composite index quadrupled in just over three years climbing at a dizzying speed amid widespread adoption of the internet and a wide-array of venture-capital fueled dot.com start-ups firms.
Yet, once the dot.com boom reached its peak in March 2002, the Nasdaq Composite index crashed nearly 80% into the October 2002 low.
The S&P 500 index fell nearly 50% in that same time period.
Looking back at that era, several internet stocks—Amazon—for example survived and thrived in the decades ahead. While other dot.com start-ups faced bankruptcy and shut down. Sifting through the artificial intelligence stocks of today, no one really knows which companies will survive and be sustained, long-term winners. But the odds suggest that many companies will simply fizzle out and not make it.
The evidence suggests this is a high-risk stock market. The price of a stock can go to zero. It’s happened before with companies that go bankrupt and close down. And it will happen again.
While no one knows for sure if this is a stock market bubble and if a crash is just around the corner, there is certainty in the safety and diversification properties of precious metals.
Gold is up over 16% since the start of 2024, making it one of the best performing asset classes in the world. Gold is one of history’s most traditional and enduring currencies. It has a 5,000-year track record as a vehicle to store, protect and grow your wealth.
There is an old saying in the stock market. Stock prices take the stairs higher but take the elevator down. Once a market crash begins, things happen fast. And it can be difficult to get your money out of a falling market.
Have you considered your asset allocation levels lately? It could be time to increase your allocation to gold. Check out your portfolio now and take action to help ensure you don’t get trapped by a falling market
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An Elusive Rarity: 1793 Flowing Hair Wreath Cent Vine and Bars
Posted onThere are rare coins and then there are ultra-rare coins. The 1793 Flowing Hair Wreath Cent Vine and Bars is a landmark coin, which is virtually impossible to find in high grades today. The survival estimate stands at only 8 for grades 65 or better. It is still an extremely hard-to-find rarity in grades 60 or better with only 40 survivors.
What makes this large copper cent one of the most desirable specimens for astute collectors of early American coins?
Large cent coins were first struck in copper in 1793 at the Philadelphia Mint. The first version known today as the Chain Reverse was criticized widely with newspaper articles decrying that the chain design made it appear as if “Liberty was in chains.”
Swiftly, Mint Director David Rittenhouse ordered a new design for the large cent and the Wreath Reverse version was minted later that year. The 1793 1C Flowing Hair Wreath coin represented a substantial step up in both design artistry and engraving execution from its predecessor: the Chain Reverse.
The coin’s obverse features Liberty with voluminous hair flowing back as she gazes steadily upward. The reverse features an intricate and attractive wreath, with berries depicted on long strands, some of which intertwine delicately with the branches. The long leaves are believed to be the laurel species (Laurus nobilis) which was native to ancient Greece and used to crown the winners of sporting events. Numismatic historians believe this depiction of the laurel wreath may have been featured on this coin as a symbol of America’s hard-fought freedom won through the Revolutionary War.
Who designed this hard-to-find beauty? While there is no absolute proof and various candidates have been put forward throughout history, today it is believed that Henry Voight designed this coin. Voight was a watch maker and machinist who notably repaired clocks and watches for Thomas Jefferson. He was appointed as Chief Coiner at the Philadelphia Mint in January 1793.
However, just a few months after the Wreath design was introduced, the Mint moved to yet a third design for the 1793 large cent, known as the Liberty Cap style. Liberty Cap style cents were minted from 1793 until 1796.
So, the 1793 Flowing Hair Wreath Cent Vine and Bars design was produced only one year in American history. When a 1793 Wreath cent surfaces for sale, it is usually a short-lived event as this coin commands intense interest and desirability in the numismatics community.
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