Precious Metal & Rare Coin Market News
How California Fractional Gold Built the West
The California gold rush became an industry of its own soon after the discovery of gold in the American west. Like any industry, the gold rush needed a system of trade. Developing such a system required the creation of California fractional gold. Some believe that before the creation of California fractional gold people would make daily purchases with a pinch of gold dust. It wasn’t long before those traveling west realized that a better system ... >> Read More
Gold and The Golden Years
Retirement, like a mirage on the horizon, is an oasis many will never drink from. More Americans are learning that retirement is less feasible than they thought. There are many causes of this evaporating dream. Consider that wages have stagnated for over thirty years. This is likely due, in part, to the fact that almost half of Americans of working age (18-64) earn a median annual wage of less than $20,000 according to research compiled ... >> Read More
How Gold Ownership Helps You Control Risk
Being a Navy SEAL and sniper taught me all about risk management. Take away all the risk variables under your control and reduce it to an acceptable level. – Brandon Webb There are many things you can't control in your life – the weather, the traffic, the economy, government policies to name a few. When it comes to investing there is a simple strategy you can control – one that can ultimately protect and grow ... >> Read More
Gold and the Inflation Reduction Act
Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act aims to promote clean energy solutions in the coming years. While the package is considerably smaller than the original $2.2 trillion Build Back Better Act it does represent the largest ever U.S. financial commitment to slowing global warming. The bill calls for a $400 billion investment over a period of 10 years. The spending consists of tax credits that incentivize consumers to purchase electric vehicles while encouraging electric utility companies to ... >> Read More
The Bold Women Behind the Isabella Quarter
The Isabella quarter is a rare instance of a commemorative coin that celebrates woman’s industry in a world that gave most recognition to men. The quarter, struck in 1893, was requested by the Board of Lady Managers of the World’s Columbian Exposition. The Exposition was a world’s fair hosted by Chicago in 1893. The event was a celebration of Columbus’ arrival in the new world in 1492. From the beginning, the coin was intended to ... >> Read More
Economic Q&A with Peter Boockvar
By David Zanca, Senior Portfolio Manager In speaking with many of my clients over the last few months, I've been asked several questions about the state of the economy, the current and future prices of gold, and how you can best protect your wealth. As we all can see, there is a great deal of volatility and instability in the current market environment. Inflation is at a 40-year high, significantly impacting everything from mortgage rates ... >> Read More
Central Bank Gold Purchases Climbs Third Month in a Row
In June, central banks around the globe bought a total of 59 tonnes of gold to add to their vaults. In June, there were no central bank sales as governments hung onto the gold they already own. June marked the third consecutive month in which central banks bought ever larger amounts of gold to add to their coffers. Why do central banks buy gold? The same reason that you do. Central banks buy gold for ... >> Read More
The Fleeting History of the Fugio Cent
No coin more perfectly represents the passage of time than the Fugio Cent. The coin, sometimes called the Franklin cent, is a work from Benjamin Franklin. An inscription on the obverse reads “fugio” which is Latin for “I flee,” referring to the common adage that time flies. This is a fitting sentiment for a coin that was minted for only one year in 1787. The same side shows a bright sun with rays shining down ... >> Read More
Gold Rises After Fed Rate Hike as Inflation Sizzles at 40-year High
The Federal Reserve hiked interest rates by .75 basis points Wednesday afternoon, pushing the Fed fund rate to 2.25-2.50%. This marks the fourth-rate hike by the central bank this year. Yet, as CPI inflation ratcheted to another fresh 40-year high at 9.1% in June, it is evident that the Fed is losing its battle in the fight against inflation. Spot gold climbed after the Fed announcement, recently changing hands at $1,737 per ounce. Gold has been ... >> Read More
Do You Know Your Great-Great Grandmother’s Name?
Answer quickly: what are your great-great grandparent's names? If you don't know, you aren't alone. The reason I ask is that when you get to a certain age in life, some people begin to consider their legacy and how they will be remembered throughout the generations of your family that will come after you. We live in an era where time moves fast. In a few short decades, we've seen the introduction of the Internet, ... >> Read More