Latest Articles

By Allen Rowe
For the Nevada Appeal

The world saw its most expensive coin at the recently held auction in Barcelona. Organised by Auero & Calicó, this grand event had a participating coin that is being celebrated as the last one from the 1609 centen coin which is remarkable as the biggest solid gold coin to be ever minted in Spain.

A very rare money, this coin attracted a lot of attention from bidders, onlookers and media alike. Finally, it was sold to a huge bid of $1,202,566. The identity of the lucky bidder has been kept anonymous. We just know him as the bidder no. 74 and that this super rich person came from Europe. In fact, the surprised on his face was quite evident when he saw that absolutely no one challenged his opening  bid of 1,202,566.

The coin in question was minted in Segovia and belonged to the priceless Knight of the Yndias collection that was on auction in Barcelona. There were other 2,200 rare items in gold on auction too. But it was this coin that stole the limelight.

Via thinkspain

The third coin to be issued in the "Amber Route" series of gold and silver proof coins is also the first to be released in 2009. The coins commemorate the ancient town of Elblag, located in the north of Poland and like previous issues in this popular collector series, each coin is enhanced with a genuine half-sphere of natural amber embedded into the coin itself.

Niue Island 2009 $1 Elblag Amber Route Silver Proof

The Amber Road is an ancient trade route, leading from Asia to Europe, used predominately by the Romans to transport precious natural amber from the Baltic and North seas, back to Rome. While Rome is best known for using the route, it was also used years before the Romans to move amber to Greece and Egypt, via routes from northern Europe to the Mediterranean Sea. The old Prussian town of Laup (Mokhovoye, in the Kaliningrad Oblast) and the seaport town of Truso (now Elblag) are thought to be the starting points for the route heading south.

The series of coins issued by Mennica Polska include one gold coin and one silver coin for each city being commemorated along the route. The coins are struck to the highest standards of proof by the mint, and feature similar designs for both coins, with the exception of their denominations. All up there will be 8 coins released in the Amber Route series, honoring the towns of Kaliningrad (Russia), Gdansk, Elblag and Wroclaw (Poland), Stare Hradisko (Czech Republic), Szombathely (Hungary), Carnuntum (Austria) and Aquileia (Italy), each with a natural piece of high quality amber embedded as part of the reverse design.

This third release pays tribute to Elblag, the ancient town located in the North of Poland on the Baltic Sea. The town is built on the site of the seaport known a Truso, one of the alleged starting points for the route. Truso was destroyed by fire sometime in the 10th century and lay in ruins until the 13th century when the Tuetonic Knights built a citadel there during the Prussian Crusade. From there a town was built.

The silver proof has been struck from 28.28 grams of 92.5% silver on a 38.61mm flan. The coin has been treated to give it an antiqued appearance of old money. It comes encapsulated and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity confirming the mintage of 10,000 coins. The gold proof coin is struck from 15.50 grams of 90% gold on a 27.00mm flan, and is also encapsulated and presented with a certificate. The mintage of the coin gold is set at a tiny 2000 coins released worldwide.

Niue Island 2009 $5 Elblag Amber Route Gold Proof

The reverse design of both coins is the same, and features a depiction of the St Nicholas Church, the medieval Roman Catholic cathedral in Elblag, together with a dual portrait Roman coin, as used in the times of the amber route, and a Roman goblet. In the bottom portion is the 10.00mm half sphere of natural amber, while at the top is the inscription "Elblag - Szlak Bursztynowy" (Elblag - Amber Route). The obverse, common to all coins in the Amber Route series, has the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, together with the country and year of issue and the nominal face value ($1 for silver, $5 for gold). Above is the image of a horse-drawn cart, as used to transport amber to Rome, together with the profile of a Roman guard set against the background of the Baltic coast. At the top is the "Amber Route" inscription.

Other coins available in this series are:

2008 $1 Kaliningrad Silver Proof - BACK IN STOCK!
2008 $1 Gdansk Amber Route Silver Proof
2008 $5 Gdansk Amber Route Gold Proof

A century ago, there were no Federal Reserve Notes. There were gold coins in wide circulation. Americans recognized gold coins as money. The double eagle, or $20 gold piece, was how millions of workers were paid each week.

A person could walk into a store and buy what was for sale for $20 or less. There was no doubt about a $20 gold piece as lawful money. A buyer did not have to explain what a $20 gold piece was. He did not have to offer a discount to the seller because he was using a $20 gold piece. He did not have to make any prior arrangements before coming into the store in order to make a purchase with a $20 gold piece. American gold coins were money. He probably would have been able to buy anything with a gold coin issued by any other government. When it came to gold, sellers were not picky.

For smaller purchases, silver coins were popular. A silver coin functioned as money in the same way that a gold coin did. People did not have to be told what silver coins were.

The problem facing every fractional reserve bank in the United States in 1909 was simple: if it issued too many IOUs for money, anyone owning an IOU could come down to the bank and exchange it for either gold or silver coins. If the bank faced a long line of depositors coming down to get silver coins or gold coins, it might go out of business. It would run out of coins.

A bank had promised depositors that they could get gold or silver coins on demand. When a bank was incapable of delivering the coins on demand, it was legally bankrupt. This was always the fear of every commercial banker in the days before the FDIC.

The problem arose because banks always issued more IOUs for gold and silver coins than they had coins on hand to redeem. They issued these receipts because they were paid interest on the money loaned. The more receipts to gold and silver coins that they issued, the more money they would receive in interest. This is the logic of all banking.

The depositors could demand payment in legal money – U.S. coins – at any time. On the other hand, the bank could collect money from borrowers except on whatever terms the original contract specified. The banks were borrowed short and lent long. They could be caught in a squeeze whenever depositors decided it was time to redeem their written promises for real money.

Bankers therefore wanted protection. They wanted protection from depositors. Bank robbers were only rarely a problem for a bank. They could collect only the as-yet unloaned money in the vault. In contrast, depositors could wipe out a bank at any time. They could force it into bankruptcy: ruptured bank status.

Depositors are always the enemies of fractional reserve banks, because the banks have lent long and borrowed short. The banks face bankruptcy whenever depositors believe that it is time to redeem the promises for real money. This is the Sword of Damocles hanging over the head of every banker. — The Market Oracle

~ ~ ~

Now showing at the DeYoung museum in in San Francisco. Soon to be wallpaper everywhere.

"If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issuance of their currencies, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all their prosperity until their children will wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered." — President Thomas Jefferson, letter to Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin, 1802.

~ ~ ~

So, I have an ungodly amount of jewelry that my late grandmother left to me, and I have no idea what to do with it. I’m not getting the hours I need at work and money is kind of tight right now. What to do, what to do?

I got it! I will take pictures of these gold jewelry pieces, and place an ad through craigslist.com, and let the highest bidder buy these lovely treasures.

What? What’s this? Cash 4 Gold? Sounds easy, and they guarantee 100 percent satisfaction or they will give my jewelry back. They are even offering 25% more cash. And what’s this? They have teamed up with MC Hammer? Oh yeah, I definitely want to give my gold jewelry to a company that’s endorsed by a man that knows the in’s and out’s about money (mostly out’s).

Have you had these thoughts? It’s ok if you have, I won’t laugh, too hard. But seriously, let’s take a look at the Cash 4 Gold program in depth. Then you can make an educated decision on the gold purchasing program.

Receiving money for your unwanted and broken jewelry has never been so easy, convenient, and fast according to the self-proclaimed “World’s #1 Gold Buyer,” Cash 4 Gold. So far, nothing but the truth. I can’t argue with the process being very easy and convenient. If you log on to their website, you can fill out a short order form to receive your FREE Refiner’s Return Pak (first clue, they can’t spell correctly, such a turn-off). When you receive your “Pak” in the mail, it’s as easy as putting your jewelry in the envelope, pre-paid of course, and slipping it in your mailbox to be sent back.

Here is where the fun starts. Once the Refiner’s Return Pak is received, it is opened, on an individual basis, and the contents are laid out and photographed. There are guards that walk the isles to make sure workers are not shorting the count. The next step is for the worker to test the material for gold content. I like to imagine them beating the gold pieces with a large hammer (if there are no visible indentations, not gold, maybe). Cash 4 Gold proclaims to have three state of the art testing methods; the electronic test, the scratch test, and the x-ray test.

A former employee claims that the “state-of-the-art” equipment consists of a magnifying glass, a plastic container, a small weight pad, and a bottle of orange fluid. The testing is completed, and a print-out of the amounts of the pieces is constructed. Then Cash 4 Gold will send you a check with that amount. And if cashing a check is too hard, Cash 4 Gold makes it easier for you by offering direct deposit. If you don’t like the amount that you were given, just send the check back within 12 days, and all your jewelry will be sent back to you.

Now, here are some facts you should know about the above process.

1) - It’s as easy as putting your jewelry in the envelope, pre-paid of course, and slipping it in your mailbox to be sent back.- The envelopes that are sent to you for your jewelry are only insured for up to $100. If you have more than one hundred dollars worth of materials and your packet gets lost, or “lost”, then you just lost money the fastest way.

2) - Once the Refiner’s Return Pak is received,- Cash 4 Gold representatives will tell you that the “Pak” will take 7-10 days but they get their hands on it. Really? 7-10 days? Yeah, maybe if Cash 4 Gold was warehoused in Dublin. Truth is they usually receive the envelopes in 3-4 days. Not a big deal, but this seems to be a red flag.

3) - The next step is for the worker to test the material for gold content.- This is where most of the customer complaints stem from. Many people feel that the testing was flawed when they were informed that their 14 karat ring was determined to be only 12 karats (see original comment). Some complaints you find on the internet explain that the pieces were initially appraised by a jeweler before being sent to Cash 4 Gold – and the initial jewelers conclusions were much more favorable. Although, to prove I do have an objective view, this does bring the question up of why these people wouldn’t sell it to a jewelry shop instead of a “jewelry inspector” they can’t even talk to? Perhaps it was the clever advertising.

4) -The testing is completed, and a print-out of the amounts of the pieces is constructed.- Here is were most people start to curse the gods. One internet story, explains how a woman sent in a class ring, a chain, and a pendant. This person was obviously upset at the five (5) dollar check she received in the mail. So she can still send the check back right? Hang on, I’m getting there…

5) -If you don’t like the amount that you were given, just send the check back within 12 days, and all your jewelry will be sent back to you.- The “100% Guarantee” on the Cash 4 Gold website states that you must return the issued check within twelve (12) days of the DATE OF THE CHECK. Keep in mind that the accounts payable department must cut the check, then the check has to find it’s way to the outbound mailbox, and then (not) surprisingly the check could take 7-10 days to get back to your residence. If you do receive your check in time, you must call the customer service line to get your money back. This is where you enter the “marketplace” as you will now be able to haggle the price of your valuables. Doesn’t sound like peaches and cream now does it? Cash 4 Gold wants your gold so bad that will offer up to three times the amount that they gave you in the first check. If this doesn’t send up the largest red flag ever, then there is no hope for you, sorry to say. If they give you the “fair value” of your gold pieces, then why in the world would they offer you three times the amount they deemed fair? I can tell you why, it’s because they are still making a profit off of your gold even if they offer their highest amount. Oh, and for those of you who wanted your check to go straight into your bank account using direct deposit, well you’ve already waived your right to get a refund so I hope you got what you wanted. According to recent reports, the Marketplace and haggling of the prices has disappeared, but there are still reports of undercover consumers getting low ball prices on their gold, calling, and negotiating prices up.

Cash 4 Gold does serve a purpose and it’s a clever business model, making the transaction of turning your gold into cash very simple.  And its advertising has made it into a national success, but before you choose to try to sell your gold through this service, please do some research and protect yourselves. If you have any questions or comments, good or bad, please feel free to comment below!

Interesting Links (some used in the writing of this article):

http://news.coinupdate.com/cash-4-gold-review-paid-18-of-gold-value/

http://consumerist.com/5349663/the-article-cash4gold-doesnt-want-you-to-read

U.S. Mint gold coin prices increase

Unless the London gold price average on Wednesday falls below $1035 an ounce, the US Mint will again increase the price of its gold collector coins, marking the fourth straight week it has adjusted prices.

With gold hitting an all-time high of $1,065 an ounce Tuesday, it would seem unlikely, although it is possible, for gold prices to fall overnight by $30. (The final London PM price the US Mint will use in its calculation to determine price adjustments is fixed around 10 a.m. Eastern Time.)

Orders may also be placed at the toll-free number 1-800- USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).

Author: Andy Mejia

Do you would like your coin collection to reflect your individuality then try the rare gold coins?
Rare gold coins are very tough to collect since they’re completely out of circulation and this can turn into a passion. Coin collection is not just a hobby that folks use to spend their spare time it can become a full-fledged career as well . All of the numismatics both newbie and pro have a big thing for the rare gold coins. A rare gold coin can increase the value of your entire collection.

A very nice way to collect rare gold coins is to scout the local antique and pawnshops. The majority of the store owners are ignorant of the real price of a rare coin ; moreover, they might not even know that the coin is rare! Take advantage of this situation to buy such coins at low prices. If there’s a garage sale in your locality, it will be a brilliant idea to buy off their coin collection as it would contain a few limited coins. If you want to be a good numismatic, you should always keep yourself updated with a rare coin catalogue so you may identify a rare one as quickly as you see it. It is not that tough, check some marks and you can tell whether the coin is rare or not. Some of the rare coins still circulate thru daily change so check your wallet and you’ll be surprised to find a few. Websites like eBay have newbie collectors, who want to sell off their entire collection of at throwaway costs, if you have some money to spare, buy them and you may get lucky.

If you chance to get a few rare coins into your collection, you’ll need to store them correctly, since a carefully maintained coin has a higher worth. There are a number of coin sleeves and pouches available at the stores and they’re going to protect the coins from the elements. A rare coin must be handled with the highest care ; use a cotton gloves as the sweat secreted from your fingers can cause damage to the coin. While storing coins you must make sure the coins is in touch with softer surfaces, which cannot scratch it or damage it in anyway.
If you are not sure about the price of your rare gold coins then you can take it to an expert collector and they’ll estimate the value of the coin primarily based on the features of the coin. Rare coins have certain minting errors as well and this makes them more phenomenal. Always keep a lookout for the rare coins and don’t miss an opportunity to inspect a coin, it could be the next big addition to your collection!.
Do you would like your coin collection to reflect your individuality then try the rare gold coins?

Rare gold coins are very tough to collect since they’re completely out of circulation and this can turn into a passion. Coin collection is not just a hobby that folks use to spend their spare time it can become a full-fledged career as well . All of the numismatics both newbie and pro have a big thing for the rare gold coins. A rare gold coin can increase the value of your entire collection.
A very nice way to collect rare gold coins is to scout the local antique and pawnshops. The majority of the store owners are ignorant of the real price of a rare coin ; moreover, they might not even know that the coin is rare! Take advantage of this situation to buy such coins at low prices. If there’s a garage sale in your locality, it will be a brilliant idea to buy off their coin collection as it would contain a few limited coins. If you want to be a good numismatic, you should always keep yourself updated with a rare coin catalogue so you may identify a rare one as quickly as you see it. It is not that tough, check some marks and you can tell whether the coin is rare or not. Some of the rare coins still circulate thru daily change so check your wallet and you’ll be surprised to find a few. Websites like eBay have newbie collectors, who want to sell off their entire collection of at throwaway costs, if you have some money to spare, buy them and you may get lucky.
If you chance to get a few rare coins into your collection, you’ll need to store them correctly, since a carefully maintained coin has a higher worth. There are a number of coin sleeves and pouches available at the stores and they’re going to protect the coins from the elements. A rare coin must be handled with the highest care ; use a cotton gloves as the sweat secreted from your fingers can cause damage to the coin. While storing coins you must make sure the coins is in touch with softer surfaces, which cannot scratch it or damage it in anyway.
If you are not sure about the price of your rare gold coins then you can take it to an expert collector and they’ll estimate the value of the coin primarily based on the features of the coin. Rare coins have certain minting errors as well and this makes them more phenomenal. Always keep a lookout for the rare coins and don’t miss an opportunity to inspect a coin, it could be the next big addition to your collection!.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1034644_63.html

About the Author: has been collecting http://www.findingcoins.com/ for many years now.

http://www.findingcoins.com/

Reports are in that China’s state owned television channel is running ads urging citizens to buy gold! The ICBC, China’s largest bank, is even in the process of setting up a designated precious metals department that will service investors with four different sized gold and silver bullion bars.

In the last six months, China has doubled its gold holdings and is now the sixth-largest gold holder in the world. And yet, gold only makes up about 1.9% of China’s foreign-currency reserves. China is heavily involved as a major player in the gold market and is one element driving gold’s rally.

With the soaring prices of gold it is a good time to consider buying or selling your gold jewelry. You need to have some basic knowledge to make smart decisions. Gold jewelry seems like it never goes out of style. This is because it is beautiful and easy for most people to afford and wear.

Pure gold will not tarnish, rust or corrode and is the most malleable of all metals. Pure gold is too soft for jewelry so it is mixed with other metals, including silver, copper, nickel and zinc to give it strength and durability. The color of gold is determined by the type of metal alloys it is mix with and the percentage of each metal alloy.

Most people think all gold is yellow, but the fact is there are many variations of color that gold can be. Colored gold is just as "real" as golden colored gold. The color depends on what the gold is mixed with. Other alloys are mixed with gold to make it strong and to hold up under every day wear and tear that jewelry goes through. Craftsman learned through the ages that mixing gold with copper, silver and platinum would increase its durability. When gold is alloyed with other metals it changes the color of the finished product. An alloy of 75% gold, 16% silver and 9% copper makes yellow gold. White gold is 75% gold, 4% silver, 4% copper and 17% palladium. Other combinations of alloys can make pink, green, peach and even black gold.

The alloys of gold have a lesser value per unit weight than pure gold. The standard in the gold trade is known as karatage which is commonly called karat. Pure gold is known as 24 karat gold and is usually marked with 24K. An alloy that is 50% gold is 12 karat gold and is marked with a 12K. An alloy that is 75% gold is 18 karat gold and is marked with 18K. High karat gold jewelry is softer and more resistant to tarnish; on the other hand, lower karat jewelry is stronger, but less resistant to tarnish.

Gold is highly valued and there is a limited supply and has been used as a medium of exchange or money for centuries. 6000 years ago is when the first transaction was done using pieces of gold and silver. The reason that gold has been used for this purpose for so long is because it has high value, durable, portable and can be divided easily. At one time the United States used a gold standard and maintained a stockpile of gold to back every dollar in circulation. It became too cumbersome and is no longer used by any nation. Gold coins were commonly used in transactions. Gold coins were issued in two types of units. Some were units of currency and some were issued in standard weights.

Today gold coins are no longer in wide use for financial transactions. Gold coins issued in specific weights are popular for people who want to purchase and invest in a small amount of gold. Gold coins are also collected and issued as commemorative coins. These types are a good investment because gold retains its value overtime. These are just some informative basic facts about gold. As you can see gold is a good investment whether it is in fine jewelry or coins.