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What is a Pattern Coin?

The Red Book of US Coins definition says "Experimental or trial coin, generally of a new design denomination or metal." Collectors know these coins are some of the rarest and most difficult to obtain pieces ever minted. Below is an article from Coin World magazine. The pattern coin featured is from 1872 and struck in aluminum. The Hammer price was an astounding $132,000! William Barber’s handsome Amazonian design is seen on this Proof 67 Cameo 1872 $20 double eagle pattern struck in aluminum that sold for $132,000 at the post-FUN auctions. William Barber’s Amazonian design is one of the most famous in the pattern series. Some examples feature a full seated Liberty, while others — like the Judd-1252 1872 $20 double eagle graded Proof 67 Cameo by PCGS that auctioned on Jan.11 — … Read More

THREE PIECES OF A BALANCED METALS PORTFOLIO

Bullion coins Gold, Silver, & Platinum Bullion coins come in several sizes. They range from less than a tenth of an ounce to whole ounces. These coins are normally legal tender with a face value. The face value is largely symbolic. Bullion coins are almost always valued higher than their face value or denomination. Example: The Silver American Eagle has a $1 denomination but the content of the silver has been more than $19 for months at the time we are writing this. Bullion coins trade very close to the value of the metals that they contain. They could serve as means to barter if other forms of currency fail. 2. Semi Numismatic Coins – Pre 1933 United States Coin Semi numismatic coinage are US coins that have a small premium above their intrinsic value in today’s market. … Read More

Senator James Fullbright’s Unnamed Bill

On November 7, 1973, US Senator James Fullbright introduced a very short bill - it was only ONE page - that didn’t even have a name. But Fullbright’s unnamed bill ended up being one of the most important pieces of legislation in US history. By the time Fullbright introduced his bill, it had been two years since the legendary “Nixon Shock” of 1971. That was when US President Richard Nixon implemented wage and price controls, and changed the US dollar’s convertibility into gold.Nixon famously promised the American public that there wouldn’t be any negative consequences fromhis actions. Yet inflation hit 3% the following year, in 1972. Then 4.7% in 1973. Then 11.2% in 1974.Simultaneously, gold prices around the world were surging… from $35/ounce before the Nixon Shock, tomore than $170 in … Read More

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