After a slow close to 2011, the US Mint’s sales of American Silver Eagle bullion coins took off with more than six million ounces sold in January, while American Gold Eagles saw also-impressive sales figures topping 127,000 ounces.

Opening Day orders signaled that demand had built to a near-record level, as 3,197,000 one ounce American Silver Eagles were spoken for in less than 24 hours. Though the silver bullion coins can fetch more than spot price alone, the total value of sales in terms of pure silver content was $94,311,500 – sold in one single day. As of this writing, less than one month later, that value is now $109,848,920 – following a 16% rise in silver over the past month.

The US Mint’s stunning (...)

Gold Sees Immediate Increase and Long Term Potential Gains  

Thursday, January 26, 2012 –in a still-struggling economy, the Federal Reserve announced plans yesterday to maintain low interest rates for another 18 months at minimum. The move caused a subsequent reversal in the trading direction of gold – shifting from modest declines to an increase of $61.70/oz, driving the price of gold back over $1,700 to $1,726.20 currently.

Yesterday’s decision by the Fed to keep interest rates at historic lows is a continuation of a policy that has driven precious metal prices higher for the past four years. As you might remember, target rates declined for most of 20 (...)

Valentine’s Day, or more properly “Saint Valentine’s Day,” is a tradition that dates back to 496 AD, when Pope Gelasius established the romantic holiday. The tradition thrives today, some 1600 years later, as amorous companions around the world express their love with cards, flowers, jewelry and other gifts. Though Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated, there are unique deviations that certain cultures have developed, such as:

• England – In some parts of England, legend has it that a character named “Jack Valentine” visits the rear doors of houses, leaving candy and other goodies for children. Oddly enough, the tradition continues even though many children are frightened by Jack.
• Sweden – Swedish cel (...)

Throughout the ages, various cultures have developed a list of precious materials, mainly gemstones, to correspond with the one’s birth month or astrological sign.

The first historical appearance of birthstones can be found in Exodus 28:17-20, as the Bible describes the twelve stones found in Aaron’s breastplate. Centuries later, in fifteenth century Poland, tradition dictated that one wear each month’s birthstone during that given month, leading to many wealthier individuals owning a set of all twelve stones.

A more modern nod to birthstones comes from none other than Tiffany & Co., who published an 1870 pamphlet of poems which related to each of the birthstones.  In general, birthstones have been thought to be lucky, occasional mystical and always of great aesthetic value.

M (...)

Our 2011 Commemorative Holiday Silver Rounds make a thoughtful gift or stocking stuffer for your friends, family, co-workers or… you!

Many of us recall our grandparents lovingly giving us Savings Bonds every Christmas. Years later, we probably appreciated those Savings Bonds, but the truth is they made boring gifts and don’t compete with precious metals in terms of recent^*return on investment. In fact, 1 oz. of silver purchased on this date in 2004, for $7.22 would be worth $31.71 today! That’s a 339% return in seven years!

Minted just days ago and received today, these 1 oz .999 Fine Silver Rounds are struck with a unique 2011 design, featuring a lovely snowflake on one side and "Seasons Greetings" on the other side. We have a limited supply of 2011 Commemorative Holiday Silver Rounds and high (...)

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and if you used the “good silver” at all, you probably just finished cleaning and packing it up again. Before you let the dust start to build on it for another year, consider this: silver is near its all-time high price. That means – you guessed it – this is probably the best time ever to sell that old set of sterling silver silverware, platters, candlesticks and just about anything else that’s silver or sterling silver.

If you’re starting to think about it, chances are you’re wondering “well, how much is it really worth?” Good question.

We buy sterling silver every day and the amounts paid vary greatly. The most important factor of course is the total amount of sil (...)

If you’ve made the decision to buy a Rolex, you are to be commended. Your sense of quality and style has led you to the time-honored “king” of all watches and your wrist will soon be the envy of those around you. You’ll walk with a renewed sense of confidence, get helped a little faster in high-end stores and may even get a little more attention from the opposite sex.

Now comes the question though… do you choose to buy a new or pre-owned Rolex?

Since quality, options and style are virtually identical in pre-owned and new Rolexes, most shoppers make the decision based on price.

As you probably know, a new Rolex is a lot like a new car. The moment you leave the showroom with it, the value drops significantly – around 30% (...)