Gold Coins in Antiquity
Gold has captured people’s imagination since its discovery. In ancient times, it was believed to have been a dense melding of sunlight and water, a mystical creation associated with deities, beauty, and power. Gold can be found all over the world and, as such, it is valued by a vast array of cultures. Its physical properties (easy to melt and mold) also made it an ideal substance for creating jewelry, ritual objects, household items for the wealthy, statuary, and coins.
Russian Sanctions and Precious Metals Markets: What’s the Strategy?
By Lisa Murray-Roselli
In March of 2022, the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the CME Group, Inc barred six Russian precious metal refiners from the London Good Delivery Lists for gold and silver. This move coincided with the US Treasury Department’s declaration that any transactions involving gold from Russia’s Central Bank are included in the full spectrum of US sanctions against Russia. In addition, US Federal legislators have proposed secondary sanctions which would block the transportation of gold from Russia’s Central Bank.
A Brief History of Gold Price ‘Spikes’
By Douglas Trinder, Senior Numismatist & Precious Metals Analyst, Jack Hunt Gold & Silver
Since President Nixon’s abandonment of the Bretton Woods System in August of 1971 the price of gold in US Dollars has been allowed to fluctuate from its previously set price of $35.00 per troy ounce. Since 1971 there have been both extended periods of gold price stability as well as several instances of rapid price increases or ‘spikes’. This article will examine three of the more noteworthy gold price spikes.
Two Schools of Thought: COVID 19’s Impact on Gold

The current global Coronavirus pandemic which is only now showing some evidence of winding down has already made an enormous negative impact on the U.S. and global economy. So-called experts are predicting future economic impacts ranging from a short-term recession to a lengthy world-wide depression. Most financial pundits agree that both the equities and bond markets have and will continue to suffer negative long-term effects from this horrific event.
An Introduction to Buying Silver 101

This article is a follow-up to our last blog which discussed the merits of owning physical gold. Both novices and long-time investors stand to benefit from a review of the basics of owning physical silver. The following list contains some, but not all, of the reasons to buy tangible silver. Some items on the list hold true for any precious metal, others are unique to silver.
An Introduction to Buying Gold 101
Part 1: Why Own Physical Gold?
As opposed to our usual format of discussing a hypothetical scenario, we thought an article along the lines of “An Intro to Gold Buying” might be in order. Both novices and sophisticated investors can benefit from a review of the basics. The following is a list, in no particular order, of some but not all of the reasons to purchase tangible gold.