Global economic recovery certainly doesn’t appear to be happening any time in the near future. Our current administration is still just opening communications with the nation’s banking leaders, and investors have been avoiding Wall Street ventures like grim death. Inflation is growing in prominence, and our dollar is losing its’ spending power due to outrageous currency printing by our Treasury Department. Current economic conditions in the U.S. are eerily similar to those in the 1970’s, and savvy investors who remember that inflationary cycle know that gold did over 1000%, while traditional investments like stocks and bonds couldn’t even keep up with inflation or rising interest rates. Today’s weakening dollar combined with cries for a new global currency have convinced a great number of investors into purchasing gold bullion bars as a means of maintaining financial stability and security.

Purchasing gold bullion bars is ideal for investors who prefer the safety and control of taking physical possession of their gold. Bullion bars can be discretely and easily carried, handled and stored, and their purity is guaranteed by reputable bullion brand names like PAMP Suisse or Johnson Matthey. When purchasing gold bullion bars, it is usually best to conduct business with a large volume precious metals dealer. The sheer volume of their business allows for bullion prices that are closer to the spot price of gold. Avoid local gold establishments who are forced to mark up their bullion bar premiums due to the overhead connected with private ownership.

Martha Cooke

As our nation’s top banking officials attempt to reach a common ground with President Obama and his plans for economic recovery, more and more investors continue their own quest for financial stability through precious metals investment. Though it is good news that steps are being made to reverse global economic conditions, there are many investors who are simply unwilling to wait out the timeline for such a monumental recovery. Instead, they’re taking a more pro-active approach to reversing their own financial fortunes, and transforming their portfolios from holdings in traditional investments like stocks and bonds, into precious metals like gold and silver. Modern technology’s ability to streamline our daily tasks has now found a niche among precious metals investors who enjoy the speed and convenience of buying precious metals online. The following is a brief overview of online precious metal investing.

Purchasing precious metals online is actually a purchase of ETFs or Exchange Traded Funds. These are electronic shares of gold that are bought from companies who credit investors with ownership of gold or silver, platinum or palladium over the Internet. These companies keep their precious metal in various depositories, where they remain. There is never any changing of hands of gold or silver, etc, only the electronic crediting of precious metal ownership to investors who wish to purchase precious metals online. Though this practice is a convenient means of portfolio revision, there are still a great many investors who maintain that physical possession of gold is the safest, smartest way to invest, and continue to do so by investing in bullion or rare coin. Those who purchase precious metals online may want to consider physical possession, as a safe and enjoyable way to diversify their precious metal investment.

Sam Brown

Demand for gold is at an all-time high. Traditional “paper investments” like stocks and bonds have been decimating countless portfolios beyond recognition, and more and more investors are flocking to precious metals in the hopes of escaping the destructive elements in today’s economic environment. Factors like inflation, government manipulated interest rates, dollar devaluation and overprinting of our nation’s currency have all contributed to creating the global economic investment panic that we all face today. As a result, many unsuspecting investors are rushing into investments that could further harm their already damaged portfolios, and jeopardize their financial futures beyond repair. As I’ve stated many times before, it is essential for each investor to conduct a detailed analysis of his/her own specific financial needs and expectations from owning gold before entering into any gold investment. Precious metals investment offers many options, and it is wise to carefully evaluate all of them as well, before making any rash decisions. Technological advances in past years have streamlined the gold purchasing process, and many new investors are becoming attracted to purchasing precious metals online.

Precious metals transactions online are also referred to as ETF’s (or Exchange Traded Funds). They were first introduced on the Toronto Stock Exchange around 1992, as a way to expand the growth of the world’s precious metal trade market. Purchasing precious metals online is convenient and fast. With a phone call and a few clicks on the computer, an investor can own electronic shares of gold within minutes. Though this method is convenient, it never results in physical possession of gold. In the event of an unforeseen emergency, or technological failure, these electronic shares would be worthless. Purchasing precious metals online may be a great way to initially convert a portfolio into precious metals, but it is also wise to convert at least some of those ETF’s into physical gold.

Danny Burns

There is no shortage of stories about investors who are reeling in a reactionary panic over their ravaged portfolios. Investment returns from traditional investments like stocks and bonds have slowed to a trickle, or stopped completely, while the dollars that are being paid are being devalued with each new dollar that is printed. There are no indications that this maddening cycle of dollar devaluation will stop any time soon, as our Federal Government said last week that another trillion dollars or more could be created in coming months. Economic conditions don’t appear to be very “investment friendly” at present, but a look into the past might shed some light on a way for investors to take a proactive approach to stabilizing their portfolios. Gold investors know that the dollar behaves inversely to gold, so when inflation increases while the dollar becomes devalued, gold value increases. This was last demonstrated during the inflationary cycle of the 1970’s, when the dollar lost around 60% of its spending power, while gold prices rose over 1000%.

Savvy gold investors know that there is also a possibility that gold could be confiscated by our government. Such a confiscation was implemented in 1933, when President Roosevelt issued an executive order forbidding the “hoarding” of gold by U.S. citizens. One of the only exceptions to this confiscation was rare and unusual coin that is valued to collectors. Investors in certified gold, need not worry about a possible confiscation, as it is exempt by the Executive Order of 1933. Certified gold has numismatic value, which is verified by two companies: PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), and NGC (Numismatic Guarantee Corp.). For a small premium, these companies evaluate and grade various rare coins, and sonically seal them in plastic cases, to discourage tampering or counterfeiting. Certified gold is a sound investment that assures safety, while it also preserves the possibility of potential profit.

Danny Burns

The allure of gold is older than written history. Its’ illustrious look and distinguished feel makes it the metal of choice to most every coin collector or investor. Economic developments over the past few years have driven droves of investors into precious metals. Traditional investments like stocks and bonds have been performing at a “snail’s crawl” and gold investors who wish to begin diversifying their precious metal investments are considering American Eagle coins as a vehicle for diversification. American Eagles are meshed into the fabric of our nation’s coinage, and their beautiful designs and storied histories make them an enjoyable and educational acquisition for any collector or investor. American Eagle’s numismatic values vary, so some research is required to find the right coin to fit a given investor’s budget. The post-911 era has inspired a renewed sense of patriotism among Americans, and these coins embody our nation’s legacy of struggle, triumph, and tribute. The following is a brief overview of some American Eagles.

The $5 Half Eagle was the first gold coin minted by the U.S. government in 1792. This coin underwent some design modifications during its’ minting. The most recognized design was minted between 1839 and 1908, and its’ obverse side features a profile of Lady Liberty, with a coronet on her head. The reverse side depicts a bald eagle, with its’ wings spread, and clutching three arrows in his talons. The motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST” was omitted from the coin between 1839 and 1866. This motto omission and re-inclusion is a recurring theme among many American eagle coins. The $20 Liberty coin is similar in design to the $5 Half Eagle. The obverse also portrays Lady Liberty in profile, with a beaded coronet on her head. The reverse shows a majestic bald eagle, with spread wings and a coat of arms over his breast. $20 Liberties were also a coin with varying inclusions of the “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto.

Victoria Lopez

Gold investors, who are now “breathing easier” after converting their portfolios to the precious metal, are now beginning to diversify into the more elite realm of gold coin investment. Investments in gold coin have historically proven to be an excellent long-term investment, as rare coins’ numismatic value tends to appreciate over time. Rare coin investment is also an excellent opportunity for discovery and exploration of historical and periods that have long since past. Collectors and investors alike have found that British Sovereign coins are an excellent investment, as well as prized collection pieces to admire and study. They are beautiful coins that are steeped in the historical legacy, and unconquerable spirit of The United Kingdom. The following is a brief overview of British Sovereign coins.

First minted in1489 for Henry VII of England, British Sovereign coins are still in production today. The coin gets its’ name from the grandeur size and intricate detail, which originally depicted His Majesty The King, seated upon a throne. The reverse side of the coin portrays the royal coat of arms on a shield, enwreathed by a Tudor double rose. The coins are struck in a 22 carat (92%) gold alloy, known as Crown Gold, which consists of 11/12 gold and 1/12 copper. This alloy makes the coins more durable and resistant to damage and wear from handling. The only deviation from the classic Crown Gold alloy was used in 1887, when an additional 1.25% of silver was added to make softer blanks so the detail of the new image of Queen Victoria could be more profound. As a result, the 1887 British Sovereigns are more “yellow” in appearance than any other year.

Stewart Lawson

I always found the site of a child learning to ride a bike difficult to watch. The child wants to learn to ride, and trusts the person who is running along and holding them up. The part that’s tough to watch is when the “teacher” lets go, and the kid either becomes an instant “Lance Armstrong”, or another “Evel Knievel”. In my experience, I’ve seen more kids initially go to the “Knievel” school of hard knocks, and learn to bike- ride through trial and error. Though the process is painful both to watch and execute, it is effective.

Unfortunately, the same process cannot be repeated in financial investing. There is no, “Get back on the bike”, and try again. There are only regrets and financial loss, which is why it pains me so much to hear about investors who had stabilized their portfolios with gold, then took off their “training wheels” and cracked up their shiny new investment by conducting business with the wrong coin dealer, who sold them the wrong coin.

Research is the most important element in investing. If a gold investor wishes to diversify his/her holdings with rare coin, he/she must first evaluate their own financial needs in order to help determine the type of coin that best suits those needs. Only then should he/she consider talking to a reputable coin dealer. It is usually best to consult a large volume discount dealer, since they are more knowledgeable and better equipped to handle an investor’s specific needs than a local pawn shop or gold establishment. Always conduct background checks on any gold dealer, to assure reputability. Approvals from the Better Business Bureau, or the rip-off report.com are preferred.

Ivan Torres

Gold projections by expert financial sources like The Wall Street Journal, and Citibank have predicted the spot price of gold to reach as high as $1400 or more by mid-summer.
This afternoon, gold’s spot price was around $960, which is a $40 increase from yesterday. This jump in gold’s spot price began yesterday, shortly after our nation’s Federal Reserve announced a $300 billion commitment to long-term treasuries, to assist economic recovery. Although it remains to be seen whether this treasuries commitment will prove to be effective, there is no denying the correlation between the struggling dollar, and a thriving gold spot price. This correlation along with the abysmal performance of stocks, bonds, and even real estate hasn’t been missed by droves of investors, who have been (and still are) converting their portfolios from stocks and bonds into precious metals holdings. Since gold bullion prices tend to hover near the spot price, many people prefer gold bullion investing, so they can easily track the value of their investment at a moment’s notice.

Savvy investors know the historical significance of a fledgling dollar’s correlation with the rise in gold’s spot price. The vicious inflationary cycle of the 1970’s saw the dollar lose approximately 60% of its’ spending power, while the price of gold increased by over1000%. Today’s economic conditions are frightfully similar to those of the 70’s, which is why so many people are considering gold bullion investing. It is essential for potential investors to first evaluate their specific financial needs to determine the right type of investment for them. Only then should they consider gold bullion investing. Consultations with large- volume gold dealers, who have reputable track records, are also recommended.

Joseph Morton

The more we study economic trends, the more sense it makes to buy gold. Gold is the world’s oldest currency, and virtually all of the printed or “fiat” currencies in recorded history have been backed by the intrinsic value of gold. Subsequently, those fiat currencies eventually were rendered practically worthless due to their overprinting. Almost all of the gold that has ever been mined is still in use today, and the world’s supply of gold is increased by only about 2% annually by mine production. Today’s global economy is indicative of a desperate demand for gold. Since the world’s gold supply cannot be significantly increased, the subsequent demand for gold has significantly driven up the price of the precious metal over the past few years. The spot price of gold reached $920 an ounce earlier this afternoon, shortly after the nation’s federal reserve announced a 300 billion investment in long-term treasuries. The correlation between these two events may prove to be significant in coming weeks and months, but for now, the current investment trend is still to buy gold.

The world’s reserve currency is the dollar. Since 1971, the dollar has been off of the gold standard, and the price of gold has been allowed to “free float”. This allowed for more “freedom” in global commerce. Low interest rates accompanied by irresponsible borrowing and even more irresponsible lending created a colossal international banking crisis. Too much fiat currency has been printed, which devalues our dollars. Historically, this is the time to buy gold.

Mario Febber

Precious metal gold has been used as currency for roughly 5000 years. Gold’s inherent worth is constant. This means that one ounce of gold can buy roughly the same amount of goods and services that it could nearly 5000 years ago. It cannot be destroyed, and virtually all of the precious metal gold ever mined in the world is still in use today.

Throughout history, it seems that human nature’s desire to promote free enterprise has invariably led to the production of fiat currencies, or printed money. The fiat currencies began as promissory notes, denominated in increments of gold. One of the initial benefits of fiat currency is the ability to borrow on the value of precious metal gold, to perpetuate economic prosperity. Historically, fiat currencies tend to reflect human nature’s greedy tendencies to borrow as much as possible, while greedy merchants tend to lend as much as possible. Both parties are acting in their own best interests to profit financially, but many times this isn’t the case. An accumulation of debt results, and to suppress this debt, those in power simply issue more fiat currency, which perpetuates the cycle of devaluing the existing currency to the point where it is virtually worthless. Various examples of defunct fiat currencies are noted throughout history. Marco Polo documented one of the earliest known fiat currencies, where Chinese currency printed on tree bark ultimately ended in hyperinflation. Another example of a collapsed fiat currency occurred in post World War I Germany, where Weimar Marks imploded to three trillionths of their original value. Some of us may remember history book pictures of German citizens burning their currency for fuel, or even transporting it in wheelbarrows. Today, many investors are concerned with the U.S. dollar’s predicament as the world’s fiat currency, and are reconsidering the true, inherent value of precious metal gold.

Martha Cooke