Press Trust of India / New Delhi February 17, 2009, 11:06 IST
Gold futures hit a new high of Rs 15,050 per 10 gram in early deals today, taking cues from the firm trend in other Asian markets, as investors bought the metal as an alternative to slumping equities.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold for August-month contract shot up by 2.31 per cent to Rs 15,050 per 10 gram. The contract clocked business turnover of five lots.
The precious metal shot up by 1.55 per cent to $956.20 an ounce in Asia -- the highest in seven months -- on rising concerns of recession and deepening financial crisis.
Meanwhile, on the MCX counter, far-month June contract moved up by 2.10 per cent to Rs 15,039 per 10 gram, with a turnover of 370 lots, while its April contract gained 2.11 per cent at Rs 15,029 per 10 gram in a turnover of 6,221 lots.
4 World Famous Diamond
Darya-I-Nur
Darya-I-Nur diamond is believed to be the largest pink diamond in the world. The stone is estimated to weigh somewhere between 175 and 195 carats, and it is a light pink color. Its exact weight isn't known because its been mounted in its brooch setting for over 130 years. This stone is one of the most celebrated diamonds in the Iranian Crown Jewels and it is also one of the oldest stones known to man.
De Beers Diamond
The De Beers weights 234.65 carats and is the seventh largest faceted diamond in the world. It was found in the De Beers Consolidated Mine in March 1888. Prior to being cut the diamond weighed 428.50 carats. It was centerpiece of a ceremonial necklace known as the Patiala Necklace in 1928. In 1973 the necklace disappeared and then the remnants was discovered in a jewelry shop in London in 1998 with most of the large stone missing. The De Beers Diamond was sold in 1982 for $3,160,000.
De Young Red Diamond
The De Young Red is a 5.03 carat red diamond and is considered as the third largest in the world. This diamond is not really pure red. This stone has a slightly brown hue which makes it look like a fine garnet that ruby-like. Since this diamond has very unique color, this was once sold at an estate sale as a red garnet. Luckily, this fine piece of precious stone was later on recovered and identified to be a very rare red diamond. At present, the De Young Red is under the custody of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC and often figured in exhibits in that museum.
Unlike the Type I diamonds that derived their color from impurities imbedded in the diamond, Red diamonds are considered a Type II and get their color from a process known as Plastic Deformation. They get their coloration due to structural anomalies caused by Plastic Deformation during the crystal growth. The intense pressure changes the lattice structure of diamonds and has led to the formation of Pink, Red, and Brown colored diamonds.
Dresden Diamond
The largest natural green diamond in the world is The Dresden Green. It is classified as an "apple-green" color and weighs in at 40.70 carats. The Gemmological Institute of America examined the stone in 1988. The Dresden Green Diamond was proved to be not only of extraordinary quality, but also a rare type IIa diamond and is consider the largest and finest natural green diamond ever found. The Dresden Green gets its name from the capitol of Saxony where it has been on display for more than 200 years. The earliest known reference to its existence occurs in The Post Boy, a London new-sheet of the 1700's. The diamond was sold in Switzerland in 1997 for $715,320.
Darya-I-Nur diamond is believed to be the largest pink diamond in the world. The stone is estimated to weigh somewhere between 175 and 195 carats, and it is a light pink color. Its exact weight isn't known because its been mounted in its brooch setting for over 130 years. This stone is one of the most celebrated diamonds in the Iranian Crown Jewels and it is also one of the oldest stones known to man.
De Beers Diamond
The De Beers weights 234.65 carats and is the seventh largest faceted diamond in the world. It was found in the De Beers Consolidated Mine in March 1888. Prior to being cut the diamond weighed 428.50 carats. It was centerpiece of a ceremonial necklace known as the Patiala Necklace in 1928. In 1973 the necklace disappeared and then the remnants was discovered in a jewelry shop in London in 1998 with most of the large stone missing. The De Beers Diamond was sold in 1982 for $3,160,000.
De Young Red Diamond
The De Young Red is a 5.03 carat red diamond and is considered as the third largest in the world. This diamond is not really pure red. This stone has a slightly brown hue which makes it look like a fine garnet that ruby-like. Since this diamond has very unique color, this was once sold at an estate sale as a red garnet. Luckily, this fine piece of precious stone was later on recovered and identified to be a very rare red diamond. At present, the De Young Red is under the custody of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC and often figured in exhibits in that museum.
Unlike the Type I diamonds that derived their color from impurities imbedded in the diamond, Red diamonds are considered a Type II and get their color from a process known as Plastic Deformation. They get their coloration due to structural anomalies caused by Plastic Deformation during the crystal growth. The intense pressure changes the lattice structure of diamonds and has led to the formation of Pink, Red, and Brown colored diamonds.
Dresden Diamond
The largest natural green diamond in the world is The Dresden Green. It is classified as an "apple-green" color and weighs in at 40.70 carats. The Gemmological Institute of America examined the stone in 1988. The Dresden Green Diamond was proved to be not only of extraordinary quality, but also a rare type IIa diamond and is consider the largest and finest natural green diamond ever found. The Dresden Green gets its name from the capitol of Saxony where it has been on display for more than 200 years. The earliest known reference to its existence occurs in The Post Boy, a London new-sheet of the 1700's. The diamond was sold in Switzerland in 1997 for $715,320.
Diamond Rings
Whether as heirlooms or simply as gifts, diamond rings have always been among the most preferred classes of jewellery among people of most countries and cultures. Many reasons can be cited to explain why diamond rings have always been so popular as pieces of jewellery in the human society. However, one is always led back to the more obvious reason that diamond rings, like all pieces of diamond jewellery, have an essence of timeless beauty and a charm unparalleled in rings bearing other kinds of precious stones.
Diamond rings are appropriate for the masculine as well as the feminine gender. Combining the universal appeal of the diamond with the ring - a piece of jewellery that can be worn by individuals irrespective of the gender, diamond rings have become considered as possibly the most universally appreciated kind of jewellery worn by all of the human society, considering neither the age nor the gender. This universal popularity has resulted in diamond rings being used as symbol of different kinds of statuses ranging from marital to socio-economic ones.
A huge majority of people even in the twenty-first century still prefer the use of diamond rings as tokens of exchange symbolizing engagements or weddings. The fact that it always up to the groom to select such rings does not in any way indicate that it is only men who perpetuate the legacy of diamond rings. In fact, as the saying goes - diamonds are a girl's best friend!
Owing to the huge diversity in the kinds of materials used in designing diamond rings, the question naturally rises as to which metal would be the best option to use with diamonds. This overwhelming question can only be answered by the ones planning to buy diamond rings. While some of them prefer more conservative choices like yellow gold rings, others can certainly opt for alternatives including platinum or white gold. Diamond rings made using a fusion of yellow and white gold have become the favourites of designers as well as buyers of late.
While platinum and colourless diamonds can constitute a visual essence close to perfection, diamond rings made using yellow gold have hardly lost any popularity in the market. On the other hand, this contrast between white and yellow can result in a two-fold contrast with the dazzle of colourless diamonds in fusion gold diamond rings. No matter which kind of material is used, diamond rings are always marked by a combination of artistic aesthetics with an unexplainable charm having universal appeal.
Diamond rings using natural diamonds can turn out to be quite expensive in any market. Therefore, it is always advisable that one should try to have a look at as many designs as possible before and cross-check the selections for any possible manufacturing flaws before making the final purchase. One should always look out for diamond rings that have warranties covering the quality of the materials as well as the craftsmanship. After all, one should never settle for anything less than the best while buying anything, not just diamond rings!
Diamond rings are appropriate for the masculine as well as the feminine gender. Combining the universal appeal of the diamond with the ring - a piece of jewellery that can be worn by individuals irrespective of the gender, diamond rings have become considered as possibly the most universally appreciated kind of jewellery worn by all of the human society, considering neither the age nor the gender. This universal popularity has resulted in diamond rings being used as symbol of different kinds of statuses ranging from marital to socio-economic ones.
A huge majority of people even in the twenty-first century still prefer the use of diamond rings as tokens of exchange symbolizing engagements or weddings. The fact that it always up to the groom to select such rings does not in any way indicate that it is only men who perpetuate the legacy of diamond rings. In fact, as the saying goes - diamonds are a girl's best friend!
Owing to the huge diversity in the kinds of materials used in designing diamond rings, the question naturally rises as to which metal would be the best option to use with diamonds. This overwhelming question can only be answered by the ones planning to buy diamond rings. While some of them prefer more conservative choices like yellow gold rings, others can certainly opt for alternatives including platinum or white gold. Diamond rings made using a fusion of yellow and white gold have become the favourites of designers as well as buyers of late.
While platinum and colourless diamonds can constitute a visual essence close to perfection, diamond rings made using yellow gold have hardly lost any popularity in the market. On the other hand, this contrast between white and yellow can result in a two-fold contrast with the dazzle of colourless diamonds in fusion gold diamond rings. No matter which kind of material is used, diamond rings are always marked by a combination of artistic aesthetics with an unexplainable charm having universal appeal.
Diamond rings using natural diamonds can turn out to be quite expensive in any market. Therefore, it is always advisable that one should try to have a look at as many designs as possible before and cross-check the selections for any possible manufacturing flaws before making the final purchase. One should always look out for diamond rings that have warranties covering the quality of the materials as well as the craftsmanship. After all, one should never settle for anything less than the best while buying anything, not just diamond rings!
Feel a Liking for DIAMOND - So what exactly are diamonds?
Diamonds, like hurricanes and earthquakes, are a pricey natural phenomenon. Find out more about how they're made in this article.
In mineralogy, diamond (from the ancient Greek ??????, adámas) is the allotrope of carbon where the carbon atoms are arranged in an isometric-hexoctahedral crystal lattice. After graphite, diamond is the second most stable form of carbon. Its hardness and high dispersion of light make it useful for industrial applications and jewelry. It is the hardest known naturally occurring mineral. It is possible to treat regular diamonds under a combination of high pressure and high temperature to produce diamonds that are harder than the diamonds used in hardness gauges. Presently, only aggregated diamond nanorods, a material created using ultrahard fullerite (C60) is confirmed to be harder, although other substances such as cubic boron nitride, rhenium diboride and ultrahard fullerite itself are comparable.
Diamonds are specifically renowned as a material with superlative physical qualities; they make excellent abrasives because they can be scratched only by other diamonds, borazon, ultrahard fullerite, rhenium diboride, or aggregated diamond nanorods, which also means they hold a polish extremely well and retain their lustre. Approximately 130 million carats () are mined annually, with a total value of nearly USD $9 billion, and about are synthesized annually.
The name diamond is derived from the ancient Greek ?????? (adámas), "unbreakable, untamed", from Category: :wiktionary - :?-|?- (a-), "un-" + ????? (damá?), "to overpower, to tame"Adamas, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, at Perseus. They have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in ancient India. Their usage in engraving tools also dates to early human history. Popularity of diamonds has risen since the 19th century because of increased supply, improved cutting and polishing techniques, growth in the world economy, and innovative and successful advertising campaigns. They are commonly judged by the ?four Cs?: carat, clarity, color, and cut.
Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, although significant sources of the mineral have been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. They are mined from kimberlite and lamproite volcanic pipes, which can bring diamond crystals, originating from deep within the Earth where high pressures and temperatures enable them to form, to the surface. The mining and distribution of natural diamonds are subjects of frequent controversy such as with concerns over the sale of conflict diamonds (aka blood diamonds) by African paramilitary groups.
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In mineralogy, diamond (from the ancient Greek ??????, adámas) is the allotrope of carbon where the carbon atoms are arranged in an isometric-hexoctahedral crystal lattice. After graphite, diamond is the second most stable form of carbon. Its hardness and high dispersion of light make it useful for industrial applications and jewelry. It is the hardest known naturally occurring mineral. It is possible to treat regular diamonds under a combination of high pressure and high temperature to produce diamonds that are harder than the diamonds used in hardness gauges. Presently, only aggregated diamond nanorods, a material created using ultrahard fullerite (C60) is confirmed to be harder, although other substances such as cubic boron nitride, rhenium diboride and ultrahard fullerite itself are comparable.
Diamonds are specifically renowned as a material with superlative physical qualities; they make excellent abrasives because they can be scratched only by other diamonds, borazon, ultrahard fullerite, rhenium diboride, or aggregated diamond nanorods, which also means they hold a polish extremely well and retain their lustre. Approximately 130 million carats () are mined annually, with a total value of nearly USD $9 billion, and about are synthesized annually.
The name diamond is derived from the ancient Greek ?????? (adámas), "unbreakable, untamed", from Category: :wiktionary - :?-|?- (a-), "un-" + ????? (damá?), "to overpower, to tame"Adamas, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, at Perseus. They have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in ancient India. Their usage in engraving tools also dates to early human history. Popularity of diamonds has risen since the 19th century because of increased supply, improved cutting and polishing techniques, growth in the world economy, and innovative and successful advertising campaigns. They are commonly judged by the ?four Cs?: carat, clarity, color, and cut.
Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, although significant sources of the mineral have been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. They are mined from kimberlite and lamproite volcanic pipes, which can bring diamond crystals, originating from deep within the Earth where high pressures and temperatures enable them to form, to the surface. The mining and distribution of natural diamonds are subjects of frequent controversy such as with concerns over the sale of conflict diamonds (aka blood diamonds) by African paramilitary groups.
Read More
A MUST Read Before You Buy Diamonds!
Diamonds for Less is a short but necessary education in purchasing diamonds for jewelry or for profit.
In my former life I was a diamond expert working for many years managing one of the biggest jewelry store chains in the country. I have included 5 topics which I hope will be quite helpful in determining what type of diamonds you will be investing in.
The Importance of Cut and Proportion
Cut does not mean shape. However cut affects brilliance. You want your diamond to be cut as close to ideal as possible. Not too deep or too shallow. It's all about light reflection folks!
Body Color
From colorless to warm yellow, a great thing to remember when buying diamonds is that the more rare the more expensive. For example: the whiter the stone the more expensive because colorless stones are harder to find in nature. The color scale goes from D being the most colorless to usually P, in most jewelry stores, being the most yellow. A good color to buy is in the top of the near colorless range, say G or H. To the naked eye most people can't see the difference between these color stones and colorless, but you will save a heck of a lot of money by getting your Diamonds for Less!
Clarity
Clarity refers to how clear the diamond is or how free it is of inclusions. Some people call these flaws however being natural technically all diamonds have some type of inclusion. This is what makes them unique! After all you have beauty marks on your body don't you? How would you feel if someone called these unique markings on you, flaws?! A good rule of thumb here is the less you can see with the naked eye the better. Remember though, the less inclusions the more rare or expensive the diamond. You want your Diamonds for Less don't you? This scale goes from Fl (flawless) to I3 (inclusion 3). Your safe within the SI (small inclusion) to VS2 (very small inclusion 2). Again a clean stone to the naked eye and saving you thousands more than buying cleaner stones that will only cost you for the reckoning.
Weight
1 carat = 1/5th of a gram. It may be easier to talk in points. 1 carat = 100 points, so 1/4 of a carat is 25 points and so on. Obviously the heavier the stone the more rare and more expensive it will be. Be careful with your ego on this one. You have to determine what is more important for you, size or quality! Always remember, Diamonds for Less is the goal.
Diamond Grading Reports
These are reports that give the specifics on your stone. Measurements, cut, color, carat weight etc. Think of it this way. You have a drivers license or passport that describes your specifics correct? This document however does not describe your sense of humor or your individual personality right? Are you catching my drift? These documents are only as important as you make them. Once you educate yourself a little about diamonds, you will see that the diamond itself will talk to you not the piece of paper that describes it. If you must have a certification, Go with GIA. They are the most widely used company in the world for diamond certification.
I hope this article has helped inform you in the basics of buying diamonds for jewelry or for profit.
Source : Popular Forum
In my former life I was a diamond expert working for many years managing one of the biggest jewelry store chains in the country. I have included 5 topics which I hope will be quite helpful in determining what type of diamonds you will be investing in.
The Importance of Cut and Proportion
Cut does not mean shape. However cut affects brilliance. You want your diamond to be cut as close to ideal as possible. Not too deep or too shallow. It's all about light reflection folks!
Body Color
From colorless to warm yellow, a great thing to remember when buying diamonds is that the more rare the more expensive. For example: the whiter the stone the more expensive because colorless stones are harder to find in nature. The color scale goes from D being the most colorless to usually P, in most jewelry stores, being the most yellow. A good color to buy is in the top of the near colorless range, say G or H. To the naked eye most people can't see the difference between these color stones and colorless, but you will save a heck of a lot of money by getting your Diamonds for Less!
Clarity
Clarity refers to how clear the diamond is or how free it is of inclusions. Some people call these flaws however being natural technically all diamonds have some type of inclusion. This is what makes them unique! After all you have beauty marks on your body don't you? How would you feel if someone called these unique markings on you, flaws?! A good rule of thumb here is the less you can see with the naked eye the better. Remember though, the less inclusions the more rare or expensive the diamond. You want your Diamonds for Less don't you? This scale goes from Fl (flawless) to I3 (inclusion 3). Your safe within the SI (small inclusion) to VS2 (very small inclusion 2). Again a clean stone to the naked eye and saving you thousands more than buying cleaner stones that will only cost you for the reckoning.
Weight
1 carat = 1/5th of a gram. It may be easier to talk in points. 1 carat = 100 points, so 1/4 of a carat is 25 points and so on. Obviously the heavier the stone the more rare and more expensive it will be. Be careful with your ego on this one. You have to determine what is more important for you, size or quality! Always remember, Diamonds for Less is the goal.
Diamond Grading Reports
These are reports that give the specifics on your stone. Measurements, cut, color, carat weight etc. Think of it this way. You have a drivers license or passport that describes your specifics correct? This document however does not describe your sense of humor or your individual personality right? Are you catching my drift? These documents are only as important as you make them. Once you educate yourself a little about diamonds, you will see that the diamond itself will talk to you not the piece of paper that describes it. If you must have a certification, Go with GIA. They are the most widely used company in the world for diamond certification.
I hope this article has helped inform you in the basics of buying diamonds for jewelry or for profit.
Source : Popular Forum
American Eagle Proof and Uncirculated Coins for Collectors
Proof versions of American Eagle Bullion coins are made by the United States Mint for collectors. After undergoing inspection by white gloved inspectors, each American Eagle Proof Coin is encased in special plastic with its own presentation case and accompanied by an official Certificate of Authenticity. Each coin's metal content and weight are definitely guaranteed by the United States Government. American Eagle Gold, Silver, and Platinum Proof Coins have a limited mintage and are available directly from the United States Mint.
In 2006, the United States Mint came up with a new American Eagle coin, the American Eagle Uncirculated Coins in silver, gold and platinum.
The American Eagle Silver Uncirculated Coin is available in a one-ounce size, while the American Eagle Uncirculated Coins in both gold and platinum are available in one-tenth, one-quarter, one-half and one ounce sizes, as well as a complete four-coin set containing one coin of each size. The American Eagle Platinum Uncirculated Coins bear the same reverse design as the American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins.
In 2006, the United States Mint came up with a new American Eagle coin, the American Eagle Uncirculated Coins in silver, gold and platinum.
The American Eagle Silver Uncirculated Coin is available in a one-ounce size, while the American Eagle Uncirculated Coins in both gold and platinum are available in one-tenth, one-quarter, one-half and one ounce sizes, as well as a complete four-coin set containing one coin of each size. The American Eagle Platinum Uncirculated Coins bear the same reverse design as the American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins.
American Eagle Bullion Coins for Investors
Congressionally authorized American Eagle Bullion Coins are meant to give investors a convenient and cost-effective way to incorporate small amounts of physical platinum, gold, or silver to their investment holdings.
The American Eagle Bullion coins were offered to the public in 1986; at that time, only gold and silver coins were available. Platinum became part of the American Eagle Bullion family in 1997. For the past twenty years, gold, platinum and silver American Eagles have established a reputation as leading bullion coin investment products. Unlike commemorative or numismatic coins worth according to limitations of mintage, rarity, appearance and age, bullion coins were made with investment portfolios in mind. American Eagle Gold and Platinum Bullion Coins can be purchased in four denominations: one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce. The Silver Bullion Coin can be acquired in the one ounce size.
The American Eagle Bullion coins were offered to the public in 1986; at that time, only gold and silver coins were available. Platinum became part of the American Eagle Bullion family in 1997. For the past twenty years, gold, platinum and silver American Eagles have established a reputation as leading bullion coin investment products. Unlike commemorative or numismatic coins worth according to limitations of mintage, rarity, appearance and age, bullion coins were made with investment portfolios in mind. American Eagle Gold and Platinum Bullion Coins can be purchased in four denominations: one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce. The Silver Bullion Coin can be acquired in the one ounce size.
The First Spouse Gold Coins
The United States is honoring, too, its First Spouses by way of one-half ounce $10 gold coins bearing their portraits, in the order of their service as first spouse, beginning in 2007 with Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, (Thomas Jefferson's Liberty) and Dolley Madison. Specifically, the obverse of these coins carry portraits of the Nation's First Spouses, their names, the dates and order of their term as first spouse, with the year of minting or issuance, "In God We Trust" and "Liberty." The United States Mint released First Spouse Gold Coins on the same schedule as the Presidential $1 Coins.
In the event of a President serving without a First Spouse, such as Thomas Jefferson, a gold coin will bear instead an obverse image showing Liberty as depicted on a circulating coin for that era, and bearing a reverse image with symbols of themes associated with that President.
In the event of a President serving without a First Spouse, such as Thomas Jefferson, a gold coin will bear instead an obverse image showing Liberty as depicted on a circulating coin for that era, and bearing a reverse image with symbols of themes associated with that President.
The Sacagawea Golden Dollar
The Golden Dollar's "heads" side features the Indian guide of the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition, Sacagawea. She is portrayed in three-quarter profile. Glenna Goodacre, the obverse's artist, goes against numismatic tradition by having the portrait look straight at the holder. Goodacre's model is a present-day Shoshone college student, Randy'L He-dow Teton. The obverse also shows on Sacagawea carrying on her back Jean Baptiste, her infant son.
With the aim of complementing the obverse, the selected reverse design features a soaring eagle encircled by 17 stars. The 17 stars symbolize each Union state members during the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition.
With the aim of complementing the obverse, the selected reverse design features a soaring eagle encircled by 17 stars. The 17 stars symbolize each Union state members during the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition.
The Four Main Vehicles for Investing in Gold
Paper Gold: Essentially paper representations of the gold price. These include futures contracts, exchange-traded funds, pool accounts and certificates. They provide exposure to the gold price, however there are counter-party risks involved. Basically you only own the promise to give you the metal if you ask for delivery.
Physical Gold: Physical gold is sold in the form of bars, bullion coins and rare coins (see below). Modern bullion coins retail for between 2% and 4.5% above the spot gold price whereas gold bars usually have a premium 1 or 2% less. Physical gold is only suitable for a long term buy and hold strategy and there are insurance and storage costs to consider.
Numinastics: Rare coins before 1933 are of a very different investment psychology, there is a blend of a collector sentiment (similar to the art market) and investor speculation. Strong collector demand makes rare coins a better hedge against inflation however you have to consult coin dealers to ascertain value and it can have the charcteristics of a runaway train at its extremes.
Gold Mining Stocks: More risky than owning bullion itself but they do provide leverage against the price of gold. Gold mining stocks are clearly a stock component of your portfolio and are affected not only by the gold price but also by the price of the stock market. The HUI and XAU are the main indices for the gold miners. Divergence is the signal that everbody is looking and waiting for, namely rising gold stocks in a declining stock market.
Physical Gold: Physical gold is sold in the form of bars, bullion coins and rare coins (see below). Modern bullion coins retail for between 2% and 4.5% above the spot gold price whereas gold bars usually have a premium 1 or 2% less. Physical gold is only suitable for a long term buy and hold strategy and there are insurance and storage costs to consider.
Numinastics: Rare coins before 1933 are of a very different investment psychology, there is a blend of a collector sentiment (similar to the art market) and investor speculation. Strong collector demand makes rare coins a better hedge against inflation however you have to consult coin dealers to ascertain value and it can have the charcteristics of a runaway train at its extremes.
Gold Mining Stocks: More risky than owning bullion itself but they do provide leverage against the price of gold. Gold mining stocks are clearly a stock component of your portfolio and are affected not only by the gold price but also by the price of the stock market. The HUI and XAU are the main indices for the gold miners. Divergence is the signal that everbody is looking and waiting for, namely rising gold stocks in a declining stock market.
Investment in Gold Mining Shares.
Investing in the shares of gold mining companies is probably the best way to make a "paper" investment in gold.
The theory is that when gold bullion prices and demand increase, gold mining share prices will follow. However the theory does not always hold true - some mines "hedge" their future production. This means they contractually lock in a gold price to be paid in the future when their gold is produced, whether or not the gold price in the future is lower or higher than the contractual gold price. Consequently, if prices rise, companies wih hedged production can lose out as they have previously sold their gold below the prevailing market price. Many gold mining companies have switched to non-hedging in recent years to take advantage of the sustained bull market in gold.
Furthermore the share price of such companies is also dependent on the company's performance, world economy and overall state of the equity markets at the time. The World Gold Organisation has prevously warned that gold equities can be as much as "three to four times as volatile as the gold price."
Mining shares as a whole can be pretty risky - if in doubt take professional advice!
The theory is that when gold bullion prices and demand increase, gold mining share prices will follow. However the theory does not always hold true - some mines "hedge" their future production. This means they contractually lock in a gold price to be paid in the future when their gold is produced, whether or not the gold price in the future is lower or higher than the contractual gold price. Consequently, if prices rise, companies wih hedged production can lose out as they have previously sold their gold below the prevailing market price. Many gold mining companies have switched to non-hedging in recent years to take advantage of the sustained bull market in gold.
Furthermore the share price of such companies is also dependent on the company's performance, world economy and overall state of the equity markets at the time. The World Gold Organisation has prevously warned that gold equities can be as much as "three to four times as volatile as the gold price."
Mining shares as a whole can be pretty risky - if in doubt take professional advice!
Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coin
Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins are the official bullion gold coin of Canada and they are produced by the Canadian mint. Maple Leaf gold coins are .9999 pure gold and they are one of the purest gold coins issued in the world today. Unlike the other gold coins the Maple Leaf contains virtually no base metals
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf commands universal respect and attention, as it has been traded on the world market since 1979. The Maple leaf was the first gold bullion coin to be minted in the ultimate 99.99% purity. No gold coin in the world boasts a higher purity.
The Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins are one of the most practical ways to invest in gold. They are produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. Each Maple Leaf coin is guaranteed by the Government of Canada for its weight and its gold purity. As a result of these government guarantees the Maple Leafs are extremely saleable and are easily bought and sold anywhere in the world where precious metals are traded.
The most magical part of owning a Gold Maple Leaf coins are an investment to own and to admire and touch. When you hold a Gold Maple Leaf coin in your hand, you're holding 5,000 years of security and value.
The South African Krugerrand
Krugerrands were first struck in July 1967, since then more than 50 million Krugerrands have been minted, making them internationally recognizable and one of the most successful bullion coins available today. The coins, are minted in 22 carat gold, depict Paul Kruger, the President of the original South African Republic from 1883 to 1902 on the obverse. Originally only one size was issued, which contained one full troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of fine gold. In 1980, three more denominations were introduced, namely a half, quarter, and tenth ounce size. As the gold price is quoted internationally in terms of troy ounces, the value of Krugerrands (which contain exactly 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz or 1/10 oz of pure gold) can easily be determined at any time.
Krugerrands are sturdy and durable. They are 22 carat - a traditional cartage of gold bullion coins designed to be handled as currency. Krugerrands are hard enough to resist normal scratching and denting - an important, practical feature, as soft 24 carat coins and bars are more easily damaged and generally require protective packaging. Krugerrands are easy to transport and store.
Krugerrands are sturdy and durable. They are 22 carat - a traditional cartage of gold bullion coins designed to be handled as currency. Krugerrands are hard enough to resist normal scratching and denting - an important, practical feature, as soft 24 carat coins and bars are more easily damaged and generally require protective packaging. Krugerrands are easy to transport and store.
The American Gold Eagle Coin
Is the official Gold Bullion of the United States of America, they are manufactured in 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, 1/10 oz and these coins are guaranteed to contain the stated amount of actual gold weight in troy ounces. American Gold Eagle Coins must by law come from American gold mines only and be 22carat. These standards are authorised under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. Gold Eagles minted between 1986 to 1991 are dated with Roman numerals. In 1992, the United States Mint switched to Arabic numerals for dating the gold Eagles.
For further information Click United States Mint
For further information Click United States Mint
American Buffalo 24-Karat Gold Coins
The popular American Buffalo Gold Coin is known as the Indian Head, or Buffalo, nickel was introduced in 1913 and showcases the native beauty of the American West.
The American Buffalo Bullion Coins are the first .9999 fine 24-karat gold coins ever struck by the United States Mint and offered for sale through a network of Authorized Purchasers. These $50 gold coins are available to members of the public seeking a simple and tangible means to own and invest in 24-karat gold in the form of legal tender coins whose content and purity is guaranteed by the United States Government.
American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coins are available at many coin and precious metals dealers as well as many brokerage houses and participating banks. Pricing for precious metal investment coins typically depends on the market price of the metal.
The American Buffalo Bullion Coins are the first .9999 fine 24-karat gold coins ever struck by the United States Mint and offered for sale through a network of Authorized Purchasers. These $50 gold coins are available to members of the public seeking a simple and tangible means to own and invest in 24-karat gold in the form of legal tender coins whose content and purity is guaranteed by the United States Government.
American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coins are available at many coin and precious metals dealers as well as many brokerage houses and participating banks. Pricing for precious metal investment coins typically depends on the market price of the metal.
Which Gold Bullion Coin should I buy and sell
The best buys for Gold Bullion Coin is the 99.99% per ounce gold coins.
The most popular Gold Bullion Coins of these are the American Gold Eagle, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and the South African Krugerrand. All three of these coins contain 1 ounce of gold and are over 90.00 % Feingold.
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and the South African Krugerrand are both 24 carat gold whereas the American Gold Eagle is only 22carat gold. The American Gold Eagle is alloyed with other metals, usually copper and or silver; this is done to increase its hardness and durability. Despite this the popularity of the American Gold Eagle has never waned in its demand.
Most new coin collectors and investors start collecting these three coins first. Gold coins are easily stored, transported and they can all be sold quickly in just about any country in the world.
Always ensure that when you buy gold coins from a dealer that you select a reputable dealer and that the coins come appropriately sealed and with a certificate.
The most popular Gold Bullion Coins of these are the American Gold Eagle, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and the South African Krugerrand. All three of these coins contain 1 ounce of gold and are over 90.00 % Feingold.
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and the South African Krugerrand are both 24 carat gold whereas the American Gold Eagle is only 22carat gold. The American Gold Eagle is alloyed with other metals, usually copper and or silver; this is done to increase its hardness and durability. Despite this the popularity of the American Gold Eagle has never waned in its demand.
Most new coin collectors and investors start collecting these three coins first. Gold coins are easily stored, transported and they can all be sold quickly in just about any country in the world.
Always ensure that when you buy gold coins from a dealer that you select a reputable dealer and that the coins come appropriately sealed and with a certificate.
Buy from a Bullion Dealer and Sell on eBay!
FOUND THIS ARTICLE AT A FORUM POSTED BY SOMEBODY....SOunds INTERESTING Try on ur own
Don't take my word for it - Test it out for your self - It works!
When you buy Gold through a Gold Bullion you pay the gold price according to the rate at that time and when you decide to sell it through the Gold Bullion they will offer you 7% to 9% less than the going gold rate.
You can now buy and sell gold coins on eBay; but, it is a case of Caveat emptor which is Latin for "Let the buyer beware" so please BEWARE!
You need to be careful and check the eBay seller out, look at their Feedback and check out the comments left by previous buyers. Do not buy from a seller with less than 30 feedbacks. Have a look at what other seller thought of dealing with them and if you are not happy with the seller then move on to the next seller, there are many more. Also check out their postage and packaging costs.
If you decide to buy from eBay be sure to check out the gold price that day and don't pay any more than you would have paid at a bullion dealer including their postage and packaging costs. Goto: Kitco.com for the daily gold price and to download a gold price widget for your computer.
I have one of their gold price widgets on my taskbar at the bottom of my screen and it updates all day; this gives me up to the minute gold prices. Then I have a look on eBay and see which gold coins are either on the money or below and don't forget to check out the post and packaging costs for the seller.
When ever I am selling gold I always sell on eBay as I generally always get the market price or a higher premium when two buyers go head to head on my auction and then I do better than the market price. Don't you just love eBay!
My best formula is to buy from the bullion Dealer when the gold price dips and then to sell on eBay. I hear you ask why buy from a Bullion dealer and sell on eBay, well I know that if I buy from the Bullion Dealer the gold coin is genuine and when I sell on eBay I get a better price then if I sold it to a Bullion Dealer, who would offer me 7% to 9% less than the market price.
Don't take my word for it - Test it out for your self - It works!
When you buy Gold through a Gold Bullion you pay the gold price according to the rate at that time and when you decide to sell it through the Gold Bullion they will offer you 7% to 9% less than the going gold rate.
You can now buy and sell gold coins on eBay; but, it is a case of Caveat emptor which is Latin for "Let the buyer beware" so please BEWARE!
You need to be careful and check the eBay seller out, look at their Feedback and check out the comments left by previous buyers. Do not buy from a seller with less than 30 feedbacks. Have a look at what other seller thought of dealing with them and if you are not happy with the seller then move on to the next seller, there are many more. Also check out their postage and packaging costs.
If you decide to buy from eBay be sure to check out the gold price that day and don't pay any more than you would have paid at a bullion dealer including their postage and packaging costs. Goto: Kitco.com for the daily gold price and to download a gold price widget for your computer.
I have one of their gold price widgets on my taskbar at the bottom of my screen and it updates all day; this gives me up to the minute gold prices. Then I have a look on eBay and see which gold coins are either on the money or below and don't forget to check out the post and packaging costs for the seller.
When ever I am selling gold I always sell on eBay as I generally always get the market price or a higher premium when two buyers go head to head on my auction and then I do better than the market price. Don't you just love eBay!
My best formula is to buy from the bullion Dealer when the gold price dips and then to sell on eBay. I hear you ask why buy from a Bullion dealer and sell on eBay, well I know that if I buy from the Bullion Dealer the gold coin is genuine and when I sell on eBay I get a better price then if I sold it to a Bullion Dealer, who would offer me 7% to 9% less than the market price.
Buying Gold Bullion Coins
Gold () is a chemical element with the symbol Au () and atomic number 79. It is a highly sought-after precious metal, having been used as money, as a store of value, in jewelry, in sculpture, and for ornamentation since the beginning of recorded history. The metal occurs as nuggets or grains in rocks, in veins and in alluvial deposits. Gold is dense, soft, shiny and the most malleable and ductile pure metal known. Pure gold has a bright yellow color traditionally considered attractive. It is one of the coinage metals and formed the basis for the gold standard used before the collapse of the Bretton Woods system in 1971. The ISO currency code of gold bullion is XAU.
Modern industrial uses include dentistry and electronics, where gold has traditionally found use because of its good resistance to oxidative corrosion. Chemically, gold is a transition metal and can form trivalent and univalent cations upon solvation. At STP it is attacked by aqua regia, forming chloroauric acid and by alkaline solutions of cyanide but not by hydrochloric, nitric or sulphuric acids. Gold dissolves in mercury, forming amalgam alloys, but does not react with it. Gold is insoluble in nitric acid, which will dissolve silver and base metals, and is the basis of the gold refining technique known as "inquartation and parting". Nitric acid has long been used to confirm the presence of gold in items, and this is the origin of the colloquial term "acid test", referring to a gold standard test for genuine value.
read the rest of the Wikipedia article
Modern industrial uses include dentistry and electronics, where gold has traditionally found use because of its good resistance to oxidative corrosion. Chemically, gold is a transition metal and can form trivalent and univalent cations upon solvation. At STP it is attacked by aqua regia, forming chloroauric acid and by alkaline solutions of cyanide but not by hydrochloric, nitric or sulphuric acids. Gold dissolves in mercury, forming amalgam alloys, but does not react with it. Gold is insoluble in nitric acid, which will dissolve silver and base metals, and is the basis of the gold refining technique known as "inquartation and parting". Nitric acid has long been used to confirm the presence of gold in items, and this is the origin of the colloquial term "acid test", referring to a gold standard test for genuine value.
read the rest of the Wikipedia article
Twelve Reasons to invest in Gold today
1. During the last run on gold in the 70's and 80's the price of gold increased by 20 times
2. There is a fall in gold production worldwide that is adding to its scarcity
3. India and China have a veracious appetite for gold and as their economy powers forward they will drive up the gold price through demand and the limited supply globally
4. There have been no new discoveries of gold deposits recently and it can take up to ten years to bring a new mine to full production.
5. When ever the world is on the verge of a recession people turn to gold as it is provides security.
6. It does not deteriorate and will last for ever
7. It is sought after for jewellery and electronic manufacture
8. Governments can print paper money quickly, but they cannot just produce gold
9. No other investment has the wealth preserving power of gold
10. The Gold price will continue to be pushed by the current American debt and trade crisis.
11. Gold is an inflation-proof investment
12. Gold is the only truly international currency
2. There is a fall in gold production worldwide that is adding to its scarcity
3. India and China have a veracious appetite for gold and as their economy powers forward they will drive up the gold price through demand and the limited supply globally
4. There have been no new discoveries of gold deposits recently and it can take up to ten years to bring a new mine to full production.
5. When ever the world is on the verge of a recession people turn to gold as it is provides security.
6. It does not deteriorate and will last for ever
7. It is sought after for jewellery and electronic manufacture
8. Governments can print paper money quickly, but they cannot just produce gold
9. No other investment has the wealth preserving power of gold
10. The Gold price will continue to be pushed by the current American debt and trade crisis.
11. Gold is an inflation-proof investment
12. Gold is the only truly international currency
Yesterday's Gold is todays Currency!
One of the oldest forms of money was the gold coin, as far back as 560BC when the Lydian King Croesus. The Chinese then used them in the 5th or 6th Century BC. Gold coins were the main form of currency through to the early 20th Century. By 1933 most of the world had stopped making gold coins and using them as currency.
Today gold coins are primarily collected by investors to hedge against inflation. In 1967 South Africa introduced the Kruger rand to cater for small investors; hence the reason that they manufactured Krugerrands in 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, 1/10 and 1/20 oz
The main gold coins in circulation today in order of their popularity are the Krugerrand, American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, British Britannia or Sovereign, Chinese Panda, Gold Dinar, Russian Chervonets and the Swiss Vreneli.
Today gold coins are primarily collected by investors to hedge against inflation. In 1967 South Africa introduced the Kruger rand to cater for small investors; hence the reason that they manufactured Krugerrands in 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, 1/10 and 1/20 oz
The main gold coins in circulation today in order of their popularity are the Krugerrand, American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, British Britannia or Sovereign, Chinese Panda, Gold Dinar, Russian Chervonets and the Swiss Vreneli.
What Is A Hyip?, Defination of a HYIP
HYIP is a term which you will come across often if you are trying to make money over the Internet. It stands for High Yield Investment Program. It is a type of investment pyramid scheme normally offered via the Internet. HYIPs typically accept deposits as low as $1 while promising astoundingly high returns.
Online HYIP schemes rarely last for the long term. Overwhelming number of cases suggest that HYIPs are Ponzi schemes, in which new investors provide the cash to pay a profit to existing investors, which they typically then withdraw.[citation needed] This approach allows the scam to continue as long as new investors are found and/or old investors leave their money in the scheme, known as compounding (because even higher profits are promised).
The introduction of e-currencies has made it possible for HYIPs to operate on the internet and cross international boundaries, and to accept large numbers of small investments. HYIPs usually accept deposits by either e-currency, like e-gold, e-bullion and INTGold, or use specialist third party payment processors like AlertPay, SolidTrustPay, CEPTrust, TriStarMoneyChangers and StormPay. HYIPs typically offer a significant incentive commission (for example, 9% of invested funds) for members to attract and refer new investors.
Most HYIPs disclose little or no detail about the underlying management, location, or other aspects of how money is to be invested, and relatively little information (other than asserting that they do various types of trading on various stock and other exchanges) on how they actually generate the returns they purport. They are sometimes presented with some form of an emotional appeal, appeals for faith, and promises that they will help investors achieve financial freedom.
Source: DreamTeamMoney Online Money Making Forum
Online HYIP schemes rarely last for the long term. Overwhelming number of cases suggest that HYIPs are Ponzi schemes, in which new investors provide the cash to pay a profit to existing investors, which they typically then withdraw.[citation needed] This approach allows the scam to continue as long as new investors are found and/or old investors leave their money in the scheme, known as compounding (because even higher profits are promised).
The introduction of e-currencies has made it possible for HYIPs to operate on the internet and cross international boundaries, and to accept large numbers of small investments. HYIPs usually accept deposits by either e-currency, like e-gold, e-bullion and INTGold, or use specialist third party payment processors like AlertPay, SolidTrustPay, CEPTrust, TriStarMoneyChangers and StormPay. HYIPs typically offer a significant incentive commission (for example, 9% of invested funds) for members to attract and refer new investors.
Most HYIPs disclose little or no detail about the underlying management, location, or other aspects of how money is to be invested, and relatively little information (other than asserting that they do various types of trading on various stock and other exchanges) on how they actually generate the returns they purport. They are sometimes presented with some form of an emotional appeal, appeals for faith, and promises that they will help investors achieve financial freedom.
Source: DreamTeamMoney Online Money Making Forum
Buying Silver Coins For Investment!
Silver has for more than 4,000 years been regarded as a form of money .The oldest mass form of coinage was the silver coin. The Greeks were one of the first amongst the first people to use silver coins. Today silver coins have an international appeal and can be traded anywhere in the world. Apart from the collector's of silver coins, silver bullion coins are being collected by investors to hedge against inflation or to store value.
Silver is minted in coins and bars they usually have a set weight of 1 troy ounce of silver (31.103 grams of 99.9% silver) In the United States Silver lost its role as legal tender when they introduced the silver standard and they continued to use it as a coin until in 1964 the intrinsic value of silver overtook the coins' face value.
The main silver One Ounce coins in circulation today are Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, American Silver Eagle, UK Silver Britannia, Somalian, Chinese Silver Panda, Mexican Silver Libertad, Australian Silver Kangaroo and the Kookaburra, Silver Monkey, Zambian Silver Elephant
Silver is minted in coins and bars they usually have a set weight of 1 troy ounce of silver (31.103 grams of 99.9% silver) In the United States Silver lost its role as legal tender when they introduced the silver standard and they continued to use it as a coin until in 1964 the intrinsic value of silver overtook the coins' face value.
The main silver One Ounce coins in circulation today are Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, American Silver Eagle, UK Silver Britannia, Somalian, Chinese Silver Panda, Mexican Silver Libertad, Australian Silver Kangaroo and the Kookaburra, Silver Monkey, Zambian Silver Elephant
Silver Coins have been around for 4,000 years
Silver coins are possibly the oldest mass form of coinage. Silver has been used as a coinage metal since the times of the Greeks. Their silver drachmas were popular trade coins.
Many factors determine the value of a silver coin, such as its rarity, demand, condition and the number originally minted. Silver coins coveted by collectors include the Denarius and Miliarense.
Other than collector's silver coins, silver bullion coins are popular among people who desire a "hedge" against currency inflation or store of value. Silver has an international currency symbol of XAG under ISO 4217.
Before 1797, British pennies used to be made out of silver while the ancient Persians used silver coins between 612-33...
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Many factors determine the value of a silver coin, such as its rarity, demand, condition and the number originally minted. Silver coins coveted by collectors include the Denarius and Miliarense.
Other than collector's silver coins, silver bullion coins are popular among people who desire a "hedge" against currency inflation or store of value. Silver has an international currency symbol of XAG under ISO 4217.
Before 1797, British pennies used to be made out of silver while the ancient Persians used silver coins between 612-33...
Read More
The Morgan Silver Dollar
A Collectors Coins
The Morgan Silver Dollars are collected for fun and for investment, they have a monetarily valuable and are steeped in history
The Morgan Dollar is a silver United States dollar coin. The dollars were minted from 1878 to 1904 and again for one more year in 1921. The Morgan Dollar is named after its designer, George T. Morgan, who designed the obverse and reverse of the coin. Morgan's monogram appears near Lady Liberty's neck on the obverse. The dollar was authorized by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878. It has a fineness of .900, giving a total silver content of 0.77344 troy ounces (24.057 grams) per coin.
The Morgan Silver Dollars are collected for fun and for investment, they have a monetarily valuable and are steeped in history
The Morgan Dollar is a silver United States dollar coin. The dollars were minted from 1878 to 1904 and again for one more year in 1921. The Morgan Dollar is named after its designer, George T. Morgan, who designed the obverse and reverse of the coin. Morgan's monogram appears near Lady Liberty's neck on the obverse. The dollar was authorized by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878. It has a fineness of .900, giving a total silver content of 0.77344 troy ounces (24.057 grams) per coin.
What is Junk Silver
Junk silver is an informal term used in the United States and Canada for any silver coin which is in only fair condition and has no collectible value above the bullion value of the silver it contains. Such coins are popular amongst those seeking to invest in silver, particularly in small amounts. The word "junk" refers only to the value of the coins as a numismatic collectible and not to the actual condition of the coins; junk silver is not necessarily scrap silver.
The most commonly collected U.S. junk silver pieces are Mercury and Roosevelt dimes, Washington quarters, and Franklin and Kennedy half dollars, minted in or before 1964. These coins have a 90% silver composition ("coin silver"), and when minted contained 0.7234 troy ounces of silver per dollar of face value. In practice, the content is usually assumed to be 0.715 ounces because of wear. Less common as junk silver are Kennedy half dollars from 1965 to 1970, which contained 40% silver. Peace Dollars may also be collected for their silver value, but are also less common.
Canadian dimes and quarters contained 80% silver (0.600 troy ounces per dollar of face value) until 1966. In 1967, they were minted in both 80% and 50% varieties. In 1968 they either contained 50% silver, or none at all (Cupro-Nickel). Dollars and half dollars were minted in 80% silver until 1967.
Junk silver coins may be a desirable method of investing in silver for several reasons:
;Low premiums: Junk silver can often be purchased for little or no premium over the spot price of silver, particularly during periods of economic stability.
;Legal tender: Junk U.S. and Canadian coins remain legal tender, and maintain their face value regardless of the price of silver.
;Recognition: Though not as common as they once were, junk silver coins are still somewhat well-known, and may be less likely to have their value disputed than silver bars or rounds.
;Divisibility: Junk silver coins can be easily spent or traded in small amounts; as of March 2008, the silver in a U.S. silver dime was worth less than US$1.50. In contrast, silver bullion coins and bars are rarely smaller than one ounce, while gold and other precious metals are highly valued in even minuscule amounts.
For some of these reasons, junk silver is popular among survivalists. In the event of a crisis or catastrophe during which traditional currency collapses, it is speculated that silver coins could provide a viable alternative, temporarily or indefinitely, while fiat currency, which is not backed by precious metals or other commodities, has no inherent value and can be subject to extreme inflation, even hyperinflation, similar to Weimar Germany and, more recently, Zimbabwe. Proponents of junk silver and other precious metals adhere to the principle that while fiat currencies have historically always been subject to hyperinflation, precious metals will always have inherent value and can act as a medium of financial exchange when fiat instruments of payment are obsolete.
The most commonly collected U.S. junk silver pieces are Mercury and Roosevelt dimes, Washington quarters, and Franklin and Kennedy half dollars, minted in or before 1964. These coins have a 90% silver composition ("coin silver"), and when minted contained 0.7234 troy ounces of silver per dollar of face value. In practice, the content is usually assumed to be 0.715 ounces because of wear. Less common as junk silver are Kennedy half dollars from 1965 to 1970, which contained 40% silver. Peace Dollars may also be collected for their silver value, but are also less common.
Canadian dimes and quarters contained 80% silver (0.600 troy ounces per dollar of face value) until 1966. In 1967, they were minted in both 80% and 50% varieties. In 1968 they either contained 50% silver, or none at all (Cupro-Nickel). Dollars and half dollars were minted in 80% silver until 1967.
Junk silver coins may be a desirable method of investing in silver for several reasons:
;Low premiums: Junk silver can often be purchased for little or no premium over the spot price of silver, particularly during periods of economic stability.
;Legal tender: Junk U.S. and Canadian coins remain legal tender, and maintain their face value regardless of the price of silver.
;Recognition: Though not as common as they once were, junk silver coins are still somewhat well-known, and may be less likely to have their value disputed than silver bars or rounds.
;Divisibility: Junk silver coins can be easily spent or traded in small amounts; as of March 2008, the silver in a U.S. silver dime was worth less than US$1.50. In contrast, silver bullion coins and bars are rarely smaller than one ounce, while gold and other precious metals are highly valued in even minuscule amounts.
For some of these reasons, junk silver is popular among survivalists. In the event of a crisis or catastrophe during which traditional currency collapses, it is speculated that silver coins could provide a viable alternative, temporarily or indefinitely, while fiat currency, which is not backed by precious metals or other commodities, has no inherent value and can be subject to extreme inflation, even hyperinflation, similar to Weimar Germany and, more recently, Zimbabwe. Proponents of junk silver and other precious metals adhere to the principle that while fiat currencies have historically always been subject to hyperinflation, precious metals will always have inherent value and can act as a medium of financial exchange when fiat instruments of payment are obsolete.
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