This is the first in a series of articles about the United States mints. It’s 1776 and the ink is still drying on the U.S. Constitution. One of our Founding Fathers’ first actions was to create a continental currency, thinking that it would ease trade and unify the emerging country. A dream team of Benjamin…

In 1896, the United States Treasury produced silver certificates. Many believe these notes to be the most beautiful paper currency in U.S. history. These certificates debuted to the delight of art lovers and numismatists alike. Commonly dubbed educational currency, these notes were short-lived. Battles between artists — and between puritanical and artistic ideals — were…

One of the world’s oldest coins was recently sold in Germany. The price? Over $380,000. Issued between 600 and 625 B.C., this coin is unique because of the stamp of Phanes. The exact identity of Phanes remains unknown. And perhaps it’s the not knowing that makes this ancient coin so valuable. “I am the badge…

Who can forget that day in February when Seattle won Super Bowl XLVIII? Not only did the Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos, they beat them in a landslide. While many were confident in their victory, no one guessed they’d win 43-8. An incredible win deserves an incredible Super Bowl championship ring. And an incredible ring…

The most wonderful thing about vintage jewelry is not the timeless style and gorgeous design. When you look at those dazzling pieces of vintage gemstones and precious metals, you can imagine the changing world the piece has lived through. Each piece of antique jewelry has a past and a story all its own. Did that…

Only one man has ever been brave enough to try and rob Fort Knox. His name was Goldfinger, and — SPOILER ALERT — James Bond got him in the end. As most people know, Fort Knox is basically impossible to break into, but that didn’t stop Goldfinger from trying. In the Bond movie, Goldfinger’s plan…

Europe was mired in the middle of World War I. Germany was spreading rumors that Britain couldn’t back their currency. These rumors triggered turmoil in India, a British colony at the time. Whether it was true or not was not important. People panicked. Only bold action from the United States could protect one of its…

The financial sector has never been known for its transparency or forthrightness. In fact, it’s probably the single most mysterious industry there is. Bullion banking is so shrouded in secrecy that even most bankers don’t understand it. Recently, bullion bankers have come under fire for allegedly dishonestly fixing gold and silver prices. Whether or not…

Rejoice! Spring is officially here. With the warmer weather and longer days comes another exciting springtime ritual, spring fashion! And we have a list of the hottest jewelry trends you need to know to look your absolute best. From yellow gold to Native American–inspired designs, heirloom jewelry is all the rage this year, and you…

Upon reading a newspaper account of his demise, Mark Twain wrote to the New York Journal, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” Much the same could be said about last year’s reports of the “end of the gold era,” which seem to have been way off the mark in light of the recent…

With the start of the Winter Olympics, the whole world has turned its eyes toward Sochi, Russia — and everyone is dreaming of gold. Here are some details about the tradition of awarding medals in Olympic history, as well as the lowdown on the gold, silver and bronze medals at this year’s Olympic Games in…