Imagine you’re out walking your dog, and you see something glittering out of the corner of your eye. You initially assume it’s something mundane, but, curious, you investigate. It’s not mundane. Not at all. It’s looks like an ancient ring. You have it evaluated and discover the ring’s history—it’s changed hands from queens to noblewomen,…

Have you ever wondered about the world’s biggest coin? What about the most valuable coin? Well, wonder no more. Here’s a list of the world’s record-breaking coins, from small to large, and everything in between. Smallest Coin The matter of the world’s smallest coin is hotly disputed. Some numismatic experts in India claim that the…

This is the third installment in our series about United States mints. In the mid-nineteenth century in San Francisco, one thing was on everybody’s mind: gold! But the nearest mint to the California Gold Rush was all the way in New Orleans. A mint was badly needed to turn the huge supplies of raw gold…

“Something old and something new, something borrowed and something blue.” It’s a saying referenced in English folklore from as far back as the 1800s. Most of us have heard the familiar rhyme, which brides are supposed to heed on their wedding day. But that’s not the end of the saying. The original version finishes with…

One of the most common ways to make money selling gold or silver is through jewelry. It’s one of those items that accumulates over time. Sometimes, the jewelry goes out of fashion, or an earring gets lost. Whatever your reason for selling, if you want to get the most money for your jewelry, just follow…

Finally. After much delay, the 2014 Mexican Silver Libertads have been released to the public. It’s not just the delay that makes these bullion coins a sensation. Like the gold Libertads, which were released in March, these silver coins typically have a relatively low mintage. The Mexican Mint is notorious for releasing a limited amount…

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…

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…

The United States Mint recently announced that the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 will be commemorated with the release of a brand-new silver dollar. In a 1963 civil rights speech, President John F. Kennedy asked for legislation that would give all Americans the right to be served in…

The most talked-about coin of 2013 isn’t made of metal, produced by a mint, or accepted in vending machines (yet). This year may be remembered as the year of the bitcoin. And while the bitcoin has captured headlines and imaginations worldwide, don’t count out the humble metal coin just yet—unless it’s the Canadian one-cent piece….