GOLD 00.00 1.20 0.00%
SILVER 00.00 1.20 0.00%

Metal Market Report August 2024 - Week 4 Edition

August 2024 - Week 4 Edition

The Fed’s New Commitment to Rate Cuts Fuels More Gold ETF Buying

On Friday, August 23, at the central bankers’ retreat in Jackson Hole, Wyo., Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell uttered the eight words the world has been waiting for: “The time has come for policy to adjust.” He continued, stating that “The direction of travel is clear,” adding “the cooling in labor market conditions” was “unmistakable.” To be clear, the Chairman is saying that, without doubt, he would cut interest rates in September.

Wall Street responded by pouring even more money into gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs), after first surging into gold ETFs in July. As of last week, holdings in the SPDR Gold Shares, one of the leading gold ETFs, rose for eight straight weeks, since July 1st, the longest run since mid-2020, amid COVID fears. Even before Powell spoke, Citigroup said it sees inflows into gold ETFs expanding “significantly” over the next six to 12 months, predicting that gold could reach $3,000 by mid-2025, up another 20% from its $2,500 price before Powell spoke.

We Always Look For Especially Beautiful Coins To Help Our Clients’ Collections

All coins are not created equal – at least not in looks. We are always on the lookout for special coins due to their apparent coloration, or toning, also referred to by non-numismatists as tarnish. Original, beautifully toned coins exhibiting various vibrant colors are treasured by most collectors in all series. Toning is also considered a positive factor by graders at the leading professional grading services. Coins can become toned in several ways, such as when they come into contact with gases or materials when stored and become oxidized. Oxidation occurs when coins chemically react with oxygen, sulfur and other elements.

Often the most beautifully toned coins are silver coins, due to their lighter original “canvas” on which the colors appear, although gold, copper and nickel coins have been known to exhibit attractive toning. Silver toning shapes and patterns are determined by a number of factors.

Some Morgan dollars that spent time in original U.S. Mint canvas bags that contained sulfur developed silver sulfide textile toning patterns from resting against the bag. Some exhibited spectacular sunset colors, including vibrant reds, pinks, golds and blues. Some Morgans toned completely on one side and not the other, while others had crescent-shaped toning owing to another coin or two resting partially against the toned Morgan. Attractive obverse-toned coins, sometimes referred to as “monster-toned coins” including Morgans, are typically worth more than coins where the toning is only on the reverse side. Peace dollars are rarely found with similar attractive toning. This is a bit of a numismatic mystery.

Some coins, including Morgan dollars, were attractively toned due to being the end coin in a 20-coin paper roll used to store them. Others toned from being part of gift cards distributed by banks in the 1950s and 1960s. Many coins developed toning from being stored in various collector albums, often toning around the periphery that was nearest the cardboard. Coins stored in cardboard 2x2 holders could tone similarly but beware of black lines on coins stored in these 2x2 holders, often caused by owners wrapping multiple coins with a sulfur-laden rubber band. U.S. Commemorative silver half-dollars, many of which were sold in the 1930s, were distributed in cardboard holders with 3-, 5- or 6-coin slots that included a paper strip/tab designed to secure the coins. Obverse and reverse areas not touching the strip or holder were often toned, sometimes exhibiting spectacular sunset colors. Additionally, beautiful coloration and toning can sometimes be found on 1940s and 1950s coins that were removed from U.S. Mint sets utilizing cardboard and paper packaging as holders. Collectors prefer toned coins with light to medium (not dark) toning with luster shining through, although some peripheral rim darkness is acceptable. The side of the coin touching the paper backing typically was toned across its entire surface.

When buying toned coins, be sure that you only buy coins certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC). Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous “coin doctors” out there, who artificially tone (AT) coins and thereby prey on unsuspecting collectors. Buying coins certified by one of the leading grading services greatly reduces the risk of buying an “AT” coin.

When we buy a toned coin for our customers, we make sure that it is attractive for the numerical grade assigned to it, and that the toning is authentic and consistent with other similar coins we have seen. We do not recommend paying large premiums for “monster-toned” coins but paying a modest premium is often appropriate. For more information on toned coins, reach out to our professional representatives as they are available to assist you with these coveted rarities. Please call us today!

Gold’s Continued Rise Keeps It A Solid Investment Buy

Gold reached another all-time high on Monday, August 26, trading above $2,520. Silver also rose popping back above $30 per ounce for the first time since July 17, as the U.S. dollar has fallen over 5% so far in July and August, boosting gold by nearly 10% in the last two months.  In the futures market, the December 2024 gold contract rose $44 on Monday to trade at $2,552.70.