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Gold prices have been on a tear in recent months, with the precious metal reaching new all-time highs amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The price of gold has surged by over 10% this year, with investors piling into safe-haven assets as global risks continue to mount. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the factors driving the rally in gold prices and what it could mean for investors

Economic Factors and Geopolitical Risk Fuel Gold Rally

The federal reserve has increased interest rates to the highest levels in many years during 2023. The recent increase in gold price is related to geopolitical un-certainty created due to the Israeli Middle East War, anticipation that the Federal Reserve Bank has reached the top of the current rate hiking cycle and a recent selloff in value of the USD relative to a basket of G7 currencies.

In addition, the US government has been adding $1trillion to the deficit every 100 days. This is the fastest rate of expansion of United States government debt levels ever. The government is spending ~$870billion per year in interest payments to sustain these enormous debt levels.  Inflationary forces are still driving prices higher for businesses and citizens.  All these factors are helping gold prices rise.

Gold’s unique feature as a store of value and protection against USD currency debasement is beginning to shine.

Expectations of the first interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve Bank have been pushed out to the middle 2024. Recent inflation measures have remained somewhat elevated and not falling as quickly as they expected.

Within the investment community expectations of the first interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve Bank have been moved up to earlier in the year to March 2024 from June 2024 with 80% probability by various investment bank research departments.  This is due to recent inflation measures seen to be improving further confirm the interest rate hikes have been effective in cooling inflation.

How Can I Take Advantage of Record Gold Prices?

The post Gold Prices Reach New Heights appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

Precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, and palladium are turning out to be invaluable allies in our journey toward clean energy. From efficient electricity transmission to emission reduction and hydrogen purification, these metals are at the forefront of innovative technologies, shaping the landscape of renewable energy and as we work toward a more sustainable future.

Gold: The High-Tech Conductor

While known for its aesthetics and monetary value, is perhaps lesser known that gold has a pivotal role in the realm of clean energy, specifically in the electronics of renewable energy systems. Its impressive conductivity makes it ideal for efficient energy transmission, particularly in photovoltaic solar cells. The thin gold film in these cells facilitates the efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity, an innovation that’s helping to power our increasingly green world. As our dependency on renewable energy sources grows, gold’s importance in these systems is poised to rise. Researchers are also exploring its potential in other cutting-edge areas, like quantum computing, which could revolutionize the way we process and store renewable energy data.

Silver: The Solar Energy Stalwart

Silver currently has the largest presence and use cases in the solar industry, thanks to its superior electrical and thermal conductivity. It forms the backbone of photovoltaic solar cells, where it is used in the form of a paste that forms the cell’s conductive layers. This silver paste plays a key role in the cell’s ability to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. Currently, around 10% of the global silver supply is dedicated to the solar industry. The race is now on to find ways to use silver more efficiently or enhance its performance, promising a shining future for this precious metal in clean energy.

Platinum: The Fuel Cell Catalyst

The power of platinum in the clean energy industry lies in its role as a catalyst in fuel cells, especially those powering hydrogen cars. Fuel cells work by facilitating a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and platinum’s unique properties help speed up this reaction to produce electricity, heat, and water – the only byproduct. While the high cost of platinum presents a challenge, ongoing research is aimed at minimizing the amount needed in these cells. Future applications may extend to large-scale energy systems, like stationary power plants, further expanding platinum’s footprint in clean energy.

Rhodium: The Emission Combatant

Though it’s one of the rarest metals on earth, rhodium has a significant impact on clean energy. Its main role is in automotive catalytic converters, where it helps to reduce harmful emissions by converting them into less harmful substances. As emissions regulations become stricter and hybrid vehicles more common, the demand for rhodium is expected to surge.

In the future, scientists could harness rhodium’s catalytic properties for other applications, such as converting CO2 back into fuel, providing an interesting bridge between fossil fuels and a clean energy future.

Palladium: The Hydrogen Purifier

Palladium may be best known for its role in jewelry, but it’s also making waves in clean energy, primarily through hydrogen purification. This precious metal has the unique ability to absorb a large volume of hydrogen, which can then be easily released, making it an excellent choice for extracting pure hydrogen for use in fuel cells. As the world increasingly turns to hydrogen as a clean energy source, the role of palladium is expected to grow. Additionally, its potential in advanced battery technology could further cement its place in our clean energy future.

What the Future of Clean Energy & Precious Metals Has in Store

As we continue to advance into the clean energy revolution, it’s clear that our path toward sustainability is shining with precious metals. Gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, and palladium have assumed new significance in their unique roles within the clean energy industry. Their contributions range from efficient energy transmission to reducing harmful emissions and advancing hydrogen-based technologies. The future of these metals is not only glistening but also green, promising to play an increasingly central role in our journey towards a sustainable and clean energy-driven world.

While challenges in cost and efficiency persist, the innovative applications of these precious resources underscore their invaluable contribution to a green, sustainable future.

The post Precious Metals and the Future of Clean Energy appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

The LBMA sets standards for the makeup (purity and weight) for gold bars. A “standard” gold bar weighs approximately 400 troy ounces and has a minimum fineness of 995 parts per 1,000 pure gold (99.5% purity).

Understanding the LBMA Standard

Gold Bar Weight Specifications

The LBMA defines the standard weight of a gold bar within a range of 350 to 430 fine ounces, approximately 10.9 to 13.4 kilograms. Most bars align closely to 400 ounces. This range accounts for the slight variations that may occur during the casting or minting process, allowing for both practicality in manufacturing and consistency in trading.

Purity Requirements

To be classified as an LBMA Good Delivery bar, a gold bar must meet a minimum fineness of 995 parts per thousand, or 99.5% purity. This stringent purity requirement ensures that the bars are of high quality and that the gold content is almost entirely pure, with only a minimal presence of other metals or impurities.

Standard Gold Bar Appearance and Markings

The LBMA standard also stipulates specific requirements for the appearance and markings of gold bars. The bars must be free from surface cavities, irregularities, and excessive shrinkage, and they should be convenient to handle and stack.
Mandatory markings include the serial number, assay stamp of an acceptable refiner, fineness, and the year of manufacture. These markings must be stamped on the larger surface of the bar and serve as crucial indicators of the bar’s authenticity and compliance with the standards.

Evolution of Gold Bar Standards Over Time

Gold standards have a rich history that predates the LBMA. Since ancient times, gold has been used as a form of currency and stored value. The establishment of formal standards in the modern era, such as the Bretton Woods system in the mid-20th century, shaped the way gold was traded and valued. The LBMA’s standards represent a culmination of centuries of evolution, reflecting both historical practices and contemporary market needs.

Variations in Gold Bar Sizes

Good Delivery Bars

“Good Delivery Bars” as defined by the LBMA represent the benchmark in gold trading. These bars fall within a specific weight range, with a minimum gold content of 350 fine ounces (approximately 10.9 kilograms) and a maximum gold content of 430 fine ounces (approximately 13.4 kilograms). The gross weight must be expressed in multiples of 0.025 ounces troy, rounded down to the nearest 0.025. Adhering to the LBMA’s Good Delivery specifications ensures that these bars are accepted and traded seamlessly across international markets.

Kilobars, Tola Bars, and Others

Gold bars also come in various sizes to cater to different regional preferences and investment needs. Kilobars, weighing precisely 1 kilogram, are particularly prevalent in Asian markets.

Tola Bars, weighing 10 tolas (3.75 ounces or 116.64 grams), are commonly traded in India. These sizes often correspond to cultural traditions or specific trading practices within those regions.

The availability of gold bars in different sizes such as Kilobars and Tola Bars plays a vital role in making gold investment accessible to a broader range of investors. Smaller bars offer a more affordable entry point, allowing individual investors to partake in gold ownership. This diversification in size helps democratize gold investment, making it an option not just for large institutions but also for individuals and smaller businesses.

Custom Gold Bar Sizes

Beyond standard and region-specific sizes, custom gold bars are also available for those with unique requirements. Some private mints and refineries offer custom-sized bars, which can range widely in weight and dimensions. These are tailored to specific needs, whether for unique investment strategies, commemorative purposes, or specialized industrial applications.

Custom-sized gold bars offer flexibility but come with specific considerations. Their unique size may make them less liquid in standard markets, potentially affecting resale value. Additionally, custom sizes might require more stringent verification of authenticity and purity. However, they can serve unique purposes, such as creating exclusive collectors’ items or fulfilling specific industrial needs, where standard sizes may not be appropriate.

Gold Bar Casting and Minting Processes

Production of gold bars in various sizes requires meticulous precision and technique. Two primary methods are employed: casting and minting.

Casting is typically used for creating larger gold bars. In this process, molten gold is poured into pre-shaped molds and allowed to cool and solidify. The molds are designed to the exact dimensions required for the specific bar size, whether it be the standard LBMA size or a custom one.

Minting, on the other hand, is generally used for smaller gold bars and coins. It involves cutting gold blanks from rolled gold sheets and then striking them with dies to imprint designs and markings. The precise engineering of the dies ensures that each piece conforms to the required size and weight.

Both casting and minting require expert craftsmanship, rigorous quality control, and attention to detail to ensure that each gold bar meets the necessary specifications.

Over the years, technological advancements have significantly enhanced the gold bar manufacturing process. Modern machinery has introduced greater automation, allowing for increased efficiency and consistency in producing gold bars of various sizes. Innovations in casting technology, such as vacuum casting, have improved the quality of the cast bars, reducing imperfections and enhancing purity.

Advanced assay techniques, employing methods like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), have made purity verification more accurate and rapid. These technological improvements not only increase production capacity but also elevate the quality and reliability of gold bars.

Famous Gold Bars and Finds

Gold bars have played a remarkable role throughout history, often becoming symbols of wealth, power, and discovery. Some bars are notable for their unique characteristics, while others are renowned for their historical significance. Here, we will explore a few examples that have captured the imagination and shed light on the fascinating world of gold.

Notable examples of unique or historically significant gold bars:

The Hand of Faith

Discovered by a hobbyist prospector in Australia in 1980, the Hand of Faith is one of the most famous gold nuggets rather than a refined gold bar. Weighing an astounding 27.2 kilograms, its unique, hand-like shape makes it a marvel among gold finds.

The SS Central America’s Gold Bars

The SS Central America, a steamship that sank in 1857, carried an extraordinary treasure, including thousands of gold bars and coins minted during the California Gold Rush. In 1988, the shipwreck was discovered, and the gold was salvaged in an underwater excavation. These gold bars became a tangible connection to a defining era in American history and offered insights into the practices and standards of mid-19th-century gold assaying and minting.

Nazi Gold Bars

During World War II, the Nazis amassed vast quantities of looted gold, including uniquely stamped bars. Some of these gold bars have been discovered in odd places, including a lake in Austria, where they were hidden towards the end of the war.

Royal Canadian Mint’s Million-Dollar Coin

While not a bar, this unique creation deserves mention for its sheer size and artistry. In 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint produced a 100-kilogram gold coin with a purity of 99.999%, setting a Guinness World Record. It was initially conceived as a unique showpiece but was later offered for sale to investors and collectors. Its combination of craftsmanship and sheer value places it among the most remarkable gold objects ever created.

The post Standard Gold Bar Sizes & Weight: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

Unique Geological Settings Where Gold Can Be Found

Glacial Deposits

During the last Ice Age, glaciers transported gold-bearing rocks and deposited them in various areas. These deposits are often overlooked because the gold is scattered throughout the sediment, making it difficult to extract. However, some prospectors have had success by panning in glacial streams and rivers in Alaska, Canada, and other regions that were once covered by glaciers.

Desert Drywash

In desert regions, gold can be found in dry stream beds where water once flowed. This type of gold prospecting is called drywashing, and it involves using a drywasher to separate gold from the sand and gravel. The deserts of the southwestern United States and Australia are popular areas for drywashing.

Volcanic Deposits

Gold can also be found in volcanic deposits, which are often overlooked because they are not as well-known as other types of deposits. Volcanic deposits can be found in areas where there has been volcanic activity, such as in the Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of South America.

Seafloor Deposits

There are also gold deposits on the seafloor, which are currently being explored and mined by a few companies. These deposits are found in areas where hydrothermal vents are present, which can produce high concentrations of gold and other metals. Seafloor mining is still in its infancy and is currently being developed in places like the coast of Papua New Guinea and in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Africa.

Surprising Countries and Regions Where Gold Can Be Found

Omai, Guyana

Omai is a gold mine located in the interior of Guyana, a small country in South America. The mine is one of the largest gold producers in the country and has been in operation since 1992.

Kolar Gold Fields, India

Kolar Gold Fields is a gold mining region in the state of Karnataka in southern India. The mines were active from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century, and produced over 900 tons of gold in total.

Pilbara, Australia

The Pilbara region in Western Australia is best known for its vast iron ore deposits, but there are also gold deposits in the region. In recent years, a number of small-scale gold mining operations have started up in the Pilbara.

Lake Victoria Goldfields, Tanzania

The Lake Victoria Goldfields is a region in Tanzania that is home to several large gold mines, including the Bulyanhulu, North Mara, and Geita mines. The region is known for its high-grade gold deposits and has been a major gold producer since the early 2000s.

Yukon Territory, Canada

The Yukon Territory is a sparsely populated region in northern Canada that is known for its rugged wilderness and rich mineral deposits. Gold mining has a long history in the Yukon, and there are still active gold mines in the region today.

Sado Island, Japan

Sado Island is an island in the Sea of Japan that has a long history of gold mining. The island was a major source of gold during the Edo period in Japan, and there are still active gold mines on the island today.

Chukotka, Russia

Chukotka is a remote region in northeastern Russia that is home to several large gold mines. The region is known for its harsh climate and difficult operating conditions, but it is also one of the most important gold-producing regions in Russia

The post Unique and Overlooked Places Where Gold Can be Found appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

Muruntau Mine

Location: Qizilqum Desert, Uzbekistan

Estimated Annual Production: 2 million ounces

The Muruntau gold mine is currently the largest open-pit gold mine in the world, measuring a whopping 3.5 by 2.5km on the surface and extending as far as 600m deep.

Not only is the mine itself the largest, but it is also believed to sit on top of the world’s most vast gold deposit. Scientists believe this location has so much gold due to a “perfect storm” of geological events that occurred over millions of years. These events included fluctuations in fault lines, the rise of mountains, and even the demise of an ocean that once existed in what’s now the Qizilqum desert. The mine is currently estimated to yield roughly 2 million of ounces of gold per year.

Carlin Trend

Location: Nevada, United States

Estimated Annual Production: 1.6 million ounces

The Carlin Trend isn’t just one gold mine, but rather a string of both open-pit and underground mines that extend along a stretch of Nevada’s landscape roughly 60km long and 8km wide. Gold was first discovered here in the 1870s, but in very small quantities. During the 1960s, the Newmont Mining Corporation discovered a large deposit and significant exploratory and extraction endeavors have since been put in place. At present, the Carlin Trend is the United States’ most lucrative gold mining location with more than 80% of the country’s gold coming from this special stretch of land.

Olimpiada Mine

Location: Severo-Yeniseysky, Russia

Estimated Annual Production: 1.2 million ounces

The Olimpiada Mine located within Russia’s Severo-Yeniseysky district is currently the third-largest gold mine in the world based on production volume. It’s owned and operated by Polyus, Russia’s largest gold producer. The company employs conventional shovel-and-truck open-pit methods to harvest the ore, and then uses proprietary bio-oxidation technology to treat the ore on-site. At present, the location is estimated to contain over 21 million ounces of gold.

Pueblo Viejo

Location: Sánchez Ramírez Province, Dominican Republic

Estimated Annual Production: 903 thousand ounces

This open-pit gold mine in north-central Dominican Republic is the largest gold mine in Latin America. There are two main sources of gold found within oxide deposits on the site, called Monte Negro and Moore, in addition to several smaller deposits. The mine, which is operated as a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Newmont Goldcorp, is currently going through an expansion initiative. It’s believed to sit on top of at least 6.55 million ounces of gold reserves and is expected to produce through 2040.

Grasberg Mine

Location: Papua, Indonesia

Estimated Annual Production: 848 thousand ounces

The Grasberg mine is an interesting operation considering that it not only sits on one of the largest gold reserves in the world, but also one of the largest copper reserves. It’s located in a remote and mountainous area of Central Papua in Indonesia. The discovery of deposits here was somewhat accidental, first observed in 1936 when Dutch geologist Jean Jacques Dozy witnessed a unique rock formation while attempting to scale Puncak Jaya mountain. Given the site’s remote location, significant foreign investment was needed to begin any sort of formal mining operation, and it took decades for the world to act on the site’s potential. Initial mining operations finally began in 1963, with open-pit efforts beginning in 1990. Today, Grasberg now consists of one large open-pit mine and 4 underground mines. It’s estimated that the gold reserves beneath the site are worth around $40 billion.

The post 5 Largest Gold Mines in the World appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

First, we need to define what a hallmark is, and the purity indicators associated with both the millesimal fineness scale and the karat system.

A hallmark is an official stamp commonly imprinted on precious metals that is meant to indicate composition and purity. If it’s put there by a trustworthy source, it can sometimes be the easiest indicator for determining whether an object is gold. However, hallmarks can be fake, so they are not always a foolproof indicator.

The millesimal fineness scale measures the purity of gold in parts per 1000. As an example, a hallmark showing a millesimal fineness of 850 would mean that the makeup of an object is 850 parts of pure gold out of 1000.

The karat is a unit of measurement under a different system, which denotes how much gold is in an object relative to other metals in its composition. Common examples of valid purity numbers under the karat system include 24k, 18k, 14k, and 10k. One karat is equal to 1/24 part of pure gold in an alloy. For example, an 18k, or 18/24 gold item is made up of 75% gold, with the additional 25% containing other metals.

Methods for Testing if an Object is Gold

Check for a Hallmark

As we mentioned previously, finding a hallmark on a gold object or piece of jewelry is often the easiest method to confirm whether it’s authentic. On a ring, the hallmark is usually found on the inner band. Necklaces and bracelets often have hallmarks near their clasps. Gold bullion and jewelry crafted in America usually have hallmarks using the karat system, while European gold more commonly uses the millesimal fineness scale.

Remember, a hallmark (or lack thereof) is not definitive proof that an object is real gold. It’s also worth noting that if you have a gold object with a hallmark below 10k, or .417 on the fineness scale (41.7% purity), it’s considered to be fake.

Finally, hallmarks can also be used to determine whether an item is gold plated. All of the following marks indicate some form of gold plating:

• GP (Gold Plated)
• GF (Gold Filled)
• GE (Gold Electroplated)
• GEP (Gold Electro Plated)
• HGP (Heavy Gold Plated)
• HEG (Heavy Gold Electroplated)

The Water Test

One of the simplest tests that can be conducted to determine if your gold is real is to drop it in a bowl of water. Gold is a heavy metal, so if the object has a high purity level, it should sink to the bottom with ease. If it floats, it’s probably fake.

However, just because a golden-colored object sinks does not necessarily mean it’s real gold. Other metals within its composition could also cause the object to sink, so we recommend conducting some of the other tests below.

The Magnet Test

Gold is not a magnetic metal. If you have a magnet handy and you bring it near a golden-colored object, you shouldn’t see any attraction if it has a high level of purity. However, this too doesn’t necessarily confirm an object is pure gold. Jewelry is often made with a mix of silver, which is also not magnetic. If you do see an attraction, your object might be gold plated or contain a fair portion of iron or nickel.

The Skin Test

If you’ve been wearing a piece of jewelry for days, weeks or months at a time, try taking it off and looking at your skin. If you notice any discoloration, the object you’ve been wearing is likely not pure gold. Colors like green or blue can indicate oxidation, which is common with metals like copper. Pure gold does not oxidize from normal wear, so it’s fair to say if you’ve been wearing jewelry at length and notice no color on your skin, it’s likely on the pure side.

The Ceramic Test

Another simple test that can be conducted involves the use of ceramic. Find a piece of unglazed ceramic around your home and try gently scraping your gold on its surface.

If your gold is real, you’ll likely notice small flakes or scrapes that are golden in color on the ceramic. If you see the color black on the ceramic, your gold is likely not real.

The Nitric Acid Test

The nitric acid test is a relatively foolproof method to determine if your gold is real. This test involves making a small scratch on your gold (try to find an area that is not normally visible), using a nail file or black stone. The goal is to scratch just enough below the surface layer of your gold and then place a small drop of nitric acid where the scratch has been made. If you don’t notice a reaction, it’s safe to say the object is real gold. If other metal alloys are present or if the object is gold plated, you will see the colors green and/or milky white emerge.

Nitric acid testing kits are easily purchased online, but it’s important to remember that nitric acid can be a dangerous chemical. The right precautions should be taken when conducting an acid test. It’s flammable and can irritate the eyes and skin. It’s important to wear both goggles and gloves and keep your distance from heat or anything flammable. Conduct this test in a well-ventilated area.

The Vinegar Test

Another form of acid test, using vinegar on gold is a simple, safe, and cost-effective method to test if it’s real. It also doesn’t require scratching the surface of an object. Using an eye dropper, place a drop of vinegar on an inconspicuous location on your gold. If the spot changes color, the metal is not real gold.

Do you have gold scrap you’d like to sell?

You can ship your lot to Manhattan Gold & Silver. We can assay, weigh, and pay you for gold at a fair price based on the current London market fixing.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss selling precious metals, get in touch with us today by phone or using our online contact form.

The post Is it Really Gold? How to Tell if Gold is Real appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

To determine the exact precious metal content, the gold dental crown would need to be assayed.

This test should be performed by a reputable precious metal refinery (check its Google Business Profile for reviews, as well as Better Business Bureau before you go).

After the exact amount of precious metal content is known, the value is calculated based on the spot price of gold or the other precious metals it may contain.

Precious metal prices are fixed daily by the London Bullion Market Association and the London Platinum and Palladium Market.

When Does a Dental Crown Typically Get Replaced

The best time to sell a gold dental crown is, of course, when it needs to be replaced, based on dentist recommendations.

Generally speaking, dental crowns may last five to 15 years, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, it depends on the amount of wear and tear.

Some behaviors can shorten the life of a dental crown, including:

• Teeth grinding
• Ice chewing
• Nail biting
• Using your teeth as a tool for opening things

Dental patients may ask to keep their gold dental crown after extraction. Others may not. Individuals or dental offices may choose to bring their extracted gold dental crown into a precious metal refinery to determine its value.

What Is a Gold Dental Crown’s Value?

When teeth get damaged, dentists sometimes recommend a dental crown. It goes onto your tooth like a cap. They’re often used to strengthen a weakened tooth, fix a cracked tooth, or to cover up a root canal, dental implant or discoloration.

Dental crowns can be made of many different materials, including metal (gold, palladium, nickel and chromium), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-resin, all-ceramic or all-porcelain, and pressed ceramic. Out of all of the compositions, metal dental crowns tend to have the greatest longevity, due to their strength and durability. They can withstand all of the biting and chewing we do to break down food on a daily basis for years.

However, due to their metallic color, they’re not always ideal for visual appearance. For that reason, gold dental crowns are often reserved for out-of-sight molars.

In addition to their durability, gold dental crowns also have another advantage. After extraction, they may still be worth something.

How much exactly?

That depends on the material.

What is a Gold Crown Made From?

Dental crowns often contain some amount of precious metal. Based on the name alone, you may think that gold crowns are made of, well, gold. In actuality, they can be made up of a combination of metals, such as copper mixed with nickel or chromium.

The gold dental crown’s value depends on which precious metal it contains — and how much of it.

As a rough gauge, gold crowns may be worth anywhere from $0 to $100, but it can vary widely depending on the content.

 Other Dental Scrap That May Be Valuable

Gold dental crowns aren’t the only dental scrap that could lead to a payout.

Precious metal refineries, such as Manhattan Gold & Silver, often also purchase the following nonhazardous recyclable waste from dental offices:

• Bridges
• Bridgework
• Casting well material
• Clasps
• Clippings
• Dental crowns
• Dental grindings
• Inlays
• Partials
• Porcelain fused metal

Whatever alloys you use in your dental practice, Manhattan Gold & Silver can quickly assess your dental scrap and provide a no-obligation estimate.

If you opt to move forward, the money earned can be invested right back into your practice.

Who knew selling dental scrap could be such a crowning achievement?

The post How Much Are Dental Crowns Worth? appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

The Jewelled Koi of 2022 is the fifth addition to the highly collectible bullion coins in the Perth Mint Masterpieces series. It follows the 2018 Jewelled Phoenix, 2019 Jewelled Dragon, 2020 Jewelled Tiger, and 2021 Jewelled Horse.

Originally priced at $262,800 AUD, the Jewelled Koi was released as a limited run of eight coins in March of 2022. It quickly sold out, making it even more rare and desirable to collectors.

2022 Jewelled Koi Coin Specifications

On the reverse side, this proof-quality Perth Mint bullion coin displays two 3D golden fish, the Chinese character for “koi,” and an inscription in English reading “The Jewelled Koi.”

The obverse of the coin features an effigy of Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the weight and fineness, the monetary denomination, and the year 2022.

• Only 8 coins minted worldwide
• Face value of $2,500 (AUD)
• Measures 61 mm (2.4 inches) across
• Contains 10 oz of 99.99% pure gold bullion
• Includes 78 Argyle pink diamonds
• Includes 80 white diamonds
• Includes 4 golden diamonds
• Total diamond weight of 2.52 carats
• Displayed in a luxury cabinet-style case

A Unique Gold Coin Collection Addition

According to the Perth Mint, the koi is widely regarded as good luck for wealth, marriage, and fertility. Koi have been carefully bred for many years to produce “living jewel” fish stock.

The restricted production of the Jewelled Koi coin is significant to those interested in Chinese culture, as eight is viewed as the luckiest number by many in that country.

Collectors should also note that this coin is pavé-set with pink diamonds from the now-depleted Argyle mine in Western Australia’s Kimberley region.

Each coin is housed in a luxury double-door cabinet case, festooned with diamonds and 18k gold accents, truly making the Jewelled Koi a coin enthusiast’s delight.

The post The Jewelled Koi: Pure Gold Coin Makes a Splash appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

That’s why ensuring you have a diversified portfolio is crucial to the success of your efforts. Finding that balance is one of the reasons gold continues to shine as an investment option.

Keep reading to find out more about gold vs. stocks when it comes to the right investment opportunity for you.

The Value of Portfolio Diversifying

You might have heard how diverting funds away from a stock portfolio that’s making consistent returns is not a good way to maximize your money-making efforts.

But what happens when there are large market fluctuations? For most investors, portfolio diversification is an excellent option for hedging against serious declines in one asset.

Diversifying your investment portfolio with a well-chosen mix of assets can also lead to strong growth year over year.

Gold as an Investment

This is especially true when it comes to choosing gold as an investment. People have been investing in gold for centuries, and the long-term gains are still attractive to many investors.

Gold as a Defensive Asset

Gold has no maturity date or credit risk, which makes it an obvious choice for many investors looking to diversify.

Historically, gold performs well even when interest rates rise. It’s also a broadly chosen option for offsetting foreign exchange risk.

All of this makes gold an appealing defensive asset choice, but it also offers a solid portfolio growth opportunity.

Gold as a Growth Asset

Over the past 20 years, the World Gold Council has calculated that including gold as 2% to 10% of a portfolio boosted risk-adjusted returns over the long term.

According to the World Gold Council, whether you have a conservative, moderate, or aggressive portfolio, holding up to 10% of gold can result in year-over-year growth.

Stocks as an Investment

While typically seen as a higher risk, investing in stocks also comes with the advantage of higher yields when compared with lower-risk options.

Investing in the stock market requires a much more “hands on” approach than adding defensive assets like gold or bonds. You might want to hire a portfolio manager to keep a full-time watch.

Some investors do have great financial victories by buying the right stocks at the right time. But most tend to benefit from a diverse portfolio with a mix of high-risk and low-risk assets.

Defensive Stocks

The safest stock options tend to involve investing in an entire sector, as opposed to a specific industry or company.

Defensive stocks provide stable and consistent earnings via dividends, even when the overall stock market is in a downturn.

A few of the top defensive stock sectors are energy and utilities, healthcare, financial services, and raw materials production.

Growth Stocks

A riskier choice, but often more profitable in less time, growth stocks usually don’t pay dividends. Your earnings would come through capital gains when shares of the stock are sold in the future.

Growth stocks often look expensive due to trading at a high Price/Earnings ratio, but if the company grows rapidly, you could enjoy a large return when the share price is driven up.

Classic examples of top-performing growth stocks over recent years are Netflix, Apple, and Amazon.

Investing in Gold vs. Stocks

When it comes to deciding whether to put your money into gold vs. the stock market, you should consider whether you’re more interested in avoiding risk or making financial power plays.

You can think of investing in precious metals like gold as acquiring “safe haven” assets. Gold will protect your wealth, even in times of political or economic upheaval.

On the other hand, investing in stocks is a better option when it comes to an opportunity to increase your fortune via capital gains and dividends. Just be sure to keep potential risks in mind.

The Bottom Line on Gold vs. the Stock Market

Whether you choose to invest in gold or stocks, it all comes back to making sure your investment portfolio is diverse enough to serve your best monetary interests now and in the future.

Volatility in the stock market can cause even the most experienced investors to feel worried about their stock gains disintegrating on shaky fiscal ground.

Think of a diversified portfolio as an umbrella against the storms of the stock market. Ensuring you have a combination of stocks and gold will help you to avoid steep investment losses.

Adding Gold to Your Investment Portfolio

Thanks to being highly liquid, physical gold is a convenient and flexible way to balance your portfolio.

Simply choose which gold investment option works best for you:

• Gold bullion bars
• Collectible coins
• Gold jewelry
• Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

At Manhattan Gold & Silver, we’re happy to help you get started with adding gold to your investment portfolio. Our certified gold bullion bars offer you a quick and uncomplicated way to add gold to your list of investments today.

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The idea came from British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield, who initially wondered if hidden areas of Egyptian pyramids could be discovered by capturing cosmic rays that pass through empty spaces. The concept is similar to the notion of peeking into a box without actually opening it.

Over time, the idea evolved and Hounsfield ultimately invented a way to see inside a skull to take an image of the brain.

Now, half a century later, CT scans still allow us to capture images of things that would otherwise not be visible from the surface. However, there is one small deficit. Finer details of organisms aren’t always easy to see on CT scans. This makes it difficult for scientists to represent them in a CT analysis.

That all changed recently when scientists coated samples with a thin layer of gold. This process allowed them to digitally capture fine structures like bristles or scales on the body of an organism. As a result, low-contrast structures can be visualized through CT scans.

Using gold for greater visualization isn’t a new process in and of itself. In fact, gold is already used in the process of scanning electron microscopy, which allows researchers to obtain high-resolution images of biological and non-biological specimen.

The traditional process of sample preparation for scanning electron microscopy was coupled with the modern X-ray-based CT scan to make this new application possible.

When the untreated samples were compared with the gold-coated samples, the difference was apparent. The gold made finer details visible that otherwise wouldn’t have been. Additionally, internal anatomical details could still be rebuilt without issue.

The scientists also wanted to show that this approach wasn’t just limited to certain organisms. To prove this, they replicated the process with insects, bird feathers, plants, and spider silk.

This advancement may be utilized in biological science applications, including taxonomy and educational museum projects, reported the EurekAlert!, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. It may also be used for material science or quality control at manufacturing companies.

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