Silver Investment News

“Waitangi” Proof Set 1935 Crown to Threepence

2012-01-29T02:49:00.000-08:00

New Zealand Pre-Decimal Coins Proof Set

George V (1911-1936),

Silver 50% - Crown, Half Crown, Florin, Shilling, Sixpence and Threepence

“Waitangi” Proof Set 1935, Crown through to Threepence ( Ref KM PS-3).

A lovely set in perfect mint state, rare.

Current Value of between $6000-$8000 Au$

New Zealand Numismatics: “Waitangi” Proof Set 1935 Crown to Threepence

David Morgan interviewed by Cambridge House Live - Discussing Silver

2012-01-29T02:04:00.000-08:00

DAVID MORGAN DISCUSSING SILVER & GOLD CURRENCY AND MINERS

David Morgan predicts the U.S. has another 2 or 3 years before the currency collapses. He also stakes out his predictions on where gold and silver are headed in the next year.

Ron Paul & Maloney Hit It Out Of The Park - Gold, Silver & Debt Based Monetary System

2012-01-29T01:56:00.000-08:00

During Mike Maloney's recent appearance on RT he was given the chance to state where he thinks the economy is going and why. Specifically Discussing Gold and its future price.

Be sure to subscribe to Mike's weekly newsletter at GoldSilver.com, and check out Capital Account with Lauren Lyster

Uniform Coinage of India - Sterling Silver Coins

2012-01-28T23:39:00.000-08:00

Prior to 1835 A.D., the East India Company issued coins in Bengal Presidency, Bombay Presidency and Madras Presidency. These coins were circulated in local area for use in the local trade.

For any particular value, the coins circulated in different areas of India were of different weight, fineness and size. In order to remove this chaotic condition, East India Company decided to introduce a uniform coinage in the territories of the company.

All the details of the new coinage were laid down by Act XVIII of 1835. As per this act the weight of the rupee coin was standardized at 180 grains troy (1 Tola) and its fineness at 11/12 (i.e. 165 grains of pure silver and 15 grains of alloy). The rupee coin would bear the effigy of the then king of United Kingdom.

Standard Silver Rupee:

Specifications

Weight- 180 grains

Metal composition- 165 grains of pure silver and 15 grains of alloy

Diameter – 1.3”

Shape - Circular

Edge – milled

Obv - effigy of the then king or queen of United Kingdom

Rev – Value of the coin - LOTS!

Uniform Coinage of India - Sterling Silver Coins

Victoria "Gothic" Florin 1853 - Sterling Silver Great Britain Coin

2012-01-28T22:57:00.000-08:00

The Magnificent "Gothic" Design

The Gothic design was first used on the beautiful gothic crown of 1847. After the disaster of the "Godless" issue in 1849, the gothic design was used on the new florin coin. It continued with a number of minor changes until 1887. Our specimen is dated mdcccliii for 1853, and is in excellent condition. This was only the second date of gothic florin to enter circulation. A small quantity were produced for 1851, but it is thought that they were not intended for circulation.

Obverse:

Large bust of Queen Victoria, crowned, and with a long hair braid, wearing a dress richly embroidered with roses, shamrocks and thistles. The engraver's initials W.W. for William Wyon, appear raised below the shoulder.
The obverse inscription appears in gothic style script, in upper and lower case. This in itself is quite unusual, in that most coin inscriptions are in upper case (capitals) only:
Victoria d g brit reg f d mdcccliii

Reverse:

Crowned cruciform shields bearing three lions passant for England, lion rampant for Scotland, and harp for Ireland. In the angles are roses, a shamrock and a thistle. In the centre there is a flower motif. All contained within a tressured circular panel.
The reverse design was also by William Wyon.
The reverse legend is also in lower case gothic style script, except for the "O" of "One":
One florin
one tenth of a pound

Edge

The edge is milled

Victoria "Gothic" Florin 1853 - Sterling Silver Great Britain Coin

AUSTRALIAN KOALA 2012 1OZ SILVER COIN CARDED - Perth Mint Australia

2012-01-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

One of Australia’s favourite collectable issues, the Australian Koala 1oz silver coin portrays delightful original artistry each year.

Specimen Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

Each coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 99.9% pure silver in specimen quality.

Original 2012 Koala Design

The coin’s reverse features an adult koala sleeping on the branch of a eucalyptus tree. The design also incorporates The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the year-date and monetary denomination.

Illustrated Presentation Card

The coin is housed in a beautifully photographed display card.

Mint-to-Order

Like its predecessors, the 2012 Silver Koala is struck on a mint-to-order basis only. Production will close on announcement of the 2013-dated coin, enabling The Perth Mint to declare its official mintage.

Specimen Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Original 2012 Koala Design
Australian Legal Tender
Illustrated Presentation Card
Mint-to-Order

Technical Specifications:

Silver Content (Troy oz) 1
Monetary Denomination (AUD) 1
Fineness (% purity) 99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g) 31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm) 40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm) 4.00

Order these from the Perth Mint

Two More RAM Release Silver/ Gold Year of the Dragon Coin Issues

2012-01-28T17:39:00.000-08:00

Two releases that no one anticipated to be issued into the already flawless range commemorating 2012’s Year of the Dragon, comes the Royal Australian Mint’s Lunar Dragon Coloured 1oz Silver Proof and 1/10oz Gold

Celebrating the world’s favourite lunar sign, each pad printed coin depicts the RAM’s signature dragon upon a vivid coloured background.

Struck to the highest of Proof quality from .999 fine silver, the 40.00mm Silver Proof is restricted to a global mintage of just 18,000 coins. A highly exclusive, matching, 17.53mm Gold issue, crafted also to Proof quality from .9999 fine gold – this exquisite coin is limited to a mintage of just 8,000 coins.

Issued as official Australian Legal tender, and struck specifically for an international corporate order – only a minuscule number of each the 1oz Silver Proof and 1/10oz Gold Proof will be available on the market

Two More RAM Release Silver/ Gold Year of the Dragon Coin Issues

Australia Silver: 2012 WILDLIFE IN NEED - POLAR BEAR 1OZ SILVER PROOF COIN Perth Mint

2012-01-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

The Polar Bear is easily recognised by its distinctive shape, from its round posterior to its pointed black nose. Although the bear’s fur looks white, each hair shaft is actually pigment-free and transparent with a hollow core that scatters and reflects visible light, much like what happens with ice and snow.

This sea bear evolved about 200,000 years ago from its brown bear ancestors and is superbly adapted for survival in the Arctic. Five nations have Polar Bear populations including the United States (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Greenland, and Norway.

The main threat to the Polar Bear is the loss of habitat caused by ice loss as a result of climate change. As the Arctic continues to warm, two-thirds of the world's Polar Bears could disappear by mid-century. Other threats include pollution, poaching, industrial developments and unregulated hunting.

In May 2008, the United States Department of the Interior listed the Polar Bear as a Threatened Species under the Endangered Species Act, while Canada and Russia list the Polar Bear as a Species of Concern.

99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint on behalf of Coin Club Australia from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

Polar Bear Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse depicts two adult Polar Bears and a cub, in colour, against an Arctic landscape. The lower reverse comprises a struck design showing a pair of supporting hands, and the inscription WILDLIFE IN NEED – POLAR BEAR.

Issued as Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian-Rank Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2012 year-date.

Extremely Limited Mintage

No more than 5,000 of these coins will be released.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

The coin is issued with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Presentation Packaging

Each coin is housed in a display case with illustrated

Technical specifications

Silver Content (Troy oz)	1
Monetary Denomination (TVD)	1
Fineness (% purity)	99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm)	40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	4.00

2012 WILDLIFE IN NEED - POLAR BEAR 1OZ SILVER PROOF COIN Perth Mint

2012 Lunar Year of the Dragon – ½ oz Silver Pearl Dragon Coin Set New Zealand Mint

2012-01-15T00:59:00.000-08:00

About the Coin

Chinese dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology and folklore, with mythic counterparts among Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Bhutanese, Western and Turkic dragons. In Chinese art, dragons are typically portrayed as long, scaled, serpentine creatures with four legs. In yin and yang terminology, a dragon is yang and complements a yin fenghuang ("Chinese phoenix").

This pure .999 pure ½ ounce silver coloured coin is limited to 8,000 sets only.

Reverse Design

The coin depicts a colour printed Traditional Chinese Dragon holding a Dragon Pearl. The image is backed by an engraved Chinese symbol for "Dragon".

Obverse Design

The obverse of the coin features the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, sovereign of the Commonwealth and Niue Islands, along with the year of issue (2012) and the denomination of $2.

Packaging

Each set is presented in a unique gift packaging featuring a replica of a dragons egg.

Specifications:

Metal .999 pure Silver
Finish Proof
Diameter 33mm
Edge Milled Milled
Denomination NZ$2
Year of Issue 2012
Mintage 8000

FAMOUS BATTLES IN AUSTRALIAN HISTORY - KAPYONG 2012 1OZ SILVER PROOF PERTH MINT COIN

2012-01-14T22:06:00.000-08:00

The Korean War began in June 1950, when North Korean forces launched an invasion of South Korea. The United Nations multinational force defended South Korea from the Communist forces, which included the Chinese People's Volunteer Army. The Australians were part of a force that was defending the Kapyong Valley, north of Seoul.

Kapyong came to be the most significant and important battle for Australian troops in Korea. In April 1951 the Chinese launched their spring offensive with the aim of retaking the city of Seoul. They quickly overran South Korean forces defending one of the major approach routes to Seoul – the valley of the Kapyong River.

During a night of fierce fighting and throughout the daylight hours of 24 April the Australians and a Canadian battalion, supported by a New Zealand artillery regiment, stalled the Chinese advance before eventually withdrawing after dark. The Australians had helped hold off the Chinese 60th Division and prevented Seoul from falling into enemy hands.

The end of the Korean War came with the signing of an armistice on 27 July 1953. After the war ended, the presence of Australians in Korea continued with a peacekeeping force until 1957.

Silver Content (Troy oz)	1
Monetary Denomination (AUD)	1
Fineness (% purity)	99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm)	40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	4.00
Designer	Wade Robinson

Australia Silver: FAMOUS BATTLES IN AUSTRALIAN HISTORY - KAPYONG 2012 1OZ SILVER PROOF PERTH MINT COIN

Iran Could Make Silver Bugs Filthy Rich - Silver Investment News

2012-01-14T21:14:00.000-08:00

If the first year of the Iraq War of 2003 offers up some clues to the potential move in the silver price (NYSEARCA:SLV) following an invasion of its neighbor Iran, then grab as much of the white metal as you can and enjoy the ride. This ride could be for the record books.

On the official day of the U.S. invasion of Iraq on Mar. 20, 2003, silver traded at the lowly price of approximately $4.35. On the first anniversary of the invasion, the silver price (NYSEARCA:PSLV) reached nearly $8.00, for an 83 percent return (see graph, below).

But an attack on Iran could make an 83 percent return seem minuscule.

Backing up for a moment, however, an obviously important question, first, should be: how likely is an imminent attack on Iran?

With reports of American troop movements into Israel, along with Reuters reports of two U.S. aircraft carriers headed to the Persian Gulf and a lot of chatter from Washington command appearing on television as salesmen for an attack, a military strike on Iran is likely, according to Jim Rickards, adviser to government personnel on U.S. national security issues and frequent guest of King World News.

“Eric, this really could not be more serious,” Rickards told Eric King’s KWN. “The fact that we, meaning the United States, are on a path to a war with Iran is very clear at this point. It does seem the countdown has begun and it’s coming to a head sooner rather than later.”

And following Iran’s announcement that it will no longer accept U.S. dollars for Iranian oil, the U.S., really, must respond (1). If not, OPEC gets the green light to dump the dollar and it’s game over for the U.S. without a shot being fired.

Consider, too, recent data from the Fed, which show clearly that foreigners aren’t buying enough Treasuries to even remotely match the increase to the central bank’s balance sheet. In fact, according to the chart, below, a war with Iran is a most likely stab at coaxing global money back into preventing a waterfall in the dollar after bond vigilantes are done with Europe.

Source: zerohedge.com, Foreigners Sell Record $85 Billion In Treasury’s In 6 Consecutive Weeks – Time To Get Concerned?

But here’s why the silver price could triple, or more!

The difference between the Iraq War and a war with Iran is: Iran isn’t Iraq! Saddam Hussein’s regime had no friends in the region, and certainly didn’t attract meaningful help from Russia or China before, or during, the conflict.

Hussein was essentially a rogue operator, according to William Clark, author of Petrodollar Warfare: Oil, Iraq, and the Future of the Dollar, which, by the way, offers a good foundation to Jim Rickard’s book, Currency Wars: The Making of the Next Global Crisis.

Because of the well-known and long-standing commitment from Russia and China to defend Iran, a war with Iran could turn into a proxy for WWIII, a notion widely offered in the public domain.

In other words, if Iran is attacked, the move in the silver price (NYSEARCA:AGQ) could be monstrous—with two and three-bagger returns very likely, with oil and other commodities soaring to unthinkable levels as China utilizes one of its financial weapons in response to military aggression.

The cost of a war with Iran will soar off the charts to an already hopeless U.S. debt level. In fact, a planned dollar devaluation could be the motive behind an Iranian attack.

According to a policy paper penned by Felix K. Chang and Jonathan Goldman for the U.S. Army and posted on the U.S. Army Web site, titled Meddling in the Markets: Foreign Manipulation, the threat by China, Russia and sympathetic nations against U.S. aggression, a war with Iran will not be a cakewalk by any stretch of the imagination. Link to document file, here.

According to Chang and Goldman, Iran puts at risk the U.S. dollar in a very meaningful way.

The simultaneous dramatic devaluation of the U.S. dollar and a sharp increase in oil prices would immediately unsettle global equity and bond markets. During such times of uncertainty, institutions and investors normally seek a safe haven where their assets will hold value. For much of the twentieth century, that haven has been the dollar. In this hypothetical, however, the dollar would be at the epicenter of uncertainty, as China unloads its U.S. Treasury securities in favor of gold (NYSEARCA:GLD) or euros. Aggravating the situation, institutions and investors of all stripes would magnify the selling pressure as they tried to shed their own devalued U.S. assets—liquidity would rapidly disappear. [emphasis added.]

While many of traditional media may repeat the mantra that precious metals are risky investments, the facts about war and money show otherwise. At risk here is the dollar.

Footnote:
(1) The Invasion of Iraq: Dollar vs Euro: Re-denominating Iraqi oil in U. S. dollars, instead of the euro

The unprovoked “shock and awe” attack on Iraq was to serve several economic purposes: (1) Safeguard the U.S. economy by re-denominating Iraqi oil in U.S. dollars, instead of the euro, to try to lock the world back into dollar oil trading so the U.S. would remain the dominant world power-militarily and economically. (2) Send a clear message to other oil producers as to what will happen to them if they abandon the dollar matrix. (3) Place the second largest oil reserve under direct U.S. control. (4) Create a subject state where the U.S. can maintain a huge force to dominate the Middle East and its oil. (5) Create a severe setback to the European Union and its euro, the only trading block and currency strong enough to attack U.S. dominance of the world through trade. (6) Free its forces (ultimately) so that it can begin operations against those countries that are trying to disengage themselves from U.S. dollar imperialism-such as Venezuela, where the U.S. has supported the attempted overthrow of a democratic government by a junta more friendly to U. S. business/oil interests.

View Source

Eric Sprott: "Who is not Getting the Silver?"

2012-01-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

Eric Sprott speaks at the Casey Research/Sprott Summit When Money Dies.

Discussing Silver and Silver Investment, the future for silver in the short and long term.

Important Message About Gold and Silver - Peter Schiff

2012-01-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

Peter Schiff has a message: If you have recently purchased gold or silver, then you might be discouraged by the recent decline in price.

But the fundamental case for owning gold and silver are stronger than ever. This may be the best time to buy silver and gold. Maybe you thought that the train had already left the station. Bull markets take the stairs up, and they take the elevator down. It seems as if the markets didn't even take the elevator down, it just fell off a cliff.

During this time period, there have been several sharp declines. The previous declines weren't as large in dollar values because the price levels weren't as high. People are saying that this is a bubble, and there are many people using leverage to invest in gold and silver. People who are leveraged are being forced to sell their gold and silver. But now there is an opportunity to increase your position if you already have one, or to establish a new position if you haven't yet done so. Ben Bernanke recently announced that there is more downside risk. But this is only bullish for the precious metals market. That is exactly why we are buying gold. They are trying to revive an artificial economy that is about to burst.

Rather than an announcement of QE3, we are now entering Operation Twist. At the end of the day, Bernanke will do the only thing that he knows how to do: print more money. He has already started QE3, but he just won't admit it.

It isn't just Americans that want to protect themselves from the politicians, it is also the Europeans. The real drop that we need to be worried about isn't the temporary drop in gold and silver, but the permanent drop in the purchasing power of paper money. Please share this video with your friends and family who may be worried during these tough times.

Max Keiser interviews guest David Morgan on the manipulation of the gold and silver prices by bankers

2012-01-08T00:40:00.000-08:00

Max Keiser interviews guest David Morgan from silver-investor.com on the manipulation of the gold and silver prices by bankers / central bankers to prop up their ponzi fiat currencies that they can print into oblivion.

Both Gold and Silver are "a Gift, Courtesy of the bullion banksDavid Schectman (Miles Franklin)

2012-01-05T19:38:00.000-08:00

metals update with David Schectman, the founder of Miles Frankiln pecious metals. Schectman says that current prices in both gold and silver are "a gift, courtesy of the bullion banks".

2012 year of Silver Gilded Lunar Dragon Proof $2 TUVALU Legal Tender

2012-01-05T16:04:00.000-08:00

Another Proof Lunar Dragon, this time its the 2012 year of Dragon $2 TUVALU legal tender Proof Coin issue:

This Prood coin comes with a Certificate of authenticity and display box
Item has a very low Mintage.

2012 1 oz Silver Proof Lunar Dragon Gilded New Zealand Mint - (Mintage of ONLY 2,500!)

2011-12-29T16:27:00.000-08:00

How nice is this 2012 1 oz Silver Proof Lunar Gilded Dragon from the New Zealand Mint with a tiny Mintage of ONLY 2,500!

I cant find any further information about this item which has just been released, or maybe not yet.. but hurry cos 2,500 means we cant all get one!

If Silver Goes Down All Hell Will Break Loose In The Physical Market: Silver Investment Update

2011-12-27T15:45:00.001-08:00

There simply isn't enough physical silver to deal with the demand of a fiat currency crisis. As the paper silver market pushes prices down, all hell will break loose in the physical market.

Isle of Man 2009 Tutankhamun Sand Triangle Coin

2011-12-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

Struck by the Pobjoy Mint, the only official producers of coins for the Tutankhamun exhibition in London

• Legal tender coins of the Isle of Man
• Available in Proof fine 999.9 Silver and Proof fine 999.9 Gold

In 1922, Howard Carter shot to international fame when he discovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb and its legendary treasures. To coincide with the recent Tutankhamun exhibition in London, the Isle of Man issued a series of official commemorative coins – and, appropriately, the final coin honours Carter on the 70th Anniversary of his death.

The coin is a stunning pyramid shape. It shows a design from the wall of Tutankhamun’s tomb, with Tutankhamun himself in the centre. The sun disc at the top contains ancient sand that was collected from the entrance of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Due to the coin’s unusual shape and the small amount of sand that was collected, the edition limits are exceptionally small. THE GOLD COIN HAS REACHED ITS ISSUE LIMIT. NO MORE GOLD COINS AVAILABLE.

Each coin is presented in a specially commissioned, beautifully crafted Pyramid presentation case.

Isle of Man 2010 High Relief Silver Angel Proof Coin

2011-12-06T03:54:00.000-08:00

The Angel is one of the world's most beautiful and popular coins. The Isle of Man Government introduced a new design in 2008 showing a classic image of Archangel Michael slaying the Dragon. This is just the third Angel design in the coin's 25 year history.

It brings back some of the features from the first Angel coin, including Michael's feathered wings and the Celtic band around the border. To celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Silver Angel coin, a high relief Proof 999. 1oz Silver Angel coin is being struck for the first time, highlighting every detail of this exceptional coin.

SHIPS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD - MAYFLOWER 2012 1OZ SILVER PROOF COIN PERTH MINT

2011-12-04T02:32:00.000-08:00

The third release in this charming series features the Mayflower, which was the cargo ship that transported the English separatists or pilgrims, from a site near the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, England, to Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620.

The Mayflower has an iconic place in American history as a symbol of European colonization.

Technical Specifications

Silver Content (Troy oz)	1
Monetary Denomination (TVD)	1
Fineness (% purity)	99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm)	40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	4.00
Designer	Tom Vaugha

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality

Stunning Mayflower Design

The coin’s reverse depicts a representation of the Mayflower in full sail, set against a coloured globe map and the inscription MAYFLOWER. The design also incorporates The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Tuvalu Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the coin’s obverse depicts the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2012 year-date and the monetary denomination.

Extremely Limited Mintage

No more than 5,000 of these coins will be released by The Perth Mint.

Illustrated Presentation Packaging

The coin is housed in a presentation case with a themed shipper and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Australia 2011 ADELAIDE ANDA COIN SPECIAL - CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA - TASMANIAN WILDERNESS 1OZ SILVER PROOF COIN

2011-12-01T02:07:00.000-08:00

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Stunning Tasmanian Wilderness Reverse Design
Australian Legal Tender
Extremely Limited Mintage – 2,500
‘P’ Mintmark
ANDA Coin Show Presentation Packaging
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

An extremely limited number of these outstanding Celebrate Australia ‘specials’ remain available following the 2011 ANDA Coin Show in Adelaide.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

Stunning Tasmanian Wilderness Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse depicts a stunning waterfall scene typical of the rugged and spectacular Tasmanian Wilderness and includes the rare Spotted-tailed Quoll, a marsupial that is Indigenous to the isle of Tasmania. The reverse also incorporates The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Issued as Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2011 year-date.

Extremely Limited Mintage

No more than 2,500 of the 2011 ANDA Adelaide Coin Show Specials will be released.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

The coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Presentation Packaging

The coin is housed in a display case and wonderfully illustrated box-shipper featuring the ANDA logo alongside the dates of the Adelaide Show.

Australia Silver: Perth Mint Baby Dragon 2012 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin Australia

2011-12-01T01:08:00.000-08:00

Perth Mints New Silver Baby Dragon 2012 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin

•Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
•Cute Baby Dragon Design
•Tuvalu Legal Tender
•Limited Mintage – 7,500
•Stunning Illustrated Presentation Packaging

This very cute baby dragon coin celebrates the Year of the Dragon. The birth dates for people ruled by the Chinese Lunar Dragon include 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012. Those born under the influence of this sign are said to be confident, enterprising, independent, self-assured, brave and passionate.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1/2oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

Cute Baby Dragon Design

The coin’s reverse depicts a representation of a baby dragon with a sackful of gifts. The Chinese character for ‘dragon’, the inscription YEAR OF THE DRAGON, The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark and the 2012 year-date are also included in the design.

Tuvalu Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Government of Tuvalu, the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination are shown on the coin’s obverse.

Limited Mintage

No more than 7,500 of these coins will be issued worldwide.

Stunning Illustrated Presentation Packaging

Housed in a display case and colourfully illustrated shipper, the coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Australia Silver: Perth Mint Baby Dragon 2012 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin Australia

Keith Neumeyer: The Silver Market Lacks Integrity

2011-11-27T03:39:00.000-08:00

The Hera Research Newsletter is pleased to present an incredibly powerful interview with Keith Neumeyer, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of First Majestic Silver Corp. (AG). Mr. Neumeyer began his career at the Vancouver Stock Exchange and worked in the investment community for 26 years beginning his career in a series of Canadian national brokerage firms including McLeod Young Weir (now Scotia McLeod), then Richardson Greenshields and then Walwyn Stogell McCuthchen (which became Midland Walwyn).

Mr. Neumeyer moved on to work with several publically traded companies in the natural resource and high technology sectors. His roles have included senior management positions and directorships in the areas of finance, business development, strategic planning and corporate restructuring. Mr. Neumeyer, who has listed a number of companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange, has extensive experience dealing with financial, regulatory, legal and accounting issues.

Hera Research Newsletter (HRN): Thank you for joining us today. Let’s begin by talking about silver supply and demand.

Keith Neumeyer: Silver mine production was around 736 million ounces in 2010. Demand was around 1 billion ounces. Scrap silver recycling and some government sales filled the gap. We’re at historic lows in terms of above ground silver. Eric Sprott recently said there are 1 billion ounces of triple nine silver left aboveground. Unlike gold, silver gets used. We’re at historic highs in supply when it comes to gold, but the exact opposite is true for silver.

(Click to enlarge)

HRN: Is there a deficit in terms of mine supply?

Keith Neumeyer: We’ve had a supply deficit for the past 13 years. 2009 was the first year we created equilibrium. We only went into a surplus in 2010, in terms of industrial and jewelry fabrication demand. The surplus mine supply was purchased by investors, obviously. A lot of mining companies are showing lower production because a lot of silver comes from base metals and, with lower base metals prices, it’s becoming more difficult. I don’t see any major supply drivers for silver in the next several years.

HRN: Do you expect more scrap silver to enter the market?

Keith Neumeyer: That’s what happened in 2009 when gold rallied over $1,200 and then corrected to below $1,100. It was primarily caused by scrap gold entering the market. I believe the same thing was happening for silver. We’ll see that again as the metals make new highs. It’s the same as a stock. You replace part of the shareholder base at different levels.

HRN: Are you optimistic about future demand?

Keith Neumeyer: Yes, I’ve been optimistic about silver since 2002 because silver is a strategic metal. I think it’s more important than gold.

HRN: Are there new applications that could increase demand?

Keith Neumeyer: We’re seeing all kinds of new applications. A recent report by Barclays forecast that 120 million ounces of silver will be used for solar power generation in 2012 versus 40 million ounces in 2009. The battery industry is growing as well. Zinc-silver batteries provide very stable capacity — their output doesn’t degrade like lithium batteries — and they deliver 40% more energy compared to nickel metal-hydride batteries. They’re safer than water-based chemical batteries because they don’t heat up or explode. They’re also mercury free and 95% recyclable. Lithium-ion batteries in cell phones, for example, need to be replaced after 12 to 18 months. I’m very optimistic about battery technology. There are also robotics and other applications on the horizon.

(Click to enlarge)

HRN: What’s your long term price target for silver?

Keith Neumeyer: Silver will reach a value based on its natural ratio of 15:1 with gold. I expect to see at least $2,000 gold and most likely $3,000 in the next 3 to 5 years, so silver will be between $130 and $200. It’s a big number from where we are today but that’s where I think we’re headed. We’re dealing with a market that needs to be corrected.

HRN: Isn’t the price of silver set by supply and demand?

Keith Neumeyer: I don’t think supply and demand has anything to do with the price, unfortunately. The world we live in today is a paper environment where silver is priced by financial circumstances. Banks, traders and investors around the world move markets to where they want them to be. Governments and commercials — big banks like HSBC and JP Morgan — all have a piece of the action. They alternately work together or sometimes against each other. All these forces price the metal. That’s one reason we’re seeing the volatility that we’re seeing today.

(Click to enlarge)

HRN: How can supply and demand be irrelevant?

Keith Neumeyer: In short term trading, the price is financially driven. Eventually, markets do correct themselves over time. In the long run, supply and demand does have influence. That’s why the price will ultimately return to its natural ratio of 15:1.

HRN: How is the price of silver financially driven?

Keith Neumeyer: It has to do with the financial instruments that we trade in and with the fact that silver trades a billion ounces per day on the COMEX alone when there are 26 to 30 million ounces of silver available for delivery. With that kind of leverage, you just don’t have a proper market.

HRN: It has been reported that there are 100 ounces under contract for every ounce in the COMEX warehouse.

Keith Neumeyer: The governments, regulators and bullion banks have let the silver market get more and more leveraged. We’ve seen a lot of wealth destruction as a result of this leverage and we’re going to see a lot more until, finally, the governments decide to change the system.

HRN: Isn’t the COMEX guaranteeing market integrity, by raising margins, for example?

Keith Neumeyer: I don’t buy the argument on margin hikes at all.

HRN: Don’t margin hikes prevent dangerous asset price bubbles?

Keith Neumeyer: It’s not up to them to decide what is parabolic. They’re not investors themselves. They don’t have money in the market. They decide a bubble is going to happen if they don’t raise margins but no one knows when a bubble is forming. It is only apparent after it’s already happened. By hiking the margins, they create the appearance of a bubble bursting. They create the bubble. They create the proof that it was a bubble. If they let it alone, the market would stabilize by itself.

HRN: What should the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) do?

Keith Neumeyer: The job of the regulators is to protect the retail investor. That’s their only job. It’s not to protect the banks or the brokerage firms. The little guy is the primary taxpayer. Why were the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the CFTC put in place? They were put in place to protect retail investors. Prior to regulation, the banks controlled the market. Today, the banks control the market again. Who should control the market? Retail investors. Who’s protecting them? No one.

HRN: Are you saying that the CFTC does nothing while the COMEX caters to banks and brokerage firms?

Keith Neumeyer: Yes.

HRN: And the COMEX doesn’t serve retail investors?

Keith Neumeyer: No. Absolutely not.

HRN: Do you foresee a return to a free market in the future?

Keith Neumeyer: I’m an optimist. I believe one day that governments will rewrite the rules and force the regulators to protect investors. That’s where we were back in the ‘70s and that’s where I think we have to be again to correct the problems that have arisen over the past 40 years. Silver is being revalued. It’s going to affect a lot of people along the way and it will change the financial system. Ultimately, we’re going to have a new financial system and, hopefully, we’ll go back to natural markets, completely driven by supply and demand. It may take another 20 years but I think it will happen.

HRN: A new financial system?

Keith Neumeyer: If I’m wrong, the banks will run the world, even more so than they do today, 10 or 20 years from now. God forbid that we ever get there because that’s a one currency, one government world that would absolutely be a disaster for the human race. There would be no freedoms at all to move or to invest. It would be like having shackles on our ankles. There is a movement to go in that direction, unfortunately. There are a number of very wealthy people that want to see that. I hope that we can find the politicians to prevent that type of world from coming to pass.

HRN: Thank you for your time and for your candor.

Keith Neumeyer: It was a pleasure.

Pure Gold and Silver: Year of the Dragon 2012 1oz Silver Rectangle Four-Coin Set by Perth Mint Australia

2011-11-23T02:49:00.000-08:00

Magnificent Year of the Dragon Tribute
Four 99.9% Pure Silver 1oz Coins
Unique Rectangle Shape
Cook Islands Legal Tender
Extremely Limited Mintage – 3,000
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Exciting Packaging – View From Both Sides

Celebrating the Year of the Dragon, this four-coin set is a prestigious and exceptionally limited offering from The Perth Mint.

In Chinese culture, people born in the Year of the Dragon - 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012 - are regarded as confident, enterprising, independent, self assured, brave and passionate.

Four 99.9% Pure Silver 1oz Coins

Each coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

Unique Design

The 2012 Dragon 1oz silver rectangle coins each feature a coloured dragon with a ‘pearl of wisdom’ set against a background depicting waves and clouds. As well as the Chinese character for ‘dragon’, The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark also appears on the reverse of all four coins.

Cook Islands Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of the Cook Islands. The Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2012 year-date and the monetary denomination are shown on the obverse of each coin.

Extremely Limited Mintage

No more than 3,000 numbered sets will be released by The Perth Mint.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

The four-coin set is issued with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Presentation Packaging

Accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, the four-coin set is housed in a contemporary black framed clear display case, allowing you to see both the reverse and obverse of each coin. The set is packaged in an illustrated shipper.

Technical Specifications

Silver Content (Troy oz)	1
Monetary Denomination (AUD)	1
Fineness (% purity)	99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm)	47.60 x 27.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	4.00

Year of the Dragon 2012 1oz Silver Rectangle Four-Coin Set by Perth Mint Australia