Some investors prefer silver bullion to gold for several key reasons. Lower cost, ratio-to-gold prices, and a high industrial demand are the most common. Yet like gold, silver has struggled in the first quarter of 2013, sliding more than seven percent since the first of the year. Many would argue silver is in a bear…
Effects of Inflation Grossly Underreported, Experts Say
While economists and central bankers believe inflation may boost economic recovery, it can also have a dramatic and widespread effect on prices. Contrary to popular belief, inflation can be defined as an increase in monetary supply. And while many associate inflation with rising prices, an increase in the cost of goods and services is simply…
Silver: Nowhere Near Its Peak
In the perpetual battle of silver bull vs. bear, some say the bear has the upper hand. At least for right now. Many analysts and investors point to silver’s April 2011 surge to nearly $50—and the subsequent correction—as proof that silver’s long, secular bull market, which began in 2002, is officially over. Some naysayers even…
What is Barter? – How Silver Can Serve as a Currency Alternative
It occurred to us recently – some of our posts and commentary here at Provident Metals discuss gold, silver coins and even copper coins as an alternative means of exchange. Much of this discussion has centered on the use of precious metal coins to “barter” for goods and services rather than using traditional U.S. Dollars….
AOCS – The Bridge to a New Way of Trade?
Have you ever browsed our online store, come across a coin labeled AOCS Approved and scratched your head wondering what in the world that means? The American Open Currency Standard—widely known as AOCS—was developed to allow gold, silver and copper to be used in commercial trade and barter. (Coins that are AOCS Approved should not…
Despite Losing Some Gains, Gold and Silver Hold On Strong
As we head into the final quarter of 2012, it’s time to take stock of what’s going on in the gold and silver markets. In the third quarter—August and September specifically—both metals saw tremendous gains from their summer lows. At the beginning of the third quarter (July 1), gold hovered around the $1600/oz mark for…
