Russia is braced to accept athletes, commentators and fans from around the world for the 22nd Winter Olympics, drawing international attention to the massive country. This brought our attention to the ruble, Russia’s 500-year-old currency. The ruble has passed through four distinct stages over Russia’s long and turbulent history. Overview The ruble (also spelled rouble)…
Bitcoins: A Real Alternative or Just Another Fad?
Lately, both the Internet and traditional media have been abuzz, analyzing Bitcoin and its exploding popularity. Since its inception in 2009, the new “crypto” currency has gone from roughly $2 per bitcoin to more than $1000. We’ve heard that some long-term gold bullion investors are intrigued by bitcoins as an alternative means of exchange, so…
U.S. Mint Reports Record High Sales
The economy as a whole may be rollercoastering, but that seems to be good news for the United States Mint, which reported a huge uptick in demand for gold and silver bullion in 2013. Demand spiked in 2013, as politicians and stock brokers alike quibbled over the state and future of the American economy, and…
The Gold-to-Silver Ratio: Where Should it Be?
In a recent knowledge center article, we defined the gold-to-silver ratio as the amount of silver it takes to buy one ounce of gold. As of midday Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, the gold:silver ratio stood at 62.88 to one. This means that at current price levels, it takes nearly 63 ounces of silver to purchase…
Infection Spreads to Animals in Latest Zombucks™ Release
The BU 2018 American ZomBuff is now free to graze upon the living. Hollow-eyed and infected, he is Provident Mint’s third release in the official Currency of the Apocalypse™ bullion series. The mighty Black Diamond was born in 1893, weighed three-quarters of a ton and could be seen wowing crowds as an attraction at the…
12 Days of Christmas: Gifts for Serious Stackers
Serious precious metals investors know what they want: a trustworthy dealer, low premiums, and a variety of choices. Provident Metals offers all this — and industry-leading shipping prices! Here are some ideas for the serious stacker in your life on Provident Metals’ last day of Christmas gift-giving guide: 2014 Horse Privy 1 oz Canadian Silver…
