Breaking news: Fed says rate cut could come in Sept. Gold climbs!
Posted onFed Signals Rate Cuts May Come Before Election 
Gold traded higher after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its meeting today. However, the central bank made an important pivot in how it talked about the economy, signaling to Wall Street that it is getting closer to an interest rate cut.
Gold is climbing in afternoon trading at $2,449.90, not far from its record high set earlier this month at $2,469.70.
At the Fed’s post-meeting press conference, Fed chair Jerome Powell confirmed that an interest rate cut “could be on the table” at its next meeting on September 18.
With the U.S. presidential election front and center for so many Americans, Powell addressed that head on and said he “absolutely” believed that Fed can stay out of politics with its monetary policy actions. Powell added that “Anything we do before, during or after the election will be based on the data,” as opposed to trying to help one political party or another.
In fact, Congress has deemed that the Federal Reserve is an independent central bank and must make its decisions without taking politics into consideration, though that hasn’t stopped political figures from making requests of the central bank around election time.
Progress has been made on inflation.
The Fed used today’s meeting to prepare the financial markets that interest rate cuts are coming, as the inflation rate continues to retreat. In June, the consumer price index fell 0.1% to an annual rate of 3.0%. While it is still above the Fed’s 2% inflation target, there has been significant progress made from the sky-high 9.1% inflation reading from June 2022.
How fast could rates fall once the Fed gets going?
The Fed’s benchmark interest rate stands today at a two-decade high of 5.25-5.50%, but lower rates may be in store by the end of the year.
The Fed’s most recent economic projections from June revealed that the central bank could lower rates about every other meeting once they begin cutting. That could tug the Fed’s benchmark interest rate down to 4.1% by the end of the 2025 and as low as 3.1% at the end of 2026.
Fed shifts focus back to its dual mandate
Digging into the Fed’s meeting statement today, the bankers said that employment and inflation goals “continue to move into” better balance.
Fed-speak translation
This implies that the central bankers are ready to treat both sides of their dual mandate, inflation and employment more equally, as opposed to the sharp focus on inflation following the major jump in consumer prices during and after the pandemic.
More gold gains ahead
Key takeaways? Expectations are rising for interest rate cuts later this year and that’s positive for gold. Once the Fed starts cutting interest rates, research shows that the price of gold tends to rise on average for the next 21 months.
Is it time for you to consider increasing your allocation to gold? The next upside targets for gold lie at $2,500 and $2,600 and with the way the precious metal has been trading this year, it could achieve those levels in a couple of blinks of the eye.
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Chasing the Dream: An Olympic Gold Medal
Posted onThis summer in Paris, 10,500 of the best athletes from around the globe will compete across 32 different sports for the ultimate prize: an Olympic gold medal.
As billions of viewers around the world watch the hope, glory and defeat, competing at the Olympic Games is the moment these athletes trained a lifetime for.
To these athletes, the value of winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games could never be measured in dollars, but the intrinsic value of the medal most certainly can.
So, just how much is an Olympic gold medal actually worth?
If the Olympic gold medals awarded to the victors this summer in Paris were made of pure gold, the intrinsic value would be just north of $41,000.
Spoiler alert. The gold medals aren’t made of pure gold.
Due to the surging value of precious metals prices over the decades, the last time pure gold medals were given out was in 1912.
Today, the cost of the combined metals in a 2024 Olympic gold medal totals about $950. That includes gold, silver and even a piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower in Paris! Both the gold and silver medals are made with over 95% silver.
Looking Back
The history of the Olympic Games has deep roots in ancient Greece, beginning in 776BC. Spanning twelve centuries, the games took place every four years.
From farmhands to soldiers and royal heirs, all free Greek males were allowed to compete in the games. The cherished event lasted five days and included competitions for running, jumping and throwing, boxing, wrestling, pankration (a combination of boxing and wrestling) and chariot racing. It is estimated that 40,000 spectators packed into the stadium each day to witness the dramatic events.
There are a few differences in the Olympic rules from back then to today.
For example, at the ancient Greek Olympic Games all athletes competed naked as a tribute to the Greek God Zeus. They wanted to show off their physical power and muscles to the gods.
Back then, there was no first, second and third place—only one winner for each event. Instead of a medal, the winner received a crown made of olive leaves. Plus, once they arrived back in their hometown, they were given a cash gift roughly equivalent to $100,000 today. Not too shabby.
Other differences between the ancient games and today? Corporal punishment was given to those guilty of a false start on the track. And, for athletes competing in combat sports, surrender was achieved by raising their index fingers. Sometimes, the athletes died before they could do this. Thankfully, times have changed.
Just Like Rare Coins, Olympic Medals Feature Unique Designs
So, what’s featured on modern Olympic medals? According to tradition, the design of the Olympic medals falls to the host city’s organizing committee. That means every Olympic Games medals feature a different and unique design, just like rare coins! The Paris 2024 medals feature the Olympic flame, and the face of Marianne—a cherished symbol of the revolution and the people of France. The words “Paris Olympics” and the Olympics logo of five rings are featured under the emblem.
Check out a few photos below of past Olympic medals.
Beijing 2022
London 2012
Atlanta 1996
All medal images courtesy of Olympics.com
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Is This An AI Stock Market Bubble?
Posted onCracks in the 2024 stock market bull are starting to appear. 
In just five trading days in mid-July, the so-called Magnificent Seven (Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, Tesla, Apple, Meta and Amazon) tumbled lower, shedding a stunning $1.128 trillion in market capitalization. That marks the biggest loss since May 2022.
Many Wall Street pros have been voicing worries about the rapid increase in stock prices this year, along with the high valuation levels and the euphoria around the artificial-intelligence technology—which many say is reminiscent of the late 1990’s dot.com boom.
Just look at the history-making run in Nvidia, a leader in artificial intelligence computing today. Nvidia’s stock price skyrocketed nearly 4,300% over five years. That has many on Wall Street remembering back to the dot.com boom, when for example Cisco ballooned about 4,500% over five years leading up to its peak in 2000.
The worry? The AI-driven 2024 stock market price surge will face the same ending as the dot.com boom in 2002: a catastrophic bust and stock market crash.
Back in the late 1990’s, the Nasdaq Composite index quadrupled in just over three years climbing at a dizzying speed amid widespread adoption of the internet and a wide-array of venture-capital fueled dot.com start-ups firms.
Yet, once the dot.com boom reached its peak in March 2002, the Nasdaq Composite index crashed nearly 80% into the October 2002 low.
The S&P 500 index fell nearly 50% in that same time period.
Looking back at that era, several internet stocks—Amazon—for example survived and thrived in the decades ahead. While other dot.com start-ups faced bankruptcy and shut down. Sifting through the artificial intelligence stocks of today, no one really knows which companies will survive and be sustained, long-term winners. But the odds suggest that many companies will simply fizzle out and not make it.
The evidence suggests this is a high-risk stock market. The price of a stock can go to zero. It’s happened before with companies that go bankrupt and close down. And it will happen again.
While no one knows for sure if this is a stock market bubble and if a crash is just around the corner, there is certainty in the safety and diversification properties of precious metals.
Gold is up over 16% since the start of 2024, making it one of the best performing asset classes in the world. Gold is one of history’s most traditional and enduring currencies. It has a 5,000-year track record as a vehicle to store, protect and grow your wealth.
There is an old saying in the stock market. Stock prices take the stairs higher but take the elevator down. Once a market crash begins, things happen fast. And it can be difficult to get your money out of a falling market.
Have you considered your asset allocation levels lately? It could be time to increase your allocation to gold. Check out your portfolio now and take action to help ensure you don’t get trapped by a falling market
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An Elusive Rarity: 1793 Flowing Hair Wreath Cent Vine and Bars
Posted onThere are rare coins and then there are ultra-rare coins. The 1793 Flowing Hair Wreath Cent Vine and Bars is a landmark coin, which is virtually impossible to find in high grades today. The survival estimate stands at only 8 for grades 65 or better. It is still an extremely hard-to-find rarity in grades 60 or better with only 40 survivors.
What makes this large copper cent one of the most desirable specimens for astute collectors of early American coins?
Large cent coins were first struck in copper in 1793 at the Philadelphia Mint. The first version known today as the Chain Reverse was criticized widely with newspaper articles decrying that the chain design made it appear as if “Liberty was in chains.”
Swiftly, Mint Director David Rittenhouse ordered a new design for the large cent and the Wreath Reverse version was minted later that year. The 1793 1C Flowing Hair Wreath coin represented a substantial step up in both design artistry and engraving execution from its predecessor: the Chain Reverse.
The coin’s obverse features Liberty with voluminous hair flowing back as she gazes steadily upward. The reverse features an intricate and attractive wreath, with berries depicted on long strands, some of which intertwine delicately with the branches. The long leaves are believed to be the laurel species (Laurus nobilis) which was native to ancient Greece and used to crown the winners of sporting events. Numismatic historians believe this depiction of the laurel wreath may have been featured on this coin as a symbol of America’s hard-fought freedom won through the Revolutionary War.
Who designed this hard-to-find beauty? While there is no absolute proof and various candidates have been put forward throughout history, today it is believed that Henry Voight designed this coin. Voight was a watch maker and machinist who notably repaired clocks and watches for Thomas Jefferson. He was appointed as Chief Coiner at the Philadelphia Mint in January 1793.
However, just a few months after the Wreath design was introduced, the Mint moved to yet a third design for the 1793 large cent, known as the Liberty Cap style. Liberty Cap style cents were minted from 1793 until 1796.
So, the 1793 Flowing Hair Wreath Cent Vine and Bars design was produced only one year in American history. When a 1793 Wreath cent surfaces for sale, it is usually a short-lived event as this coin commands intense interest and desirability in the numismatics community.
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Gold Leaps to 6-Week High After June Jobs Report
Posted onIf you are looking for a new job, the latest U.S. employment report won’t come as a surprise. It is getting harder to find a new job.
Spot gold jumped to over $2,300 an ounce—a six week high— following the June jobs report, which painted a decidedly weaker-than-expected economic picture, and boosted odds that the Federal Reserve will cut rates twice in 2024.
Silver prices also rose on the news, trading over $31.00 an ounce. The U.S. dollar fell to a three-week low following the jobs report, which makes gold less expensive for foreign buyers of the precious metal.
Mid-Year Report Card on the Jobs Market? Thumbs Down
In June, the overall unemployment rate rose to its highest level since late 2021 at 4.1%. And, while U.S. non-farm payrolls grew by 206,000 in June, big downward revisions to March and April job growth numbers show the labor market is cooling and reveal a worrisome trend.
When you remove new government jobs created in June, private payrolls grew by only 136,000. Key takeaway? Be skeptical when the jobs market growth is largely supported by new government jobs.
Digging into the details, job growth numbers for April and May were revised down a big 111,000 meaning that jobs rose only 108,000 in April and 218,000 in May.
For perspective, with the newly reported revisions, jobs growth over the last three months averaged 177,000, which is down from a 249,000 three-month average in the prior month.
Three Strikes and You Are Out
The increase in the unemployment rate to 4.1% in June follows a rise in May from 3.9% to 4.0%. If there is another increase in the unemployment rate in July, one of the best available recession indicator’s known as the Sahm Rule will start flashing red.
Former Fed economist Claudia Sahm developed this rule, which is based on the idea that, when people start losing jobs, they cut back on spending, and this in turn causes even more job losses throughout the economy. It technically is triggered when the unemployment rate rises to at least half a percentage point above its low point from the past year, which is the signal that a recession has begun.
Will Gold’s 2024 Rally Continue?
Gold has gained over 12% since the start of the year and Wall Street analysts say more record highs are on the way. The gold market’s reaction after the employment report was a bullish signal and opens the door to a new all-time record high later this year in the $2,538-$2,643 area, according to a BofA Global Research report. Investors are piling into precious metals to protect and grow their wealth. If you act now, you can trade your dollars for gold before the next big upswing begins.
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6 Mistakes High Net Worth Investors Make
Posted onTraditional economic theory is based on the idea that investors make rational decisions. However, humans are emotional beings, which means investment decisions can sometimes be driven by emotional factors.
Indeed, the latest Capgemini World Wealth Report 2024 discovered that 65% of high net worth individuals are influenced by behavioral finance biases when making investment decisions—especially during emotional life events such as marriage, divorce and retirement.
Throughout their lifetime, investors make many decisions including whether to buy physical gold and silver or rare coins, real estate, stocks and bonds and in what proportion to each other, or allocation levels.
Emotional investment decisions can have a long-lasting impact on your financial goals and your financial security. Do you recognize any of these six investment biases, which Capgemini found impact high net worth individuals (HNWI)?
- Confirmation bias: This refers to the idea that you seek information from sources that already aligns with your views. 65% of HNWI were susceptible.
- Activity bias: This means you are open to grab opportunities without extensive deliberation. 47% of HNWI were susceptible.
- Disposition effect: This means you hold onto bad-performing investments for an extended period. 45% of HNWI were susceptible.
- Risk aversion: This means you are too conservative to grab potential opportunities. 43% of HNWI were susceptible.
- Anchoring bias: That means sticking to past investment decisions without regular re-evaluation. 43% of HNWI were susceptible.
- Overconfidence: This means you invest based on your own market predictions. 37% of HNWI were susceptible.
If you recognized any of these biases, you aren’t alone. They are very common and even among high-net worth individuals. However, when you are making investment decisions, you want to ensure you are making the right decision for your financial future. Fortunately, there are four simple strategies you can employ to help you avoid these behavioral finance traps, and Blanchard is here to help.
Set Clear Investment Goals
What are your financial goals? Blanchard will take the time to learn your investment objectives, investment time horizon and risk appetite before recommending products for your consideration.
Invest for the Long-Term
Blanchard’s investment philosophy is based on a long-term outlook. We believe in the long-term investment value of high end rare and ultra-rare coins. Download a 45-year study on the long-term investment performance of gold bullion and U.S. rare coins to learn more about performance returns.
Diversify Your Portfolio
Gold and silver bullion in physical form is an appropriate asset for a portion of any properly diversified investment portfolio. We recommend investing up to 10% of your overall portfolio in gold, depending on your financial goals and risk tolerance levels. Learn more about a proven gold diversification strategy.
Rely on Proven Professionals
Talking with a financial professional before you make an investment decision can help alleviate some or all of the investment biases shown above. Take the time to get a second opinion and professional guidance with your most important investment decisions.
Blanchard believes that most of our clients benefit by talking to one of our Portfolio Managers before they make a purchase. The precious metals market is complicated and in constant flux. We follow it closely and getting a second opinion before you buy can dramatically improve your purchasing power and help you avoid making a bad purchase. We can also help educate you on topics such as IRA’s, inheritance, storage, diversification and many more topics.
Investing doesn’t have to be complicated, nor ridden with bad emotional decisions. If you follow these four steps it will help you feel confident and secure that you are moving your financial future forward. Blanchard is here to help
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An American Treasure: 1799 Funeral Medals Honored George Washington
Posted onFollowing President George Washington’s death on December 14, 1799 at Mount Vernon at the age of 67, the entire nation went into a deep state of mourning.
With his passing, Washington transcended into a truly legendary American hero, and today schoolchildren are still taught in great detail about the Father of Our Country—the Revolutionary War general who became the first president of the United States of America.
In the days after his death, local governments in nearly every American city and town planned their own memorial tributes to honor his memory and his long-lasting achievements that helped launch a new nation.
Esteemed engraver, inventor and member of the Masonic Brotherhood, Jacob Perkins designed memorial Funeral Medals as a tribute to the Founding Father to be “worn by all ages of people.”
Perkins’ first Washington medal was documented at the funeral procession in his hometown of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Perkins’ most popular and well-known of the Washington Funeral Medals are the “Urn and Skull and Crossbones” types.
However, a little seen medal was one that Perkins designed just for the ladies. This is an oval-shaped, uniface Funeral Medal, created for women to wear inside in a locket or other jewelry setting.
Advertisements promoting this unique Washington Funeral Medal ran under the newspaper headline: “FOR THE LADIES” with the description: “A new impression of General Washington in the form of a miniature, calculated for the ladies and may be worn in any common size locket. Considered by those acquainted with him a very striking likeness; executed in gold, at the low price of a dollar and fifty cents.”
Demand for all Washington Funeral Medals has been on the rise in recent years, which is understandable given the multiple audiences that covet such a remarkable piece of American history. From numismatists who pursue owning trophy rarities to those collecting rare, antique jewelry to collectors of Washingtoniana, the society of collectors who pursue any and all memorabilia relating to the life and times of George Washington—these Funeral Medal survivors are highly sought after.
Today, all Washington Funeral Medals are extremely pricey and exceptionally rare. Fewer than six of the Ladies medal are believed to exist. The fact that any of these medals survived is a miracle. Survivors are truly a national treasure—a rare, early federal-era artifact that represents the magnificent story about the birth and infancy of the United States.
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Americans Tighten Their Belts: Weaker-Than-Expected Retail Sales
Posted onAmid high inflation and high interest rates, Americans kept a tighter grip on their wallets this spring and cut back on discretionary spending, which could have big repercussions for the economy ahead.
In May, retail sales came in weaker-than-expected at 0.1%, the Commerce Department reported. That is well below expectations for a 0.3% increase. What’s more the government downward revised April’s retail sales data to show a 0.2% decline.
Gold swung from negative to positive territory on the news, trading as high as $2,438.20 an ounce following the report’s release.
The latest economic data reveals that Americans have spent down their pandemic era savings and are now struggling to keep consumption going at a strong pace. The slowing trend in consumption also hits at a time when banks are tightening access to credit as lower income borrowers struggle to keep up with their monthly loan and credit payments.
As consumer spending powers nearly 70% of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) growth, spending weakness can have wider economic repercussions and could lead to a broader economic slowdown.
Indeed, Wells Fargo Economics recently lowered their second quarter estimate for real consumer spending growth to 1.9% from 3.0%, previously. Looking ahead, the firm forecasts that the pace of consumer spending growth will run below a 2% annualized pace in the second half of 2024, as consumers and businesses pull back on purchases and spending ahead of the November presidential election.
The slowing retail sales number bolsters market expectations that the Federal Reserve will need to step in later this year and slash high interest rates to help boost the slowing economy.
At the June meeting, the Fed kept its benchmark interest rate at the 5.25%-5.50% range, where it has stood since last July. After projecting as many as three or four rate cuts at the start of the year, policymakers now only forecast one rate cut in 2024. However, even or two rate cuts would do little to help borrowers as interest rates still remain relatively high compared to recent decades.
Fed interest rate cuts are typically supportive to the gold market and could help trigger another new rally phase in precious metals.
Bank of America expects silver prices to climb to $35 an ounce within the next two years. Silver currently trades around $29.50 an ounce. While gold has performed strongly in recent years as investors around the globe turned to the yellow metal to hedge against inflation, stock market volatility and geopolitical risks, Bank of America now expects silver to begin a new leg up.
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10 Rare Ancient Roman Coins That Collectors Are Dreaming Of
Posted onFrom portraits of powerful emperors to depictions of mythological figures, it is easy to see why Roman coinage captivates numismatists. While the world of Roman numismatics is vast and complex, navigating its intricacies is made simpler with our list highlighting gold and silver rare Roman coins’ value and history. This piece will discuss:
- The most valuable rare Roman coins.
- The factors contributing to the rarity of Roman coinage.
- Sourcing gold rare Roman coins online.
Watch this informative video to learn more about ancient Roman coins:
Rare expensive Roman coins
Windows into the past, Roman coins, often discovered in Roman coin hoards, offer invaluable insights into the political, cultural, and economic landscape of ancient Rome. Bearing the likeness of emperors, gods, and symbols that reflect the values and aspirations of people of the time, Roman coinage is a journey through the annals of ancient civilization.
1. Galba Aureus: a highly coveted rare Roman coin.
A numismatic treasure created by the mint of Rome during the brief reign of emperor Servius Sulpicius Galba in AD 68-69, this aureus is sought after for its intrinsic value and historical significance. Aurei, emblematic of the late Roman Empire, were gold coins originally worth 25 silver denarii. Like all aurei, the Galba aureus was crafted of gold nearly 24 karats pure, boasting over 99% purity.
Featuring a design of Galba’s bust on the obverse and a female figure holding a patera and cornucopia on the reverse, this coin marked a pivotal moment in Roman history. It signaled the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and the start of the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors. A shining example of an answer to the question “Are authentic Roman coins rare?”, any collector would be fortunate to have the Galba aureus grace their collection.
Roman Empire Galba Aureus
- Metal: Gold
- Year: AD 68 – 69
2. Augustus Aureus: one of the rarest Roman coins.
Struck during the reign of emperor Augustus, this aureus coin is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and symbolism. Minted in Pergamum, the coin features the profile of Augustus on the obverse and an image of a Capricorn on the reverse. The Capricorn, a hybrid creature with the body of a goat and the tail of a fish, held significant cultural importance in Roman society as it represented strength, resilience, and determination. Its image on this coin serves to convey the emperor’s connection to divine forces and his ability to ensure stability and prosperity for the empire.
Beyond its exquisite design, the Augustus aureus commands considerable value among collectors thanks to its historical importance. Augustus’ profound impact on Roman history is evident in the multitude of Roman coins, rare pieces uncovered in discoveries such as this, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Augustus Aureus
- Metal: Gold
- Year: 19 BC – 18 BC
Photo by American Numismatics Society
3. Brutus Aureus: a rare Roman gold coin of great value.
Another one of the most coveted rare Roman gold coins, the Brutus aureus immortalizes one of the most infamous figures in ancient history, Marcus Junius Brutus. Made by the military mint accompanying Brutus in western Asia Minor or northern Greece, this gold coin portrays Brutus on the obverse and an emblem of absolute military triumph – a combined army and naval trophy – on the reverse.
The Brutus aureus holds profound significance as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and a harbinger of the Roman Republic’s demise. Its rarity and historical resonance render it highly desired by collectors.
Brutus Aureus
- Metal: Gold
- Year: 42 B.C.E.
Photo by Numismatic News
4. EID MAR Denarius: among the rarest Roman coins in existence.
When it comes to sky-high rare Roman coin values, few can compete with the EID MAR Denarius. Otherwise known as the Denarius of Brutus, this coin offers a window into one of the most dramatic events in Roman history, the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March.
Brutus commissioned the minting of the EID MAR coin in both gold and silver to commemorate Caesar’s downfall. With Brutus’ profile on one side and two daggers, representing Brutus and Cassius, on the other, the coin was made to symbolize defiance against tyranny and captivates collectors today.
EID MAR Denarius
- Metal: Silver
- Year: 42 BC
Photo by The Fitzwilliam Museum
5. Titus Colosseum Sestertius: a historically significant rare Roman coin.
A testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome and the magnificence of the Colosseum, this coin is a formidable answer to the question “How rare are Roman coins?”. This extremely rare bronze sestertius was minted during the reign of emperor Titus, who oversaw the completion of the Colosseum and its inaugural games.
The stunning coin features an image of the majestic amphitheater, symbolizing the power of the Roman Empire, on the reverse and the profile of Titus on the obverse. Today, it remains a cherished emblem of ancient Roman architectural innovation.
The Titus Colosseum Sestertius
- Metal: Bronze
- Year: AD 80 – 81
Photo by Classical Numismatic Group
6. Mark Anthony & Cleopatra Denarius: one of the most legendary silver rare Roman coins.
Another iconic coin that collectors wondering “Are Roman coins rare?” will appreciate is this denarius. Struck in silver, this rare piece serves as a tangible artifact of the legendary romance between the Roman general Mark Antony and the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra.
Commissioned by Mark Anthony after his conquest of Armenia, the coin’s obverse features a right-facing portrait of Mark Anthony, while the reverse shows the bust of Cleopatra. This striking denarius pays homage to the famous couple’s powerful partnership, immortalizing one of history’s most intriguing love stories.
Denarius of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra
- Metal: Silver
- Year: 32 BC
Photo by Museums Victoria
7. Nero Sestertius: a gem among the rarest Roman coins.
A list of rare expensive Roman coins would not be complete without the Nero sestertius. Often referred to as the Port of Ostia sestertius, this numismatic marvel is renowned for its intricate design. Struck in bronze, this coin uniquely features a detailed depiction of the Port of Ostia, a vital harbor city near Rome, on the reverse. The harbor scene includes ships, lighthouses, and warehouses, showcasing the bustling maritime activity of ancient Rome and unparalleled coinage craftsmanship.
The Nero sestertius holds great value for collectors, not only for its undeniable artistic merit but also for its historical importance. Through its meticulous portrayal of emperor Nero’s ambitious building projects, it offers a tangible connection to the grandeur and engineering prowess of ancient Rome.
The Nero Port of Ostia Sestertius
- Metal: Bronze
- Year: AD 62 – 68
Photo by Numista
8. Julius Caesar Portrait Denarius: one of the rarest Roman emperor coins.
Depicting one of history’s most influential figures, this Julius Caesar denarius is a quintessential representation of ancient Roman coinage. Collectors especially prize this particular coin as it was minted during Julius Caesar’s lifetime and he was the first living person to appear on Roman coinage. This offers a tangible link to the ancient emperor.
What makes this coin even more unique, and therefore valuable to collectors, is that, unlike most rare Roman coins depicting Julius Caesar from later periods, this portrait clearly highlights Caesar’s advanced age by showing his wrinkled skin.
Portrait of Julius Caesar Denarius
- Metal: Silver
- Year: 44 B.C.
Photo by The Art Institute of Chicago
9. Valerian Antoninianus: the rarest Roman coin of an ill-fated emperor’s rule.
As far as rare ancient Roman coins are concerned, the Valerian Antoninianus is a stunning piece. A silver coin known for the distinctive crown worn by the emperor on its obverse, it pays tribute to Valerian’s brief but impactful rule. The coin’s reverse is adorned by different mythological motifs, such as the depiction of the Roman sun god Sol, adding to its allure.
The coin’s exquisite blend of artistic craftsmanship and symbolic imagery reflects the intricate narratives woven into ancient Roman coinage. This, along with its beauty, is the main reason why it is greatly prized by collectors to this day.
The Antoninianus of Valerian
- Metal: Silver
- Year: AD 253 – 260
Photo by Yale University Art Gallery
10. Diocletian Follis: one of the most rare bronze Roman coins.
One of the most important bronze rare Roman coins is the follis of Diocletian. Minted in Rome, this remarkable coin from the late Roman Empire was a key monetary unit of the time. The follis was introduced by Emperor Diocletian in an effort to reform the Roman economy and stabilize the empire. With its standardized weight and size, it provided a more reliable medium of exchange compared to the debased coinage that preceded it.
Today, the follis of Diocletian is valued by numismatists and historians alike for the insights it provides into the economic dynamics of the late empire.
The Follis of Diocletian
- Metal: Bronze
- Year: AD 298 – 299
Photo by The Art Institute of Chicago
See more rare Roman coins for sale in Blanchard’s extensive selection.
Where to buy rare coins
Roman coinage epitomizes the rich tapestry of ancient history, offering collectors tangible connections to a civilization of unparalleled grandeur. To embark on your journey into the world of rare Roman coins or add to your collection, visit Blanchard and tap into the expertise of their seasoned team for guidance. Do not hesitate to contact Blanchard’s experts with questions about rare Roman coins price and more.
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The U.S. Economy and Gold: 3 Things to Watch in Second Half of 2024
Posted onHeading into the second half of 2024, the U.S. economy is slowing down, inflation is still above the Federal Reserve’s target rate, and gold has climbed to a series of new record highs. As investors look ahead, here are three factors to consider as you position your portfolio for the changing macroeconomic
landscape.
- Making History: Interest Payments on National Debt Set to Exceed Defense Spending
The U.S. National Debt continues its onward march higher and is approaching a record $35 trillion. For investors, it’s worth noting that recent Treasury auctions have been met with lackluster demand – indicating that global buyers are failing to keep up with the tremendous amount of securities the Treasury must continue to offer in order to finance our country’s operations.
The U.S. boasts the largest defense budget at nearly $900 billion in 2024. Yet, interest payments on the national debt are on pace to eclipse that number this year!
- In the first seven months of fiscal year 2024 (which started last October), interest payments totaled $514 billion.
- That was $20 billion higher than defense spending.
- Budget projections reveal that trend will continue, making 2024 the first year ever that the United States will spend more on interest payments than on national defense.
This is an expensive and risky proposition for our nation today and our future. As debt levels grow and interest rates remain high, the high interest payments squeeze out spending for other critical areas. It’s an unstable fiscal position and leaves our nation’s finances vulnerable to crisis.
2. All Eyes on the November Presidential Election: Misery Index May Offer Clues
With many swing state polls and betting odds in a near dead heat, uncertainty abounds regarding the race for the White House. Looking for some economic clues? Since 1980, the Misery Index has correctly forecast 15 out of 16 presidential election winners, according to Strategas Research Partners.
- The Misery Index is the sum of the unemployment rate and the annual inflation rate.
- Historically, if the Misery Index is 7.3 or below, the incumbent typically wins reelection.
- Recently, the index climbed to over 12 in 2022 and dropped to under 7 in 2023.
- Today? The Misery Index stands at 7.269.
No matter who wins the White House, whoever wins will face roughly $4 trillion in expiring tax provisions in 2025. That means from a tax standpoint could make next year one of the most significant since the current tax system formed in 1913.
[For more details on how you can prepare and protect your wealth ahead of the expiring Trump tax cuts check out our recent post: Trump Tax Cuts Expire After 2025: Are You Ready?]3. Fragile Global Landscape Opens Door to Market Volatility
One of the biggest factors that could drive a major market moving event in the months ahead comes from the global landscape. Today, we are seeing geopolitical conflict and tensions at an all-time high in the post WW II era.
War in the Middle East continues to escalate, and the Russian war in the Ukraine shows no signs of abating. Weakening economic growth in China creates challenges and risks for U.S. – China trade tensions. State-sponsored cyber-attacks are a growing geopolitical risk and are a threat to both individual organizations and national security.
Last but not least are the ongoing breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. While corporate America embraces AI, the technology is moving fast. Powerful AI models and tools create a new Wild West that is largely ungoverned and may have a disruptive influence on politics, markets, or even war. The potential impacts are largely unknown, but many agree the risks are high.
The Bottom Line
We are hurtling forward into a new age of global politics, domestic governing and technology. Throughout the first half of the year, investors turned to gold and silver, which are both returning double-digit gains since the start of the year.
Precious metals provide a hedge against inflation, ballooning government debt, political uncertainty and even against intensifying global conflicts that may arise at any time. If you have been considering adding gold or silver to your portfolio, take action now to protect your personal economy and invest in a proven asset with a 5,000 year track record.
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