The original article argued that a recommendation for gold and silver from mainstream industry insiders was a reason to act. It cited Fidelity bond-fund manager Ian Spreadbury, who had recently warned about the possibility of a systematic event because markets lacked liquidity, and who recommended cash, gold, and silver as hedges. Alternative financial and economic sites had warned about a possible financial-market collapse for some time, but the article found it notable that a mutual-fund manager, whose compensation depended on assets under management, had encouraged people to protect themselves. At the time of publication, Atlanta Gold & Coin reported an influx of people interested in diversifying away from traditional investments and said it would describe the items then receiving the greatest demand.
Gold Coins
At the time of original publication, the article described the following: Interest in gold coins moves in cycles, but at publication Atlanta Gold & Coin reported increased attention to gold bullion coins. Unlike collectible or numismatic gold coins, bullion coins are bought and sold chiefly for their gold content. Examples include American Gold Eagles, South African Krugerrands, Austrian Philharmonics, and Canadian Maple Leafs, among others. The article said Atlanta Gold & Coin was regularly asked which gold coins were best to purchase. Because preferences differ, it did not ordinarily favor one particular coin. Instead, it recommended then staying with government-issued coins or familiar privately issued bars and rounds. Coins from obscure countries or small, unknown private mints could be harder to sell later. The original article also stated that paying more than 5% for a one-ounce bullion coin was too much, although fractional and smaller coins commonly carried higher premiums. It invited readers then to compare dealers until finding bullion coins at a reasonable premium.
Silver Coins
Although the discussion began with gold coins, at publication Atlanta Gold & Coin reported greater recent demand for silver coins than for any other product. The coins then appearing most sought after included U.S. 90% silver coins dated 1964 and earlier, American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs, and many other government-issued one-ounce silver coins. Demand was also strong for silver bullion rounds and bars. Customers had varied reasons for buying silver, though most regarded it as a hedge against inflation and a weakening dollar. Some assumed silver would be useful for barter if the dollar collapsed. Those buyers were mainly interested in 90% silver half dollars, quarters, and dimes, often called junk silver. The day before publication, a customer asked about then-current demand and premiums for 90% silver coins. Atlanta Gold & Coin reported that fewer people were selling then, but premiums remained near their historical average. After hearing that premiums had risen to nearly 30% early the prior year, when supply was nearly unavailable, the customer made a sizable purchase. As with gold, the article recommended recognizable items for a broad, liquid resale market. It also referenced an earlier article on the different type of silver coin and bullion buyers for market newcomers.
Other Coins
Beyond gold and silver, Atlanta Gold & Coin had received some customer interest in platinum and palladium coins at the time this article was published. The article observed, however, that these metals were viewed principally as industrial metals. It therefore described them as more closely tied to economic health and as appearing to provide a less strong hedge than gold and silver against a declining stock market and lower consumer spending.
Summary
At the time of original publication, the article described the following: In closing, the original article again argued that warnings about systemic risk from mainstream mutual-fund managers, along with recommendations for gold and silver, meant it was time to act. At publication, Atlanta Gold & Coin reported growing demand for gold and silver coins, which it took as evidence that many customers shared that view. The article identified the gold and silver coins then drawing particular interest and offered guidance on the kinds of coins readers should consider. It stated that Atlanta Gold & Coin would continue reporting future industry developments that might interest readers.
