The global silver industry produces 26,000 metric tons annually, with production growing 2% year-over-year. Mexico leads production at 199 million ounces yearly, followed by China and Peru. Approximately 560,000 metric tons of known silver reserves remain, with experts estimating 120 years of undiscovered reserves at current rates. Global demand reaches 1.21 billion ounces annually, with … Read more
What is a coin legend? Is it an important part of a coin? Or does it not matter at all? Learn it right here! Here’s an awesome quiz about coin legends. For best results take it after you’ve read my short guide. What is a Coin Legend (Meaning and Definition)? A coin legend is the … Read more
The global ruthenium market was valued at $5.1 billion in 2023, projected to reach $7.7 billion by 2032. Annual production is approximately 30 metric tons (1,058,218 ounces), primarily as a byproduct of platinum mining. Current demand stands at 1 million ounces yearly, expected to reach 2.3 million ounces by 2032. South Africa dominates with 2,500 … Read more
Gold patina is a surface discoloration that develops on gold alloys over time due to oxidation of metals within the alloy. Pure 24k gold doesn’t patinate because it’s highly resistant to oxidation, but gold alloys containing copper, silver, nickel, or zinc do develop patina. This creates subtle color changes or more noticeable reddish, greenish, or … Read more
Black gold is real but human-made gold that doesn’t occur naturally. It’s created through electroplating yellow gold with black rhodium or ruthenium, alloying gold with metals like cobalt (75% gold, 25% cobalt), laser treatment, or oxidation processes. Available primarily in 14k and 18k variants, black gold is used exclusively for jewelry applications. Black gold is … Read more
Iridium coins and bars… Do these exist? And is it expensive to own pure iridium bullion? Find out below! Here’s an awesome quiz about iridium bullion based on this post. Take it after you’ve read my guide. What is Iridium? Iridium, denoted as Ir with atomic number 77, is a precious metal that belongs to … Read more
The global rhodium market was valued at $2.44 billion in 2024, expected to reach $3.66 billion by 2033. Rhodium is 100 times rarer than gold. IT requires 13 tons of ore to produce one troy ounce. South Africa dominates production with 80-90% of global supply (approximately 25 metric tons annually), followed by Russia, Zimbabwe, and … Read more
The palladium market was valued at $20 billion in 2024, projected to reach $23.6 billion by 2032. It takes 14 tons of ore to produce one troy ounce of palladium. Global production totaled 210 metric tons in 2019, expected to peak at 240 metric tons by 2032. In 2024, demand reached 11 million ounces against … Read more
What is a coin relief? What’s the meaning of it and what is a high-relief coin? Learn it right below in my quick guide. Here’s an awesome quiz about coin reliefs and also high relief coins. Take it after you’ve read this guide for best results. What is a Coin Relief (Meaning and Definition)? A … Read more
The global iridium market was valued at $2.7 billion in 2024, projected to reach $4 billion by 2032. Annual production is approximately 248,000 ounces against demand of 224,000 ounces, creating a current surplus. However, demand is expected to surge to 800,000 ounces by 2032, exceeding supply capacity. South Africa dominates with 250 tons of reserves … Read more