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
A coin’s edge is the border encircling its circumference, sometimes called “the third side,” and serves both decorative and security purposes. Common types include smooth (plain), reeded (grooved), lettered, decorated, and knurled edges. Reeded edges are the most effective at preventing counterfeiting and coin clipping. This is why U.S. dimes and quarters feature reeding. Coin … Read more
A counterfeit coin is a fake coin made to imitate genuine currency and deceive collectors or investors. The two primary types are cast counterfeits, created from molds, and struck counterfeits, produced with dies like authentic coins. Detecting fakes involves checking weight, texture, magnetic properties, and using simple material-specific tests for gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. … Read more
Is Pure White Gold Hypoallergenic? No, pure white gold isn’t hypoallergenic. Because pure white gold doesn’t exist. You can’t mine raw white gold and you can’t make 24K white gold from it. Pure, 24K white gold doesn’t exist and 24K gold is actually pure, yellow gold. Is 18K White Gold Hypoallergenic? What about 14K … Read more
Gold reached $3,269.16 per troy ounce in 2026, up 40.17% year-over-year, with predictions of $3,675 by year-end and $6,400 by 2032. Global production increased from 84 million ounces in 2008 to 124 million ounces in 2024, projected to reach 148 million ounces by 2032. However, demand will exceed supply at 7,000 tonnes annually by 2032 … Read more
Colored gold is gold that has been altered in color by alloying it with other metals or through surface treatments. Pure gold has a natural yellowish-red hue, but combining it with metals like copper, silver, palladium, nickel, or aluminum produces a wide spectrum of colors. The main colored gold types include white gold (gold mixed … Read more
Iridium coins and bars exist, but they’re far rarer than gold, silver, platinum, or palladium bullion. Iridium bars typically have .9995 purity, made by companies like American Elements and Luciteria for industrial use, though collectors can buy them too. Iridium coins are nearly impossible to mass-produce because the metal is extremely hard with a very … Read more
The obverse of a coin is its front side, commonly called “heads”, usually featuring a portrait, national symbol, or other prominent design. On U.S. coins, the obverse typically carries the date and often depicts presidents or notable figures, while the reverse (“tails”) shows the denomination, an eagle, or other secondary imagery. A notable minting flaw … 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
Rare silver hallmarks are distinctive stamps on silver items indicating their origin, maker, and purity. They originate from from closed regional assay offices, obscure silversmiths, or short-lived periods, making them historically significant. These marks serve as authentication “fingerprints” that substantially increase a piece’s value to collectors. Examples include York’s half-leopard head and marks from master … Read more