1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Is Skyrocketing In Value Again

Above, 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some specimens of Kennedy half dollars are skyrocketing in value.

This is especially true with the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar which was minted in 90% silver. Later coins had the silver content lowered to 40% silver. 

In 1971, the mint removed silver from minting which continues to this day, making the coins in clad copper-nickel composition. 

According to La Gradia:

In the world of collecting, numismatics often carries an extra level of excitement, especially when it comes to coins. This is evident in the interest shown in each and every unique coin that has ever been in circulation in the United States. Such is the case with the Kennedy half dollar, which commemorates his assassination in 1963. A year after his death, it was put into circulation, and those coins minted between 1964 and 1970 have become collectible items with a value of $15,000. It is still in circulation today, but between 1975 and 1976 there was a design variation celebrating the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence.

No, not all examples of this coin have the same value, as the earlier ones have a composition of 90% silver, which was later reduced to 40%. In 1971, the Mint removed the silver and replaced it with clad copper-nickel, reason why the first ones can cost up to $15,000 and the ones produced after may only cost around $5.

To read more, go here. 

Silver Price Soars To Record Level

Silver has soared to record levels at week's end. How much higher it may go is anyone's guess.

Right now, it is around $57/toz at Comex.

According to Mining.com:

Silver soared to an all-time high on Friday following an outage on the Comex due to what the exchange operator CME calls a “cooling system failure”.

Spot prices rose 4% to a new record of $55.66 per oz., surpassing its peak set last month during a historic squeeze in the London market. Three-month futures also jumped 5%, trading within a similar range. 

 To read more, go here.

2025 American Silver Eagle

The first coin collectible I bought this year arrived in today's mail.

It is a 2025 American Silver Eagle. 

The current COMEX spot price for silver is at 34.490/toz. The price of the Silver Eagle was just four dollars above spot price. 

There are some experts who think silver's spot price will hit 40-50 dollars by the end of the year. We shall see.

Here's the front and back of the 2025 American Silver Eagle:

 

Rare and Collectible Coins: An Alternative Investment Trend?

Above, an 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar (BU). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rare coin collecting is seen as a hedge against inflation and as investments. 

According to an article in  Fox4KC:

HARWICH PORT, MA, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- In an era where investors seek stability and long-term value, rare and collectible coins are gaining traction as a compelling alternative investment. Traditionally viewed as a niche market for numismatists, the coin-collecting industry has now attracted mainstream investors looking for tangible assets with the potential for appreciation. But what is driving this renewed interest in rare coins, and should investors consider them as part of a diversified portfolio? Let’s explore the key factors fueling this trend.

The Growing Appeal of Rare Coins as Investments

Historically, rare coins have been collected for their historical significance, artistry, and intrinsic value. However, their role as an investment asset has grown significantly in recent years, particularly due to economic uncertainty and inflation concerns. Unlike stocks or cryptocurrencies, rare coins are tangible assets with a finite supply, making them an attractive hedge against economic downturns.

According to the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), the global rare coin market is valued at over $10 billion annually, and demand continues to grow. The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index also reported a 175% increase in the value of rare coins over the past decade, outpacing many traditional asset classes, including real estate and fine art.

To read more, go here. 

Is Silver A Good Investment?

Above, 1964 Kennedy half dollars and Morgan dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Silver is currently on a high as it is hovering around $31/toz. 

But, historically, silver spot price is volatile and could drop in price. There are many factors that cause its volitivity as it is both a precious metal and used industrially.

MSN asks, Is silver a good investment? 

They begin their article with:

Some consider silver a reliable hedge against inflation, a safe haven during economic uncertainty, and an asset with growth potential. Globally, 2023’s mine production of silver was estimated to be around 26,000 metric tons. That same year, however, silverware demand fell by 25% to 55.2 Moz, and silver jewelry fabrication experienced a 13% drop, with losses mainly in India who’d seen an apex of silver demand the previous year. For those looking to diversify their investment portfolio, the question stands: is silver a good investment?

While silver shares many qualities with gold as a precious metal, its volatility, industrial demand, and price fluctuations make it a unique investment. To understand whether silver is a good investment in 2024, it’s essential to consider market trends, economic conditions, and the factors driving silver’s price.

To read more, go here.

Silver Bouncing Around $25.00/toz

The start of the final quarter of 2023 is just two days away.

It appears that silver's spot price will start the quarter at around $25.00/toz. Where it will end 2023 in four months is anyone's guess.

Right now, silver's spot price is bouncing around $25.00/toz.

Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollars

Above, a special one-off 1921 Morgan silver dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since I inherited some Morgan silver dollars from the Carson City Mint, they have become my favorite coins to collect. 

Since then, I buy Morgans whenever I spot a good deal, too good to pass up.

MSN has posted an article on the most valuable Morgan silver dollars. Before they get into those, they provide a history of the Morgans.

They start with:

Morgan silver dollars were 90 percent silver, one-dollar coins minted between 1878 and 1904, with a special one-off production in 1921 — but their history goes back a bit further.

The Comstock Lode, a massive silver discovery in 1859, flooded the U.S. market with silver and caused the value of silver coins to drop. As a result, in 1873, the Coinage Act stopped the production of silver coins in the United States. Eventually, the silver supply dropped, and the U.S. government passed the Bland-Allison Act to reinstate a silver coin in 1878 and appointed the task to U.S. Mint Director Henry Linderman.

Linderman held a competition for the design of a new silver dollar, which was won by English engraver, George Morgan. Morgan used his fiancee, schoolteacher Anna Williams, as the model for the head of Liberty on one side of the coin. The reverse shows an American eagle holding a clutch of arrows, with the words “United States One Dollar.” The new coins were called Morgan silver dollars after their designer.

The History of the Production of Morgan Dollars

Before we can talk about the most valuable Morgan silver dollars, we wanted to give you a bit more insight into the production of these coins. They were made in five different U.S. Treasury locations, and each mint had its own special letter designation stamped on the coins. These locations were Carson City (“CC”), New Orleans (“O”), San Francisco (“S”), Denver (“D”) and Philadelphia (no mark).

Although Morgan silver dollars are still legal tender in the U.S., they are worth far more than just $1 to coin collectors. Today, Morgans range considerably in value. Their price depends on several factors, including the number of coins minted in a specific year, the city where they were made and the coin’s current condition, with uncirculated coins being more rare and valuable.

So which ones are worth the most valuable collectibles? These are some of the most valuable Morgan silver dollars, according to USA Coin Book and Coin HelpU.

To see which are the most valuable Morgan silver dollars, go here. 

Kiyosaki Recommends Buying Silver Before It’s Gone

Above, Canadian silver maple leaf. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those sitting on the fence trying to decide how best to diversify their investment portfolios, the following by Robert Kiyosaki is some good food for thought.

From Bitcoin.com News:

The author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki, has urged investors to buy silver before it’s gone, noting that the precious metal is becoming rarer. Rich Dad Poor Dad is a 1997 book co-authored by Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. It has been on the New York Times Best Seller List for over six years. More than 32 million copies of the book have been sold in over 51 languages across more than 109 countries.

Kiyosaki tweeted Monday that he considers both gold and silver God’s money. However, the author pointed out that gold is multiple times more expensive than silver, noting that the latter, being an industrial precious metal, is becoming rarer due to its usage. Kiyosaki expressed his belief that silver is a better bargain as a long-term investment than gold. The well-known author further highlighted the affordability of silver, encouraging everyone to consider purchasing some before its availability diminishes. At the time of writing, the current spot price of silver is $22.70 while gold’s spot price is $1,910.50.

To read more, go here. 

5 Tips For Starting A Silver Coin Collection

Above, silver 1964 Kennedy half and Morgan dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My dad and I had collected coins since the early 1960s.

I vividly remember when the U.S. Mint ceased producing coins of silver (with few exceptions) in 1965. That kind of dampened our appetites of coin collecting, although we did save whatever pre-1965 silver coins we found in our pocket change. 

If one is considering starting silver coin collection, ZOBUZ has five tips on doing so.

They begin with:

Coin collecting has always been popular among adults and children alike. Over the last few years, however, collecting coins has become increasingly sought after.

Whether you wish to begin a coin collection for fun, for profit, or a combination of both, it’s important to know where to start! Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place to begin your coin collection journey right here.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know before you start a silver coin collection.

To read more, go here. 

Silver Remains Above $25/toz

Above, circulated Morgan and Peace silver dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Silver's spot price continues to stay above $25.00/toz.

This is good news for investors who have already stockpiled the precious metal when the prices were down.

Currently, the spot price for silver (according to Monex):

$25.36

-0.01

-0.04%

Low   $25.20

High   $25.61

4/20/2023 6:08:38 PM PDT   prices in USD / toz

Gold and Silver Could Soon Be Sales Tax Exempt In New Jersey

There's only a handful of states, New Mexico being one of them, who still applies sales and use taxes to gold, silver and other precious metals purchased as investments during this time of high inflation and bank collapses.

New Jersey may soon be joining a majority of states who have eliminated the sales tax on precious metals.

According to Shore News Network:

TRENTON, NJ – A the economy continues to suffer and inflation continues to rise under the Presidency of Joe Biden, many are turning to investments in precious medals to protect their assets.

Under existing New Jersey law, those investments, unlike other credible financial investments are subject to state sales and use tax.

The bill, A5294, would exempt legitimate gold, silver and other precious metal ‘bullion’ from state sales tax. It would also cover the sale of gold coins purchased for investment purchases.

As defined in the bill, “investment metal bullion” means any elementary precious metal that has been put through a process of smelting or refining, including, but not limited to, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and that is in such state or condition that its value depends upon its contents and not its form.  

The bill also defines “investment coin” as any numismatic coin manufactured of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or any other metal, including non-precious metals, and having a fair market value of not less than $1,000. 

It sounds to me, under this bill, coins not having a value of at least $1,000 will not be exempt from the sales tax. Not everyone can afford coins over $1,000. Most investment coins minted today are below $1,000 in value. If my reading is correct, the bill should be modified so that all investment coins of precious metals should be exempted. The change in the law would be useless for the average citizen unless modified.

To read more, go here.

Silver Spot Price Today (So Far)

Above, silver spot price this morning.

At present, the silver spot price is roughly where yesterday left off (maybe a smidgeon higher).

We will see where the spot price will go today. It did go below $20.00/toz at times yesterday. It will be interesting so see where it goes today.

This is actually good for people who are looking to buy. Most dealers base their prices on the spot price plus their overhead & profit markups. Just shop around to find the best deals.

Even though silver is down from where it was, precious metals won't lose value like fiat paper currencies.

Speaking of which, The Federalist blog has an article and video on "Hyper Inflation - Should You Own Gold or Silver?" It is an interesting read for those sitting on the fence on buying gold or silver. 

To read it (along with video), go here.

Protecting Your RV Investment During A Recession

Above, having maintenance work done. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether during boom times or during a recession, protecting one's RV investment is important for obvious reasons.

RV Life has an article that caught my attention as the title of the article was, "Protecting Your RV Investment During A Recession". 

They begin it with:

Most RVers are already honed in on taking care of their RVs. Whether you use your RV for pleasure, or you’ve sold the sticks and bricks and now live in your RV full-time, you must always be cognizant of protecting your RV investment. Consider all of the options that follow as potential tactics to protect your hard-earned investment.

 To read more, go here.

Silver Spot Price Fell By $1.00 Yesterday

The spot price for silver dropped like rock yesterday.

The price fell by $1.00 or so during the day. It still hasn't recovered. 

This is good for buyers, but if one is a dealer, it is not. 

Yesterday started at:

Here's where the spot stands as I write this:

Where it's going to go from here is anyone's guess.

History and Significance of Silver Eagle Coins

Above, a 2023 American Silver Eagle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The following article is on American Silver Eagle Coins, but the image that accompanies the The Magazine Plus article is of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (90% silver, by the way). That error should have been immediately caught and corrected.

Oh, well. At least I have the correct coin's image with this post.

However, the article gives a comprehensive look at the history and significance of "America's most coveted collectible."  

They begin it with:

(The Magazine Plus Editorial):- New York City, New York Feb 17, 2023 (Issuewire.com) – Silver Eagle Coins are collectible coin that has been treasured by collectors and investors for decades. These coins are the official silver bullion coin of the United States, and they have a rich history and significance that is worth exploring. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and significance of Silver Eagle Coins, and why they are so valued by collectors and investors alike.

 To read the full article, go here.

2023 American Silver Eagle

Since the spot price for silver is down (it is currently $21.99/toz according to Monex's Live Silver Spot Price), I decided to take advantage and buy some silver coins last week.

One of which is the 2023 American Silver Eagle. I have several 2022 American Silver Eagles. This is the first 2023 I bought this year. No doubt I'll be getting more this year.

I bought this one through SD Bullion, one of the more trustworthy coin and bullion dealers.

Silver Spot Price Creeping Up

It looks like silver's spot price is creeping up again.

However, it is too early to tell if this is a trend that is starting. It can always go back down below $22.00/toz or go up even more.

As of now, the spot price according to Monex:

 

Should You Be Investing In Gold and Silver?

For those "sitting on the fence" in regard to investing in gold and silver, NewsWeekMe (Newsweek Medial Exchange) has posted an article this morning on whether or not one should be investing in either of those precious metals.

They begin with:

Are you thinking about investing in gold and silver? In a world that is constantly changing, it is smart to plan for the future.

Gold and silver can help you with your future financial planning. You have to think, however, about how to invest in gold bars and silver coins that will achieve the results you are hoping for.

Here are a few facts to read over when planning to invest in precious metals.

In case you're wondering:

NewsWeekMe is the go-to source for the latest and greatest news in the business, finance, investment and entertainment industry. Our team of experienced authors ensures that only the freshest and most relevant contents are presented to our readers, with a focus on legitimacy and usefulness. So, stop worrying and start reading!

To read more, go here. 

Silver Spot Price: Now More Affordable To Buyers

Above, Morgan and Peace dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's an old saying, "Buy low, sell high." This has been the case pretty much since the beginnings of the Stock Exchange. This also holds true when it comes to precious metals.

The spot price for gold is currently $1,879.00 per troy ounce. Since gold is out-of-reach for most people, silver is a viable alternative. It is much more affordable.

According to Monex, silver is now at:

$22.25

-0.07

-0.31%

Low   $22.07

High   $22.45

2/8/2023 5:28:54 AM PST   prices in USD / toz

Since current spot price for silver has been declining this past week, now is the time to buy while the spot price is low. 

While this opportunity is knocking, shouldn't you now open the door?

God Save The King (and Gold & Silver)

Finally, I was able to get my mail at the post office down at the Flying J.

Due to staffing issue (mainly with the Flying J), the post office had been closed since last Thursday.

In my mail, were two 2023 Silver 2 Pound Britannia coins with King Charles III's effigy on them. These are the first U.K. coins to feature the King.