Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin: Tips for the Countdown to Noon

mercury-dime-centennial-gold-on-sale-dec-15

The webpage for the coin now says “Household Order Limit includes previous purchases of this product.” However, conflicting info from the Office of Corporate Communications suggests it’s worth giving it a try anyway.


UPDATE—As of 12:01 p.m., thanks to MNB readers, we know that (a) previous orders DO count against the HHL, and (b) the notification of exceeding the HHL is issued at the time of order.

At 12 noon Eastern Time, the Mint will be making the Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin available for purchase for the second time this year. While waiting for the gates to be thrown open, here are some tips avoid getting shut out by technical issues with your account.

  1. Make sure your login information is handy, and test it now (especially important if you haven’t ordered from the Mint in a while).
  2. Once you’re logged in, go to your account and click on “Address Book.” Make sure your shipping and billing addresses are correct. If you need to edit your address, be sure to click “Apply” before leaving the window.
  3. Click on “Cards and Payment” and make sure everything is in order there.
  4. Once you’re sure everything is shipshape, make sure you’re logged in and on the product page a few minutes ahead of noon. To get to the coin’s product page, you can type the product number, 16XB, into the search blank; you can click on “Product Schedule” and scroll down about halfway to April 21 and click on the coin; or you can simply click here, or copy and paste https://catalog.usmint.gov/mercury-dime-2016-centennial-gold-coin-16XB.html?cgid=product-schedule into your browser.
  5. As the hour approaches, refresh your browser window frequently to make sure your session is still active. If you let it time out, you’ll lose valuable seconds getting logged back in—especially if the website bogs down due to the volume of users.
  6. As long as you don’t get a message that you’re ineligible to order the coin, keep trying. Many buyers aren’t successful on the first click, due to website issues.

It’s unclear at this time whether previous orders of the Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin will count against the new household-order limit of 1, as there is conflicting information from the Mint (although it seems likely the answer is “nope, not eligible”). Even if you think you’re ineligible, though, go ahead and give it a shot. Which is worse: wasting a moment’s effort, or not trying and then finding out later that you were eligible after all?    ❑

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  2. Per policy, we do not advise on the value, authenticity, or rarity of readers’ coins and banknotes. For this kind of assistance, you should contact a reputable dealer, preferably one who’s certified by the American Numismatic Association and/or the Professional Numismatists Guild.
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  4. Allegations of fraudulent or criminal activity against a named party, when said activity has not been proven in a court of law, will be removed.

Comments

  1. cagcrisp says

    IF you have previously ordered and you do as Diana suggests and give it a shot, keep in mind that even though the website might ALLOW you to make a purchase, my Guess is that IF there is a HHL check it will NOT be done until much later in the process.

    SO…You may Think you are successful only to find out later that you are not…

  2. Mike in NY says

    Tried to purchase one – Household Limit Reached on order confirmation page. Had previously ordered 2. Don’t bother trying to order if you have previously ordered.

  3. mgm says

    I ordered two the first go-around. Today is said I reached my limit, that sucks. I never bought ten. Way-to-go mint. Our government at work.

  4. gatortreke says

    I purchased one earlier through the USM and the site tells me my HHL has been reached so no order. The site is correct about previous purchases.

  5. MarkInFlorida says

    Tough time logging in, and changing pages, but using the above link to the item worked quick, and order was in by 12:00:35, half a minute! USM047925xx

  6. data dave says

    @cagcrisp – The site let me go through the checkout process even though I bought one earlier so I am not sure what is going on.

  7. Darek says

    I missed dimes on the first day, but today I was able to place 2 orders ( 12:00 and 12:05). They are 5000 apart.

  8. Phil Andrews says

    No problem getting one in the 1st minute or so. I did it exactly the way suggested, even before I read this article (logging in ahead of time & refreshing the product page right at 9AM PST).

  9. Mint News Blog says

    @data dave — Out of curiosity, did you do anything differently this time? Different credit card, shipping address, billing address, etc.?

  10. says

    Another total f-up by our mint. What a crock. Lousy web site. I had 2, only 2, back in April. Wanted 1 more for the other grandchild. Told me I had my household limit! What? I bet Putin got his!

  11. KEITHSTER says

    Way to easy 12:01 & done”> Looks like they found all the other stuff they had and got it back on the pages. Sorry all but had to try! Good Luck To Those That Needed It”>

  12. gatortreke says

    Based on data dave’s comments, I logged out and logged back in to try again but still got the HHL reached for this product. FTR, I purchased 1 coin during the first sales period.

  13. art says

    @cagcrisp, the Mint does not agree with you regarding the HHL, The Mint did the right thing in the name of fairness and I would positively say that even if I had ordered the first time and was locked out today. I was in and out in seconds and I tip my cap to the Mint on this one. They often do not get it right. The fear now is receiving a coin that has issues.

  14. says

    Mercury Dime 2016 Centennial Gold Coin
    WEST POINT (W)
    Household limit reached for this product

    Above was my response. Same exact info. On my account for years now. Never changes, card is good and up to date. UGH!

  15. mark says

    No luck reached my limit last time. How funny is the us mint my last order was for 2 out of 10 . Clowns I say!

  16. art says

    The real Mercury dime problem is the original HHL of 10. An example of what the Mint never seems to get right. It seems to have caused a great deal of angst.

  17. Qui Transtulit Sustinet says

    Very quick buy with no website glitches.

    Did not order during the initial offering.

    Now I hope the coin is in the capsule when I open the box, has no obvious flaws, and a COA is included.

    If those very basic criteria are met, I will be pleased.

    I returned the SLQ I received that was rattling around completely outside the capsule.

  18. data dave says

    Okay, so maybe I pulled out too early. I made it to step #4 where you place the order but didn’t pull the trigger. Do you not see the HHL message until after you commit? If so, then I didn’t go that far.

  19. DBR says

    I was in and out pretty quickly on this one. USM0479627X around 12:04pm EST.

    I didn’t order through the mint at initial release, but through a retail dealer. I want another one in case this batch was restruck after the finning issue. Maybe a Variety II? 😉 Fun to speculate.

  20. fmtransmitter says

    These are way too high of a mintage to ever appreciate enough to be happy about them…Glad all who missed the first time got one…

  21. Qui Transtulit Sustinet says

    Correction, my return that was outside the capsule when received was the NPS Proof, not the SLQ, which arrived with no issues.

  22. gatortreke says

    @ cagcrisp

    Demand is high, it’s just that the website is rejecting all of us who ordered previously even if we were well below the initial order limit.

    @ data dave

    Yes, you had to agree to purchase before the HHL notice was given.

  23. The Kid says

    All you jokers that are trying to order another Gold Dime today and have previously ordered before have overwhelmed the telephone system at the mint…

    Get a life.

  24. Mercury says

    I got my one and only. I imagine there should be at least 9,000 of us who failed in getting one the last go round. Thanks US Mint.

  25. fmtransmitter says

    Even if you think you’re ineligible, though, go ahead and give it a shot. Which is worse: wasting a moment’s effort, or not trying and then finding out later that you were eligible after all? ❑

    To me the worst is the premium over spot…@cagcrisp? If we had to sell it at spot, how much would we get? And it cost $205 w s&h?

  26. TechSjj says

    USM04xxxx87 @ 1235 PM. I got right in. Just a few minutes ago..
    I was surprised as I thought they wold be way gone.

  27. cagcrisp says

    @TechSjj, That number doesn’t help with anything. It may be relevant to you but we don’t need the last two or three digits, we need the other digits…

  28. cagcrisp says

    Wow…I’m Shocked that these have not SO. I’ve got some friends and family accounts that I could use to help the mint out.

    Sure weren’t that many that didn’t get one the first time that wanted one the second time.

    It’s been 30 minutes since 7,700 orders.

    SO… hasn’t been 1,000 orders in 30 minutes…

  29. The Kid says

    Got one at 12:45, a bit of a wait, let’s hope the Gold Dime is worth the effort.

    $204.95 delivery in two weeks.

    Thank you US Mint.

    The Kid

  30. cagcrisp says

    @TechSjj, Thanks…

    With TechSjj order there has been 9,491 orders.

    Thus… More orders than coins available which means there were many orders for other products.

    Still…we have to be getting close because TechSjj order was 45 minutes in and now we’re 1 hour and 12 minutes in…

  31. Mercury says

    @cagcrisp
    I think what the rest are doing is waiting for the inevitable eBay prices to drop. Who knows maybe below the Mints set pricing…?

  32. Xena says

    Had a promotion ceremony (not mine) over lunchtime today. Decided if they were still available when I got back to my desk that I would spring for this (also ordered the dollar set). Surprised that they were still available, but just got an order in – USM048043xx

  33. hawkster says

    Why all the complaints from those who initially ordered under the HH limit of 10 and now are ticked that they cannot order an additional one? Hey, you already made your choice of the number of dimes you wanted. Live with it and quit griping about your not being allowed to order one more.

  34. earthling says

    Wouldn’t it be a gas if this WHL Dime didn’t sell out BUT a few of the First Spouse rounds 😉 did.

    Oh by the way I decided against ordering a Dime this morning. And reading about all the BS, I’m happy I didn’t bother. I guess my hurried attempt yesterday wore me out.

  35. earthling says

    Well I click off my little blurb and I see davB has posted the news. I’ll bet Dealers organized their resources and soon there be a small wave of 70’s hitting the beach.

    😄

  36. cagcrisp says

    With is now being listed as SO, the mintage may be a few hundred less than 125,000.

    No 3rd chance…

  37. Louis Golino, Author says

    Unless you are buying as stocking stuffers, or missed out altogether the first round, who cares? There was already little flip potential and probably even less now, esp. for a while.

  38. Mike in NY says

    It will be interesting to read the comments regarding the quality of these WHLs once they have been received. I hope everyone receives a coin worthy of a 70 grade. Given previously seen issues with finning, etc and that the majority of these are likely returns, I doubt few will be so lucky.

  39. bigguy says

    Great collection auction are doing SP 70 walking gold halves for buy now $995.00,best price i have seen so far

  40. DBR says

    All three gold centennial design commemoratives are nice. I’m able to have all three. I looked forward to these releases all year and am not disappointed. I don’t need 70’s and the business strike is interesting.

    But like others here at MNB have hinted and stated, the real gems are the original silver issues back in the day. I can honestly say that this gold commemorative series will inspire me to add a few choice WHL, SLQ and WLH to my collection.

    At a recent coin show, I saw a slabbed choice unc 1917 SLQ and it was a stunner when compared to all the old worn out specimens. It was a MS65. In mint state condition these one hundred year old coins are quite affordable to the average collector. Key dates and mint marks are another story.

    Merry Christmas and Happy Collecting and gift-giving!

  41. So Krates says

    Louis says, “…who cares? ”

    It’s not that often we’re given an opportunity to buy a US Mint product at a 25% discount to the market price.

  42. So Krates says

    @ MNB – Thank you Diana for the thoughtful tutorial. Good pointers for all. Please let me know when the aspersion casting can commence.

  43. So Krates says

    To All Those Who Ordered the First Time and Were Duped Into Trying Again and Got Shut Out Today:

    Take two minutes to call Mr. White and ask him, “Why?”

    Ofc of Corp Communications (202) 354-7222

  44. .John Q. Coinage says

    Shezbot, I had to WORK & could not order another & I was l00king forward to a finned Merc!

  45. says

    Well, that concludes one heck of U.S. Mint purchasing year.., is this where we light up a smoke and breath a sigh of relief?

    I hope it was as good for you all as it was for me..,

    One heck of a ride it was this year…

    My collection got one hellavu upgrade this year,
    Couldn’t ask for a better way to end it!

    Gonna be a long, real long time before a year like this ever comes along again, if ever.

    Though somehow I still managed to grossly over spend my budget, so a long reprieve will be welcome.

    These Tributes are Winners.., and will continue to distinguish themselves further and further each passing year.

    2, 5, 10 years from now I’m going to look back with much fondness that I was able to get in on the ground floor of these Tributes.

    Time will tell how collector sentiment towards these Tributes will evolve though I’m quite optimistic that it will be very favorable. The list of modern “must haves” just grew be 3 among a list of a dozen.

    Tinto – save me a seat on the bleaches, I’m headed that way now

    You all be good to each other out here, and try read other’s posts, you might actually learn something 😉

    And remember, how you perceive something today.., well, it’s very unlikely you’ll perceive it the same in a year or two.., as you grow and learn..

    Best

  46. a Bob says

    Nice that those shut out in the past could get one.
    Not nice that people think that order limits do not apply to them… Dispite the notice that they could order again. Greed.

  47. earthling says

    Greed?

    If no one had a ghosts chance to buy and flip or buy and hold – then sell for a profit – the Mint would dry up and be gone really fast. Who wants to drop money and see it fall down to the center of the earth?

    The way things are going, things don’t look good already for the Mint. They don’t need to be pushing customers away any faster.

  48. Dustyroads says

    I can see you there Rich sitting on the beach with an adult beverage in one hand and smoking a Padron with the other winking at the new girl. My, you’ve been quiet the latter half of the year, must be the little lady you’ve been holding the purse for. Anyway, you can say this year was interesting, but it would have been far better without the Rett focus on squeezing as many coins that he could into that tiny hole. I hope you’re right about the values.

  49. joe#2 says

    I just don’t get it. If you want it graded just buy a dang 70 outright by a reputable co. Why take a BIG CHANCE on getting or most likely NOT GETTING a 70.

  50. cagcrisp says

    @a Bob “Greed”. WCubes says he was getting one for a grandchild. How is getting one for a grandchild Greed.? Maybe some people care more about Giving to others than they do about Getting one for themselves. ..

  51. cagcrisp says

    @KCSO, Glad to see that you can still Write along with Reading posts…

    I Hope you were able to get a coin for that Greedy nephew of yours that’s to young to have a cc…

  52. art says

    @cagcrisp, and what’s your story cagcrisp? You declared that previous buyers should be allowed to purchase one more today. Then you declare that the first wave buying limit of 10 was the greatest thing on this Earth. Then you say something about WCubes caring and giving to others. Not sure what to think when it comes to you and Greed.

  53. Flave says

    Cagcrisp…just so you’ll know. I really appreciate and look forward to your comments. I’m basically a reader of this blog, although once in a while I ask a question about coins. There are a lot of commenters on this blog who are very well informed when it comes to coins. Thanks to you and everyone else who make informed comments on coins and the PMs on this blog. I, for one, have learned a great deal reading this blog over the past few years.

  54. cagcrisp says

    @art, I buy coins and give coins away. I’ve Never sold a coin in my life. I’ve never sold anything on the bay. I have Zero SLQ’s . I have Zero WLH’s. Giving all of those away for Christmas. I very seldom by anything from the Current Mint offerings for myself. I’ve had to create Numerous accounts because I give every person the exact same thing and HHL’ s are sometimes problematic.

    I don’t think grandchildren should be penalized for not having a cc and I don’t like using friend and family accounts because I don’t like ordering coins under people’s names, paying them for said coins and then them knowing how much the coin cost IF I choose to gift one to them.

    I’m all in favor of a reasonable HHL. ..

  55. cagcrisp says

    I’m meeting with a couple tonight that I am Gifting a Carson City coin to their Grandchild.IF anyone keeps up with coins know, if it’s a Graded coin from Carson City it’s expensive .

    How rare is the one I’m Gifting? About 1 in 14,000…

  56. art says

    @cagcrisp., ok fair enough. You have some quantity requirements for family gifts. Was your hope for being able to purchase another Mercury today in order to provide another gift? And I must say a very generous gift.

  57. cagcrisp says

    @art, Yes.

    I’ve said many times on here that a Balanced portfolio should have between 5-10% in Gold.

    I’ve got it set up for grandchildren to have a Balanced portfolio Except for the Gold. That’s what I’m working on now. ..

  58. says

    WCubes said on
    DECEMBER 15, 2016 AT 12:12 PM:
    Another total f-up by our mint. What a crock. Lousy web site. I had 2, only 2, back in April. Wanted 1 more for the other grandchild. Told me I had my household limit! What? I bet Putin got his!

    Gee, if only you’d realized you had an extra grandchild, you might have bought 3 instead of 2? How, on earth, can you blame the Mint for your screw-up? And that’s regardless of how many Putin might have bought.

  59. hawkster says

    KCSO,
    As per your 4:18 post: Why the heck do you want Tinto to save you a seat on the bleaches? Sitting on a pile of Clorox won’t do your backside much good.

  60. Qui Transtulit Sustinet says

    OFF TOPIC

    cagcrisp,

    How has that ‘sell ALL equities’ move that you shared on this blog just before the US election worked out in your balanced portfolio?

    How about your more recent buy of GLD, when you almost dislocated your arm patting yourself on the back after gold briefly held $1,159 an ounce?

    Opinions can differ on this blog, with regard to HH limits, what to buy and enjoy etc.—it is growing tiresome that YOU must always be “right”.

    For example, it is okay that you don’t want to buy French medals—for whatever reason—but we don’t need to hear about it simply because you wouldn’t do it.

    I don’t recall anyone on this blog being critical of your often expressed preference for pre-1933 gold.

    You don’t need to call out (medal) buyers buying what they like, or people expressing a personal opinion on HH limits and whether they should be adhered to.

  61. Just Another Dave In Pa says

    I was happy to get my thin dime today. I agree with others that the hhl of one was appropriate. The initial hhl of 10 was inexcusable and although it assured a quick sell out, it created a feeding frenzy among the unscrupulous sharks who have little or no regard for others.

    Thank you, US Mint , for restricting sales today to one per household. I suppose I have little respect for those who try to game the system… as American as apple pie as that may be. I get that self-interest and greed are intertwined and sometimes hard to distinguish. It’s what gave us the Hunt Bros in the 80’s.

    Well, before I go off on too much of a rant I just want to express my gratitude to the Mint for a job well done today. I would hope that all special coin releases would have an initial hhl of one for a period of a week or something of that order. It would go a long way toward establishing good faith with collectors.

  62. hawkster says

    D. Rittenhouse,
    I offer a few possible explanations why WCubes didn’t buy one for his third grandchild:

    1. The third grandchild was adopted after the April order.
    2. He was on the outs with this grandchild. Now they have reconciled.
    3. He forgot that he had 3 grandchildren since he rarely sees them.

    Yes, it was totally his screw-up.

  63. says

    At the expense of being accused of belaboring the obvious, the Mint’s term “Household Order Limit” would universally be abbreviated as HOL outside of the Mint New Blog. I’ve no idea about how HHL came to be the shorthand for that phrase in this blog, except that it likely arose from Arkansas. 🙂

  64. cagcrisp says

    @Qui Transtulit Sustinet, “How has that ‘sell ALL equities’ move that you shared on this blog just before the US election worked out in your balanced portfolio?”

    IF you care to look at what I said, I never said sell ALL equities. I was replying to what IPS_STUFF has asked me WEEKS before about when I was seeing a signal to get out. The post was for IPS_STUFF. I got out of many positions and after the election I got back in. Simple. I’m a stock trader and a gambler. That’s what I do. I don’t have a balanced portfolio. Never have. Never will, however, my children and grandchildren don’t have my affinity for the stock market or gambling like I do.

    “How about your more recent buy of GLD, when you almost dislocated your arm patting yourself on the back after gold briefly held $1,159 an ounce?” AGAIN I was answering a question from IPS_STUFF. I closed out the position when Gold breached $1,159.00.

    Here is my exact quote regarding the French medals”The afore mentioned French Gold MEDAL. Was 309% over spot. Now 113% over spot.

    Those that are inclined to purchase Either the Gold or Silver Medal from France that are limited mintage of 200 or 400, Probably shouldn’t Ever read any of my post.

    100% against everything I believe. not 99%. 100%…”

    …AND I still stand behind everything I said. 100% against everything I believe…

  65. cagcrisp says

    Here is my EXACT quote regarding a Question from IPS_ STUFF.

    “@IPS_STUFF, I’m long GLD ETF. I LIKE the Fact that Gold hasn’t re-tested $1,159.00 that it hit a few days ago. I see NO financial reason to be Purchasing Gold at this time …and yet it’s hanging in there… with a Lot of headwinds. I like that…”

    It broke $1,159.00 and I closed out my position. Simple…

  66. Qui Transtulit Sustinet says

    cagcrisp says
    NOVEMBER 1, 2016 AT 11:23 AM

    @IPS_STUFF, You had asked me one time about when to get out of the stock market. I pretty much got out today.

    cagcrisp says
    DECEMBER 7, 2016 AT 10:03 AM

    Bought some Old Gold coins and some GLD today…

    cagcrisp says
    DECEMBER 8, 2016 AT 4:03 PM

    Closing Bell…

    Considering what the stock market did yesterday and today, considering what the ECB did today, considering what the Euro did today…

    …I kinda like my Gold purchases made yesterday…

  67. cagcrisp says

    @Qui Transtulit Sustinet “cagcrisp says
    DECEMBER 7, 2016 AT 10:03 AM

    Bought some Old Gold coins and some GLD today…”

    MY Old Gold that I bought has gone UP. You need to look at some Old Gold price guides. As spot price of Gold has gone DOWN, some Graded Gold has gone UP…

  68. Qui Transtulit Sustinet says

    @cagcrisp,

    So, with the unidentified “Old Gold coins” up, you were one for three…because you sure aren’t a good weather vane for stocks or COMEX gold!

    Let’s try to keep it a coin blog, not a “where I think stock and gold prices are going” blog.

    Appreciate it.

  69. ips_stuff says

    @Cagcrisp – Just thought I would respond.
    People should realize, that this blog is no different than anyone offering there opinion on CNBC or any financial venue. These are opinions. I indicated to you I took a position in GLD with call options and dump them quickly too. If you are going to gamble with some of your funds, you also have to know when to cut your losses. Lots of people will not share their moves as they don’t want to here the “crap” that follows.

    P.S. thanks for not blasting me a few months back when I took long calls on BMY, Another losing trade. That I too posted about.

    On the coin side, I added 1 or 2 more Gold dimes today… Second Grandchild due in March.

  70. cagcrisp says

    @ips_stuff , I didn’t comment on your BMY options, however, I Also haven’t commented on a Lot of good sales you have made on the bay. You have made Winning positions out of some things I would never have bought…

  71. Qui Transtulit Sustinet says

    @cagcrisp,

    Sounds like you may have “action” (the action is the distraction) addiction issues…a quiet, but intellectually stimulating hobby like coin collecting might help.

  72. Ryan says

    Most things are not priced right in the market right now be it securities, commodities or fixed income. I’ll tell everyone my bad investment, I’m only holding one stock right now and that is ZTO I’m averaged in at around $15 and done chasing. The IPO started at $19.50 and they now trade at $12.91 a very poor start. The growth is fantastic and the business model is genius IMO, China has so much more growth ahead of it and I believe this company has a bright future oh I didn’t mention it’s a Chinese stock, I won’t bore you all with the details but sometimes investments are slow to pay off……or never do.

  73. Mike the Greek says

    Wow a lot of animosity around here lately. I’m happy to hear anyone’s opinion on gold, silver, coins, investing, etc. I think all topics of this sort are related, as occasionally political issues also factor in. That’s what so exciting about coin collecting; it’s about history in the making, history made, fortunes in the making, fortunes made and lost, and everything else in between. We’re talking about space lately because of an anniversary with the space program.

    I personally am thankful for all opinions on almost any subject somewhat relating, or exactly related, to the hobby. And even the occasional OT rant about whatever.

    I didn’t buy a Merc today. I did buy one for way too much money a few months ago, and I’m happy at the just the 1. Besides, I didn’t want to chance buying someone else’s return.

  74. Qui Transtulit Sustinet says

    @Ryan says,

    “Bringing a stream of consciousness stock tout to a coin blog is A-OK.”

  75. So Krates says

    While superficially it might seem selfless to always gift (and greedy to never gift), the issue is actually more complex. A deeper look into the motivation of an altruist often reveals that she receives other benefits in exchange. Whether they are future owed favors, psychological satisfaction or genetic in nature, it has been argued that it is impossible to be anything other than selfish as ALL behavior can be shown at root to be ultimately self-serving.

  76. So Krates says

    @ Buzz Killington – I liked the Halliburton suit case imagery, but you left out a Fedora, sunglasses and a cape, lol. In reality the 100 oz of rhodium is under seven pounds, with the proceeds at $10K/oz in Benjamins weighing in at around 22 pounds. Rh is an odd bird and only a few dealers will facilitate a deal like that. If you substitute gold coins the transaction becomes more common and the logistics are the same.

    The LCS is key. Hopefully you have built at least a slight relationship with the owner/manager of the best LCS in the nearest city. Hopefully it is only you who know you are carrying something of high value. The key is to act as if you carry it every day. It’s only a lack of desensitization that makes you worry something may happen. I’d suggest leaving the metal suitcase with attached handcuff at home and just use a doubled up white plastic shopping bag from Walmart. Wear no jewelry, and present a confident, casual stroll.

    It’s all about mindset. The folks who dwell in the digital world feel at home trusting bits, bytes, and block chains and often imagine the phyzz and it’s logistics to be more daunting than it is. The tangible assets guys don’t bat an eye counting out $50K in cash for a few tubes of AGEs in a Starbucks but usually have an unreasonable fear of the zeroes and ones going poof and them being left destitute. Best to have a foot in both worlds.

  77. Erik H says

    I received my 5 Burnished Eagles yesterday. All duds!

    Usually I can pick out 2 that are good but not this time. 4 had contact marks and the one that had a perfect strike with no marks has two milk spots on it!

  78. cagcrisp says

    Gold AM fix $1,134.85

    3 fixes considerably under Current level range.

    SO…IF you are thinking about a purchase of WLH…Wait and Watch until Wednesday.

    You Could save $25.00…

    The WLH is starting to get Interesting…

  79. cagcrisp says

    The dollar index hit Another 14 year High yesterday.

    Make sure you view Gold in that context.

    It’s one thing to see Gold when the dollar index was 72. It’s another thing to see Gold when the dollar index is 102…

  80. bobo says

    >it has been argued that it is impossible to be anything other than selfish as ALL behavior can be shown at root to be ultimately self-serving.

    So Krates, what could falsify this theory? People like Richard Dawkins who argue that all behaviors, even kind ones, are selfish because they foster propagation of one’s genes, are mixing up levels of description. His kind of extreme reductionism leads to confusion, because selfishness/kindness operate at the level of the human mind. Genes cannot be selfish, since they lack minds or intentions.

    Here is an example of altruism that I think is hard to reduce to genetic pseudo-selfishness. Say I love the taste of meat, but decide not to eat it because I do not want to cause another conscious being pain. How is that selfish?

  81. bobo says

    Now this is funny: Apparently at the Texas meatpackers association a bunch of Vegans were holding up signs saying “meat is murder” and the like, and the spokesman said into the microphone in a Texan drawl, very earnestly: “If God did not mean us to eat animals, then why’d he make ’em out a meat?”

  82. Erik H says

    cagcrisp,

    The gold / silver ratio has been hovering around 68 to 72 for a while now. Do you have any analysis as to whether it will continue to get closer to historical norms? Maybe a few more bank fines will help it along.

  83. data dave says

    Wow, reading the blog this morning it looked like attack cagcrisp day. I like the fact that people can post their thoughts on the direction of the markets without being beat up about it later. Although I did sell all my stocks and go all in on gold based on a 2 line post cagcrisp made around the election (just kidding).

    I even appreciate some of the comments made by those who seem to hate coins for some reason.

    I did figure out that the Mint must base household on address and not name or CC number.

  84. cagcrisp says

    Japan has Now by default (China stepped back more than Japan) supplanted China as the #1 foreign holder of US debt. I doubt if very many could guess who the #3 foreign holder of US debt is?

    This is the 7th consecutive month where foreigners have trimmed their holdings of US debt.

    The question is why is this relative to MNB?

    IF you don’t know the answer, you better do some search engine research…

  85. data dave says

    Quite a while ago someone posted (keep it anonymous) that when gold prices fall, the big dealers actually charge more (at least temporarily) and that seems to be true looking around this morning for good deals. I guess a lot of people hear that gold and silver tumbled and start shopping (and buying).

  86. Buzz Killington says

    @Bobo —

    I’ll take up your challenge. Foregoing meat protein marginally improves the world we live in, less waste of fossil fuels and associated pollution, less demand for antibiotics. Even if you personally don’t care about those things, and do it to prevent one more pig or cow from the slaughterhouse floor, you are promoting the world that YOU want to live in, so it is therefore selfish. If you’re trying to find a chink in Dawkins’ armor, you haven’t found a way to cut to the head of the line of the rest of the folks who are trying.

    If you buy a life insurance policy, name your political enemy as the beneficiary, wait out the 2 year suicide exclusion and faithfully pay the premium, and then blow your brains out to benefit the political enemy, THAT is unselfish. And it is totally foreign to rational human experience.

  87. art says

    @cagcrisp, wouldn’t it be a lot less stressful to purchase gold products which do not have a HHL and a mintage limit, when it’s for giving gifts? Why drive yourself crazy for high demand, limited product? The gift receiver should be thrilled with any gold gift.

  88. Buzz Killington says

    @SK —

    I definitely agree about having a foot in both worlds. I also acknowledge that it would be easier to unload 100 oz. of physical Rh than my safety deposit box full of oddities, if one had to do so in a hurry all at once.

    I also acknowledge that, even if I was being very obvious and suspicious, the odds of being the victim of a stick-up robbery are small. Still, the odds are more real than being the victim of a cyber-theft, since the banking laws still will protect me if my Fidelity account is emptied out. Whereas, there is basically zero remedy if I surrender my Walmart grocery bag full or PMs to an armed robber. I am not an alarmist about it, but I do recognize the existence of a risk.

    I do have a trustworthy LCS, which I imagine could handle all of the gold or silver I would ever be inclined to sell. I do not think I could unload any quantity of Rh there, if I had it, which I don’t. My LCS environment actually reinforces my perception of the risk. There are constantly tough-seeming guys in there, all protecting the one nerdy guy who really knows what he is talking about, and makes the decisions.