FYI

Too busy here to write so I thought I post this link for those of you interested in precious metal ingots.

See 'ya later...

Stephen

The Price

Of precious metals has rallied. If you missed the recent dip in sliver, wait. Or, dollar cost average and purchase a bit each  month.

The asking price of gold is beyond me. If I recall my very first purchase, in bullion form, the cost to me was a whopping thirty-six dollars, and back in the early to mid eighties, thirty-six dollars was a whole bunch of cash to a poor fella like me.

A pocket filled with the smooth heft of silver gives great comfort to those of us leery of our nation's fiat currency.

Stephen  

Silver, again

This is a great deal.




 

That is all.

Stephen 

For Matt

Dollars, not percentage...

Available now for as low as $4.49 over spot!
*Current Spot Price: $21.91
*Spot Price based on 1 troy oz

Above add from today's Gainesville Coins.

Stephen

Time to Jump

Silver is down. As its price falls, now is the time to jump on the band wagon and dollar cost average.

Settle on a routine - make incremental purchases either weekly or monthly. I tend to slide the odd ounce or two in my old leather pouch weekly.

Pictured below are two examples of my weakness. Each holds one ounce of .999 fine silver with a premium value on the fact both are fairly rare. 

Your grandchildren will, one day soon, appreciate your efforts.

Stephen

Bits & Pieces

It's a new morning of gray cloudy skies pregnant with rain and the wind is gentle and warm. The storms will follow. This is the heartbeat of a Florida July. Mildew covers our scalps and grows between our toes and we replace our pets with frogs and tadpoles. They make great stew come October.

*****

An article in this morning's liberal rag said the Odyssey Project lifted sixty-one tons of silver ingots from the SS Gairsoppa. The ship was sank by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland in 1941. Each bar contains 1,994.8 ounces of .999.2 silver. If my math is correct, at today's spot price, each bar is worth approximately thirty-nine thousand, eight hundred ninety six dollars.The stash is valued at thirty-four million dollars.

I shall place an order for one bar. It'll look nice in my collection. That is, if the Brits will share.

(Yeah, right.)
*****

 Oops, time to punch the time clock.....

My boss is a butthole.

Later,

Stephen

Nice Old Pour

This beauty is for my friends Jamie and kymber.

Gotta love the old pour bars.

Stephen

Hey Man

Late this afternoon the bell rang. I looked out, sighed and went ahead and released the lock. A scruffy urban camper walked inside with his gear which consisted of four or five brown plastic grocery bags.

Without preamble I get this, "Hey hey hey, hey man the word is you be buy coins and stuff, you know like these here collectable coins and hey hey hey, hey man, the word is you pay good. Hey man, check it out."

He reaches over and offers a desk plaque. Its two thick pieces of clear plastic with a fake wood backing which sandwiched two uncirculated coins, a single 1971 Eisenhower dollar and a penny. The sign read John Tunney and was from a local small bank.

I glanced at the piece and asked, "What's your price?"  Always, always, make them reveal their price. Big smile, then, "Hey hey hey, hey man, listen here. That's a real silver coin. A dollar man, hey hey, how's about twenty dollars?"

Me, "No."

"Hey hey hey, hey man what the hells wrong with you? This is silver man, pure silver. They quit making these here silver coins in 1975. Don't you know nothing man...I mean hey hey hey, hey man the word is you a good  man that pays good money, hey hey come on man."

It's important to understand I felt sorry for the fella. He lives a hard life. I'm sure his nest was in the park just across the street from my shop. Hand to mouth existence. Life is indeed difficult for this man even under the best of conditions. Yet, I am a business man. On pure silver I pay twenty percent of spot. Ninety percent currency I pay half of melt value. Fair. If you do not like my offer, it's simple, take your property and walk. 

I took my cell and flipped it around and as he tried to read I explained the difference in silver content of U. S. currency. I pointed to the screen and said, "See, it contains forty percent silver and at current spot its melt value is just a bit over seven dollars. The penny is worth a penny. My offer is four dollars and you can keep the penny."

He took a quick step back and as before, "Hey hey hey, hey man this is bullsh*t and you're ripping me off man, hey hey, hey man, come on give me my twenty dollars."

As most of my friends will testify I'm a very patient and semi-quiet man. It takes a lot to tick me off. I also believe I'm a fair person willing to give most a break. I offer straight deals. It was the words, ripoff and my money, which set my meter to zero. I came around and put my face very close to his and said, "Get out."

I said it very calmly. Did not raise my voice nor hands.

He lowered his head and mumbled, "Sorry man, hey hey hey, hey man, really I'm sorry. It's just I need cash man."

I backed off. Reached in my pocket and peeled off four dollars and placed the cash and his coins back into his hands. I remained silent and pointed at the door.

He left.

There but for the grace of our Lord..... 


Stephen

Bits & Pieces

Allow me, please, a moment to again shake the dog bone. Only because I've had several emails from good friends and followers with questions about the purchase of silver.

I mentioned to one good friend that perhaps they should also include fractional shares of silver bars among their stash of one ounce coins and rounds. If you have a nice little pouch of fractional silver pieces such as - tenths, thirds, quarters, half and other odd gram weights, it is possible the odd eight point eighth piece of silver might turn the table in your favor at the local market.

As an example below we have a one third troy ounce silver bar. The reverse has a skull and cross bones. As always please excuse my very poor photography. 

Above, I've given you a hint as to where you might purchase such tiny pieces of silver. My knife is placed as scale. This piece arrived in the morning mail. The cute little booger actually weighs a fraction over its stamped weight and indeed tested pure. I only test my first purchase when dealing with a new business. The test acid will leave a flaw in the piece.

I also strongly suggest, if you make a habit of precious metals investments, and take physical possession of the metals, the purchase of scales. Since I'm very old fashioned I still use balance scales. Mine are old...I guess those new fangled digital things would suffice.

I know it's darn hard to tell from this picture but my one third piece actually weighed a bit heavy...I liked the little mint erred to my credit.

Sorry about the blurred picture.

Above, ten grams of silver. Hint to Atlantis Mint. Please be careful and make sure its stamped .999, not .925 which is sterling. If it is indeed sterling, make sure the price is adjusted lower.

I keep my little scale in my satchel. It also comes in handy for jewelry.

Above, folded.

As you can see its not much bigger than my knife.

I enjoy the trade of silver for goods and services. Just yesterday I sold a low grade revolver for several ounces of silver. The gentleman paid with American Silver Eagles. He walked out with a smile and I loved that soft tink when the pieces were dropped into my leather pouch. 

I should make a point about price. I try and keep my purchases within just a few dollars of spot. Many though, collect these tiny pieces as art, and think nothing about paying far more than the current market price. You decide.

*****

The shop was busy yesterday. I was distracted and just this side of aggravated when my cell phone beeped. An email. I grabbed the sucker and quickly glanced at the email.

Here is what I found.....

**

I really hope you get this fast. I could not inform anyone about our trip, because it was impromptu. we had to be in Philippines for Tour..  The program was successful, but our journey has turned sour. we misplaced our wallet and cell phone on our way back to the hotel we lodge in after we went for sight seeing. The wallet contained all the valuables we had. Now, our passport is in custody of the hotel management pending when we make payment.

I am sorry if i am inconveniencing you, but i have only very few people to run to now. i will be indeed very grateful if i can get a short term loan   from you(2,550). this will enable me sort our hotel bills and get my sorry self back home. I will really appreciate whatever you can afford in assisting me with. I promise to refund it in full as soon as soon as I return. let me know if you can be of any assistance. Please, let me know soonest. Thanks so much.

 

**

 

This email was supposedly sent by my cousin. Let's call her, Glynda. The two of us, as they say, grew up together. There isn't a gnats difference in our age. She's about a month younger or older, I forget, the point is we were very close. I loved and still love her very much indeed.

 

Since I was so very busy, like I've said, I didn't read the text very carefully. I thought, damn, she's in trouble. Anyway, I went about my business as sad thoughts floated about my mind. 

 

I know Manilla, lived there for six months. Its full of thieves and pick pockets, easy to believe she was in serious trouble. But, something bothered me about the letter. I again removed my phone and this time read it carefully. Scam. Just to make sure I sent her a quick text and asked if she and her husband were home. She phoned back within seconds.

Seems her computer was hacked. The hackers had cleaned out her contact list. She'd received hundreds of phone calls. Then she said, "Don't respond."

Too late.

I'd sent a reply that said, "Contact the U.S. Embassy." Me, felt like an idiot. Changed my email password.

Oh well.

*****

Time for coffee, later.

Stephen

 

Silver

Just an FYI.

Stephen

I Like

The television show, Pawn Stars.

I mean, they deal in firearms, gold and silver, and books. Often, during the show, the camera gives a view of a showcase filled with Navajo Silver jewelry - another of my likes which I've collected since the early 70's. 

What's not to like...

Stephen

Wrens and Wind

This morning I stepped outside to the song of a Carolina Wren. I liked how our windy morning gathered the birds song and stretched it across the yard.

It was perched atop a hedge with its feathers fluffed and when I drew near the tiny bird zeroed its message towards me as if to say, 'This is mine, bub, scram.'  The little boogers about the size of my thumb. I'm willing to bet he'd whip my butt.

Same with certain people. It isn't size that determines the fighter within, its their inner strength, will and determination over obstacles between them and their goals.

She is in great pain. This morning she was pale with an upset stomach. Medication, I think. Anyway she went to work but only after she promised me she'd leave if her condition continued downhill.

Sweet Wife is a fighter.

*****

Please excuse my absence and lack of comments both here and at your nice blogs. My duties extend in several areas and sometimes it's difficult for me to wrap my brain around the written word when I face sickness, business, and home duties. Especially when each overlap and need constant attention.

Tax time is about to reach and slap me square in the face. This tax year will be difficult since my long time accountant and friend, without my prior approval, died. Now I must find another and since I'm not the most trusting of souls the task will be difficult indeed.

I hate taxes.

*****

I have a new camera. Yeah, big deal. Its a tiny thing. Got pixels and everything, a flash even with a small lanyard to wrap around my pinky finger. Auto focus....

I'm sure it'll put me in a balcony chair with the other famous phototogs of the blog world. So, standby and I shall attempt to download a few pictures and place said snaps here (the crowd cheers and waits with baited breath.)

And the crowd, sighs...
Not very good I'm afraid. Hey, at least I tried. I need to correct the date thingy within the camera's guts.

As you can see I've been busy the last few days. I love silver and will snatch any stray bar or round that gets near me. The locals know I buy at twenty percent under spot. No, it isn't a ripoff. They need quick cash and I like silver and they leave with a smile on their faces. I grin...but only after I take my little bottle of acid and test each piece. Well, not every piece. Some I just drop and listen for the ping. Beware shiny pieces of silver.

China now stamps some awful good counterfeit Silver Eagles. I'm a fan of Old Pour bars from long gone American refiners. If you purchase Old Pour bars off the net expect to pay a hefty premium. Notice the small square bar at the bottom of the photograph...its an Old Pour from a Nevada mining company, two (2) ounce piece.

Just above it you will find an art bar from South East Refining late of Panama City, Florida. They also produced rounds. I'm a really big fan of Mexican silver, Libertads (spelling) especially. Their heft pleases me.

*****

Gotta run. My coffee cup is empty and we've a chilly morning and I need to get to work.

Again, thank you for the kind prayers, and God bless. And, hey, I will reply to all comments soon. I promise.

Stephen


 

Bits & Pieces

I still haven't eaten breakfast and here it is near noon. My morning has been spent deep into first of the month accounts, ink to checks. I've just returned from a dash to the bank. I gave over a wad of cash to cover all those slips of paper now under stamps. At least, by the grace of God, I have digital funds still to my credit. Safe in the black.

If the day arrives when the accounts show red, I'm out of here. As it stands Sweet Wife wants me to retire, in her words, right now. Not gonna happen.

After I left the bank I drove a gentle pace back and noticed a new pawn shop has established itself very near my business. I came (picture my fingers) this close to a visit. I'm fully aware of my weakness for silver and firearms and I knew if I stepped inside I'd walk out light of wallet.

*****

Don't you just hate it when you pull a fresh cup of coffee and a customer rings the doorbell and you set you nice hot cup aside to chat and forget it and (run on sentence under development) then reach back for the nice hot cup of coffee and take a big gulp and its as cold as a Chicago hooker's butt in January. Well, don't 'ya....

*****

I mentioned somewhere above I have a weakness for silver. Please allow me to rephrase. I like tangible investments.

Just before the onset of this depression (refer to as you will) I pulled clear of the stock market and ran hard towards precious metals and other practical investments. I buy on the dips and we've had a dip in silver for the last few days. When silver closes below thirty dollars, I'm in like flint.

I have a reputation in this area as a fella willing to hand over cash for tangible investments, those in the form of firearms, silver. I rarely if ever see gold walk into the shop. But silver, yes indeed. Much of it in the form of  ninety percent pre-1964 coin, or 'junk' silver as its known in the trade. I like it.

I also like silver rounds. Bars are fine too, I just prefer the rounds. Especially Engelhard Prospector one ounce rounds. Just my thing...no other reason, silver is silver after all.

Ordered a few last evening as Sweet Wife napped.

Engelhard has ceased the production of The American Prospector which tickles my fancy....I enjoy the hunt.

Just an FYI.

*****

Hey, I really need to get back to work. Take care.

Stephen


 

Bits & Pieces

My friend, Duke, has written a very thought provoking piece this morning. Sally forth and read, then get your skinny butts back here. We Are Headed, part one.

*****

Worked my tail off yesterday. I hit the lawn at 0900 and afterwards, as I dripped sweat, showered and changed and began to run errands. When night fell I was one tired puppy. Then, I cooked dinner. It's nice to be back at 'work.'

*****

Guy walks into my shop this morning and hands me a coin. Its a 100 Italian lira minted in 1965. Said, "Here 'ya go, Stephen. I know you have a thing about silver."

I smiled and said, "Thanks." And, I meant it. Nice guy.

"What 'ya think about it?" I'm pretending to give the coin close scrutiny. "Its great, Bubba, but it isn't silver."

His smile slowly fades.  Then, "What the hell do you mean, its not silver."

"Bubba, I'm sorry. Its a fine gift and I deeply appreciate the thought but it isn't silver. Now, if it were a 500 lira coin then it indeed would contain ninety percent silver."

"Well, kiss my butt. You sure."

I smiled and said, "Yes."

He reached and took back the coin, flipped it a couple of times, then took a long hard look at it. "Then tell me, Mister Know-it-all, what's it made of?"

I placed my magazine on the counter and said, "Stainless Steel."

He gently put the coin back into my hand and turned and walked over and took a seat. Then, "Well I'll be a monkey's uncle. I didn't even know they made stainless steel back in those days."

Kids.

*****

I've had to make a few changes to my linked blogs. If you'll take a moment and glace at my right sidebar under 'My Blog List' you'll notice I've had to delete a few old friends. Two or three just quit blogging. One went private and since I wasn't invited to read their blog I ditched it. One or two hadn't written in over five months, so sadly, they too are gone.

I did find a couple of old friends that had switched from Blogger to WordPress, they've been updated with new links.

This isn't personal. If you feel I've mistakenly removed your blog from my list, drop me a line and I'll make corrections.

*****

Hey, when you have the time today drop by my friend, That Guy's, blog and give him a read. He's a nice man.  Spread the kindness.

*****

Just for Little Bit.
I miss you, Sweetheart. It's been one month and three weeks since I've held you in my arms. I pray for you every day. Be at peace.

*****

Hey, duty calls. It's once again time for me to be an evil Capitalist and make a few dollars. My coffee maker needs to be cleaned too....

Until then.

Stephen

Weedend Update

It's been a long weary weekend. The weekend, for the most part, was fun. We did care for both of our grandchildren. If you really want a workout, follow a 18 month old little boy around the house and yard.

The last twenty-four hours has brought a shock to our lives. I cannot at this time give details. If, and it's a big 'if' the news we received last evening is correct, then our (Sweet Wife and myself) lives will change dramatically. The news is both sad and wonderful. Neither of us has gotten a peaceful hour of sleep since 'the phone call.' To say we're shocked would be an understatement.  Either way we should know by the end of the week and then I'll reveal details to you. Please keep us in your daily prayers, we'll need it.

Now, about the Subaru. After I closed my business this past Saturday I drove home and gathered the two girls in my life and we took a ride to 'see' the car. The moment I stepped onto the car lot I said, 'No.'

The car was a complete misrepresentation. The dealer had gone online and taken a stock photograph of an older Subaru in mint condition and used it as his ad placement. The car on the lot, although in fairly sound mechanical condition, was a wreck. Weathered and rotten to the core. Needless to say I walked away as a very pissed off man. Even Little Bit said, "Papa, don't hurt him."

After we left the dealership Sweet Wife turned to me and said, "I thought you were gonna burst a blood vessel..." Guess I was kinda ticked off. My car lust has chilled considerably.

That afternoon we went and shopped for a swim suit for Little Bit. She'd begged for a new one for days, so away we went...hours later, foot sore and weary, she chose one. But only after fifteen trips to the change room. She is such a girl.

Later, back home, she went for a swim.

Notice any difference. An adjustment has been made to her hair.

Above, the morning after her new haircut. She'd just awakened. She begged her Nana for the cut. I think it's a great improvement.

After our failed trip to the car dealership we took Little Bit's saved coins and cashed them in for fiat currency and went to my friends coin shop and swapped the worthless notes for real money, silver. Little Bit carefully shopped for just the right silver coin and ingot for her future. Here are the results.

She'd saved enough loose change to purchase two ounces of silver. I asked why these two pieces and she said, "Because, Papa, they're pretty."  Worked for me.

Oh, one last picture. This is a before shot taken prior to her hair adjustment.

One last note. After I post this I will answer all your wonderful comments. To those that left advice for the Subaru I owe you all one big happy 'thank you.' You came through for me and I do appreciate all the kind and wonderful advice. I took notes and those little nuggets of wisdom were tucked away in my pocket when I went to check out the car. You are all such nice people. God bless you.

Stephen

Good Morning

Just a short note to say, good morning, my friends. As you know my shop is open Saturdays, and today, I hope, will be busy. 71 degrees at wake-up. Gonna be a hot day.

After work I have plans. I need to shop for a new pair of sneakers. Basic black. None of those weird 'basketball critter shoes for me. Just black, low sneakers. I need a new pair and Monday is my scheduled nuke stress test. Keep your fingers crossed for me, please. Then, or maybe prior to the shoe shopping trip, I want to take a close look at the Subaru. I've done my homework. Even paid for a years subscription to Consumer Reports (which I might never use again) and this looks like a good deal. If.....

We will have our grandchildren this evening. As I write Little Bit is probably watching cartoons with her Nana. Should be fun. Oh, Little Bit whipped my butt at Monopoly last evening. She's learned the trick of houses on her properties. She also asked if we had enough change saved for a silver swap. So, this afternoon we shall also run by my friends Gold and Silver shop and Little Bit will choose either coins or bars for her next purchase. She keeps her silver in Papa's safe.

Minor note: I have been by everyone's blog over the last two days. I didn't leave many remarks but please note I cruise the internet between work. It's hard some days. Just wanted to let you know I do indeed read your blogs...I appreciate each and everyone of you nice people.

Now, please excuse me while I jerk another cup of coffee. Until then.

Stephen

Bits & Pieces

Sunny and warm here. Should hit the mid-eighties today. Awful, awful weather. I want rain and thunderstorms with a bit of lightning thrown in for good measure. I like storms.

We had both grandchildren last evening. Their parents wanted a night out - movie and dinner. Five minutes after she arrived Little Bit wanted to play Monopoly. All of a sudden she's in love with the game. Its a wonderful game as it teaches children the value of money (like the valueless fiat currency we all know and hate and use each day) and taxes.

The first time she was hit with the luxury tax it was fun and just part of the game. The second time she didn't like it at all because she was saving money to out maneuver Papa for one of the four railroads. She catches on quickly. The third time she was hit with a tax she picked up her game piece and slung it across the room and yelled, "It isn't fair, Papa."

Ah, the birth of another capitalist.

Later, after she fell asleep, Sweet Wife said she wasn't sure it was good for me to mold this little girl in my image - or words to that affect. I asked why. Because, she said, our country has changed and she'll need to fit or blend in with all the other Socialist. (In jest, of course.) She's afraid Little Bit will be ostracized. Sweet Wife continued, think about it for a moment. How many other little girls own their own rifles, spend time searching the pavements for lost coins and then save them for later investment in gold and silver. How many other little girls understand the basic concepts of mortgages and property management and taxes at seven years of age. How many other little girls refer to none conservatives as 'democritters.'

Not many I replied, with a smile.

 
Little Bit was able to spend the night. After she fell asleep I gently picked her up and carried her to bed. Just as I laid her down she reached and touched my face and mumbled, "You're my best buddy, Papa."
I held her for the rest of the night. She's my best buddy, too.

Let's change the subject.

Gold is in a dip today. Hint, hint. Don't think of it as spending your fed notes. Think of it as exchanging worthless currency for real money, value. Gold and silver, my friends, will always be 'worth' something. Those pieces of fiat currency lose value daily.

Just a word to the wise.

Now, I've a novel to finish. See you later.

Stephen

Stagecoach Silver Rounds

These are way cool. An easily divisible one ounce silver round.

Check it out, here.

 
H/T, Commander Zero.

Stephen