Gold-scammer jailed for 6.5 years

A California man was sentenced to 6½ years in prison Tuesday for his role in ongoing “government impostor” gold-bar scams that are costing Americans millions every year.

“This is a national epidemic,” prosecutor Hannah Gleason said in a courtroom in Montgomery County, Maryland, which has been hit hard by the complex frauds. “These are highly organized criminal organizations.”

The case at hand cost a 64-year-old woman, living in Montgomery’s Leisure World community, $789,000. She had counted on the savings to fund the medical needs of herself and other family members and now fears she may lose her home, Gleason said.

“She worries about her financial security and financial health,” Gleason said. “This has caused great emotional distress and impact to her, and has led her to believe she can’t trust people.”

Source – The Washington Post

Please be careful out there everyone. People are getting scammed everyday and our older community are the targets…usually. It’s really unfortunate for this lady who knows how many others have had this happen to them too. Be safe! – V.

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    Gold slips, Dollar gains

    Gold prices fell sharply by Rs 1,000 to Rs 98,400 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday, amid a weak global trend and optimism surrounding a possible US-China trade agreement, according to media reports citing the All India Sarafa Association.

    “Gold prices continued to decline as easing US-China trade tensions boosted investors’ risk appetite, reducing demand for safe-haven assets like bullion while a stronger dollar added downward pressure,” said Chintan Mehta, Chief Executive Officer of Abans Financial Services, as quoted in media reports.

    “Rising geopolitical tensions could limit gold’s downside. As war risks escalate and new conflicts emerge, investors are likely to seek refuge in gold.”

    Source – Kashmir Life

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    Franco – Nevada acquire 7.5% gross on gold mine

    Franco-Nevada said Tuesday it agreed to acquire a royalty package consisting of a 7.5% gross margin royalty on the Côté gold mine in Ontario from a unnamed third party for $1.05B in cash.

    The company said the royalty package applies to mineral production from the Chester 1, 2 and 3 claims, which cover all of the mineral reserves and over 99.9% of current mineral resources on the Côté mine.

    Source – Seeking Alpha

    Franco-Nevada Corporation is a Canada based, gold-focused royalty, and streaming company with the most diversified portfolio of cashflow producing assests

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    Washington State No Longer Tax Free for Gold & Silver

    January 1, 2026, a significant regulatory shift took hold in Washington State, fundamentally altering the landscape for physical metal investors. The implementation of Engrossed Senate Substitute Bill (ESSB) 5794 officially repealed the state’s long-standing sales tax exemption on precious metal bullion and monetized coins. For the first time since 1985, residents in the Evergreen State must now pay a statewide 6.5% sales tax—plus local surtaxes that can push the total levy as high as 10.6%—on every ounce of gold or silver they acquire.

    The most immediate losers of this policy shift are the brick-and-mortar dealers within Washington State. Historically, these businesses drew customers from across the Pacific Northwest, but they now face a stark competitive disadvantage against neighboring Oregon, which has no sales tax, and Idaho, which maintains its bullion exemption.

    Source – Financial Content

    Devastating to learn that Washington’s 40 years of no tax on gold and silver has taken effect this year. We are in March now since this has started but what a shame for this to have happened. I hope all businesses stay strong and speak to those who can help change this tax law back to the way it was. Good luck!

    -V.

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    HAPPY NATIONAL COIN WEEK!

    Hey Numismatics!

    I’m sure that you’re looking for coins in honor of National Coin Week and you’re getting rare coins on eBay, Whatnot, Instagram or whatever you online buying you can find. Well, here you can find reputable coin and bullion dealers to buy in person and skip the shipping costs to get your coins.

    If you’re looking for rare coins and are in the Chicago area, check out Harlan J. Berk. They have more than 50 years of expertise in the precious metals space. They have a dedicated space to do more research on pieces and even help you enhance your portfolio.

    Coins are a specialty at Arizona Coins & Collectibles in Tucson, AZ ranging from ancient to modern. You will see coins on the walls and over 45 years of experience. If you’re not in the area, they have an online eBay store you can visit.

    At Bullion & Coin Exchange in Mesa, AZ they are recommended by the U.S Mint. If you’re looking for coins they’ve got you covered and have 39 years of experience to show for it.

    If you’re close to Pittsfield, MA then Pittsfield Precious Metals is the place to be for gold, silver, and you guessed it COINS! They offer a variety of collectibles and professional coin grading services.

    • American Eagles
    • Silver Rounds
    • Maple Leafs
    • Ancient Coins
    • Modern Coins

    These are what you can find at these local gold and silver dealers and coins dealers. See their listings and visit their sites. You won’t be disappointed at any of these locations. Their combined experience and expertise will give you comfort knowing you are investing with the right people.

    Happy Coin Hunting friends! Good luck!

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    Last years gold prices lead to this years strong prices

    Gold prices made steady progress last year and have continued that with a very strong start to this year, said George Milling-Stanley, chief gold strategist at State Street Global Advisors. That has led to April gold’s settlement at $3,001.10 an ounce on Comex Friday, the highest most-active contract finish on record.

    Source – Market Watch

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    Gold, Silver, and Platinum down

    Gold prices eased on Thursday, pressured by a firmer U.S. dollar, as investor worries eased temporarily after President Donald Trump said he did not plan to oust Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

    Spot gold was down 0.6% at $3,335.77 per ounce, as of 0958 GMT. U.S. gold futures fell 0.8% to $3,331.30.

    Yesterday, gold prices rose on the back of these rumours, which were unfounded. Since the rumours were quelled, prices have been falling,” said Nitesh Shah, commodities strategist at WisdomTree.

    I think if we come out of (the tariff deadline of) August 1 with much better trade deals, then that could be gold price-negative,” Shah said.

    Spot silver fell 0.4% to $37.77 per ounce. Platinum lost 0.3% to $1,412.78 and palladium eased 0.6% to $1,223.03.

    Source – Reuters