Gold/Silver/Rare Coins
Value of Rare Coins: How Much Is Your Nickel Worth?
August 1, 2021The United States nickel is a five-cent coin that remains in circulation today. It is well-known for bearing the former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson’s face. However, numismatists (collectors of currency) possess many different types of nickels. The United States first minted nickels in 1866. Almost all were originally made from silver and gold. From 1867 […]
Money That Sells: 8 Prized U.S. Coins in Circulation
November 9, 2020There are several coins commonly used today that receive appraisals at much higher amounts compared to their face value. Though these coins may not sell for six- and seven-figures like the most expensive coins in the United States, if you come across one of them, then you may trade it in at Biltmore Loan and […]
Beginner’s Mistake: 7 Errors Coin Collectors Should Avoid
July 24, 2018Coin collecting is a fun, challenging, and profitable hobby full of information, tips, and tricks. However, whether you are a budding collector or a long-time numismatics enthusiast, several mistakes could degrade the value of your collection. As expert appraisers and coin fanatics ourselves, Biltmore Loan and Jewelry will share some of the biggest threats to […]
Two Sides of a Coin: How and How Not to Care for Your Coin Collection
May 21, 2018Coins are ever popular collectibles that represent the culture, political economy, and general history of a country. Whether you are a new or seasoned coin collector, you must know the tips and tricks to ensuring the beauty and longevity of your collection: How to Take Care of Your Coin Collection 1. Never polish an old […]
Why You Should Start a Coin Collection
May 14, 2018Coin collecting is a fantastic hobby because it involves your intellect, says Gilles Bransbourg, assistant curator of Roman coins at The American Numismatic Society in New York City. “Being intellectually active is a good thing, whether you are 30 or 70,” he claims. Coins represent a different era and are a passport back to an […]
The 411 on Arizona Gold: Discovery and Uses
November 5, 2017Arizona is one of the largest gold-producing states in the United States with numerous gold-bearing rivers. Gravity tends to make gold collect in rivers, and Arizona is abundant in both which makes it a favorite among gold prospectors. Gold deposits are plentiful in the state’s Santa Cruz, Hassayampa, Colorado, Gila, San Francisco, and Santa Maria […]
Fishing for Gold: Arizona Rivers that Actually Spawn Gold
November 4, 2017Arizona is a favorite among gold prospectors given its location, weather conditions, and general environment that are all ideal hotspots for gold. One of the reasons Arizona is perfect for gold prospecting is that public lands open to exploration are easily accessible. Gold tends to concentrate in rivers due to gravity, which is why they […]
All About Palladium – A Precious Metal
August 14, 2017Since 1939, palladium has been used as a precious metal and alternative to platinum in jewelry. It is part of the “white gold” group of alloys where the natural white palladium color does not require plating by rhodium. Compared to platinum, palladium is not as dense. Like gold, palladium can be beaten thin as a […]
All About Ruthenium – Precious Metals Series
August 11, 2017The first of the noble metals on the periodic table, Ruthenium is part of the star members in the group of platinum and gold. These are shiny, expensive metals used often in lab ware and jewelry. Plated jewelry made with Ruthenium is quite common but not as common as gold plated jewelry. Items plated with […]
All About Iridium – Precious Metals Series
August 7, 2017Do you have jewelry made out of iridium? This is quite rare and at over $900 per ounce as the current price, you may have a very expensive piece on your hands. Quite rare, iridium is a brittle, hard member of the family of platinum. It has appeared commonly on fountain pen nibs, x-ray optics, […]