NEW YORK — Gold futures traded steady near $985 an ounce Tuesday following strong gains in the previous session, while platinum futures surged to a record high.

Gold for April delivery gained $1.80 at $986 an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange. On Monday, gold hit a record of $992 an ounce.

Early Tuesday, April platinum futures vaulted to a record high of $2,308.80 an ounce, surpassing the record set in the previous session. The platinum contract was last up $28.40 at $2,270.0 an ounce.

“Gold has remained underpinned this morning and given the ongoing concerns towards the U.S. economy and the pressure this is putting on the greenback, it seem inevitable gold will challenge the $1,000-an-ounce level in the very near future as investors diversify towards stronger-yielding assets,” said James Moore, an analyst at TheBullionDesk.com, in a research note.

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WASHINGTON-The United States Mint has struck American Eagle Coins since 1986. Twenty-two years later, the tradition continues with the release of the 2008 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins at noon (ET) on March 4, 2008.

American Eagle Gold Proof Coins-struck in 22-karat gold-bear the “W” mint mark indicating their production at the United States Mint at West Point. Emblazoned on the obverse is Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ celebrated rendition of Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Gracing the reverse of the coin is an image of a male eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a female eagle and her hatchlings, designed by sculptor Miley Busiek. Each coin is sealed in a protective capsule and mounted in a handsome, satin-lined velvet presentation case. A Certificate of Authenticity, documenting the coin’s place in history, is included.

American Eagle Gold Proof Coins are struck multiple times for a frosted cameo image specially made for collectors. These coins are available in one-tenth ounce, one-quarter ounce, one-half ounce and one ounce denominations. Prices and mintages are as follows: (more…)

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the decimal £1 coin, the Royal Mint has struck a superb set of 14 coins in a magnificent new collection. These beautiful coins are struck in 22 carat gold to incomparable Proof quality. ( The set is also available in a Silver Proof Collection)

Each coin in the collection features a different reverse design used on the £1 coin over the last quarter of a century. In all there are five different artists of the modern £1 coin and 14 different designs. The designers include Eric Sewell, Derek Gorringe, Leslie Durbin, Norman Sillman and Edwina Ellis. Two of the designs represent the United Kingdom with the Royal Arms and the Royal Shield, and the three regional sets of four – the Floral Series, the Heraldic Series and the Bridge Series represent the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom.

Background & History

On 28 October 1489 Henry VII instructed the officers of the Mint in the Tower to strike a new gold coin.

The pound sterling had been a unit of account for centuries but this new gold coin, given a face value of 20 shillings, was effectively the first pound coin. It was spectacular – the largest gold coin yet issued in England and arguably the most beautiful. Bearing elaborate yet commanding designs and named a sovereign, it was deliberately intended as a statement of the power and dignity of the new Tudor dynasty and was duly struck in turn by each of the Tudor monarchs. (more…)

Gold has surged to yet another all-time high at 976.00 as the dollar continues its slide. Silver set a new 27-year high near $20 and platinum appears poised for a push above $2,200. The metals have gained additional support from strong investor interest and rising oil prices. While gold has retreated on profit taking in more recent trading, focus remains squarely on buying strategies.

The dollar has extended recent losses and the long term downtrend seems to be clearly back underway. The dollar index pushed convincingly below 74.00, on track for a short term test of 72.00. If not for a sharp correction in the high-yielders, we might have attained the latter today.

A new wave of risk aversion and carry trade unwinding knocked high yielding currencies such as the AUD, NZD, NOK, SEK off of their recent highs. This served to underpin the dollar somewhat, but given the generally dismal dollar outlook, the other safe haven currencies (yen and Swiss franc) were the primary beneficiaries. Read Full Story