[Selene]

Hi, Rocky!

My apologies for the delay in replying - I've just noticed your post.

You were wondering (yesterday) "So that means you should be able to buy 28 quarters for $50 dollars...."?

Not quite, actually. Coins of any kind always command a premium over pure bullion, since they are considered "collectibles" in their own right and valued for their artistic merit, rarity, etc. In addition, dealers are free to set their own prices for anything they sell. The current cash price in London or New York for the pure bullion is only one factor in pricing minted coins, even so-called "junk" (circulated and/or worn) coins. Dealers also factor in their own shipping costs, rent and overhead - and the financing cost of keeping certain coins in their inventory, perhaps for years before someone buys them. Remember, they're the ones that have to "buy at wholesale but sell at retail."

Even large 100 or 400 ounce bars command certain customary premiums for assay, storage and shipping beyond their bullion price. That's life.

And - hey - the current flap over minted coins "sold out" or even bars being out of stock at some dealers is a bit of hype, guys. If you place an order at an agreed-on price, and take delivery at that price, it's no big deal that it might take your dealer a few days to deliver those goods from a central location. They're not mind readers; they don't keep more stock on hand than they might "normally" need - and price volatility/The Panic Factor has reared its sweet head only rather recently (Again. As it does regularly....).

There are two great movers in the markets: greed and fear. Equities move on Greed. Gold moves on Fear.

There's been a lot of that going around lately....

Cheers,
Selene