Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.
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| This 1880 California fractional gold quarter dollar is a previously unknown die variety as attributed through “California Pioneer Fractional Gold,” 2003 second edition, based on the original reference by Walter Breen and Ronald J. Gillio. |
California pioneer fractional gold varieties are cataloged by Breen-Gillio (BG) numbers.
The collecting field is divided into “Historic Gold Rush Small change 1852-1857” and “Suppressed Jewelers’ Issues 1858 to 1882.” Boiselle’s discovery is from the era of suppressed jewelers issues.
Pieces issued in the earlier era, also referred to as Period One, were used as small change to offset the shortage of small denomination federal coins issued by the United States Mint reaching circulation in California during the California Gold Rush era. The San Francisco Mint did not open until 1854....
Leonard notes that the suppressed jewelers issues were so-named by Breen as having been suppressed by the Secret Service in 1883.
The California fractional gold pieces for both periods are denominated, using fractions, in quarter dollars, half dollars and dollars and struck on planchets in either a round or octagonal shape.
Concerning the newly discovered variety...
“There is no doubt that it is a new, currently unique variety,” Locke confirmed in an email to Coin World. “The reverse die impression has not been seen before...
“The piece is undoubtedly the obverse of BG 799W, the die state to be determined,” Boiselle said...
Here is the link for the entire article.
Fractional gold experts confer
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| Gold Held by Various Countries and Rankings. |
In total, the United States holds 8,133.5 metric tons of gold, which is more than double that of Germany in second place, and 2,141.25% more than the average reserves across countries in the study, according to The Gold Bullion Company.
Although the United States has not increased its reserves since the first study, the value of its gold reserves has massively risen from $507 billion in U.S. dollars to $897.3 billion.
The valuation explosion is a result of the rapid increase in the price of gold, which more than doubled between 2023 and 2025, from a high of $2,053.13 in 2023 to $4,533.57 in 2025...
“After analyzing this new data, it’s clear to me that central banks are continuing to build and hold gold reserves because countries are actively reducing reliance on fiat currencies and insulating themselves from geopolitical risk,” says Rick Kanda, managing director at The Gold Bullion Company. “Physical gold, whether in bars or coins, offers a tangible asset that isn’t tied to the performance of equities or currencies, making it a useful hedge against inflation and market shocks...
Here is the link for that article.
U.S. leads nations in gold holdings
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From Sedwick...
With our September 1 consignment deadline rapidly approaching, now is the time to prepare your material for review at the ANA World’s Fair of Money. Bring your consignment to us in Pittsburgh, or contact us in advance so we can arrange shipment. We are getting very close to what is shaping up to be one of the most important auctions we have ever conducted, and we encourage prospective consignors not to miss the opportunity to participate.
Our next auction will take place at our offices in Maitland, Florida, on November 5 and 6, 2026. The exceptional quality, rarity, and historical importance of the material already consigned are making our 40th auction a particularly special event.
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I enjoy the Skinwalker Ranch program. but I don't know how legit it is. Matty Blake's appearance always seem to reduce credibility for me. He is the same writer that appears on Oak Island occasionally. According to online sources, he is a writer and comedian.
I thought it was odd that the homesteads on the Skinwalker Ranch TV show were always open and stand in dangerous disrepair with broken boards windows etc. I'd think they'd want to control access better. Even the presence of random birds or animal can have the effect of uncontrolled variables. I wondered why they wouldn't board it up or something until I learned that they run a tour business (like Oak Island) and the haunted house look might make good staging for that.
As it is, I don't care a great deal about the honesty, reality or truthfulness of Skinwalker. Unlike Oak Island, I find it interesting anyhow.
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| Source: nhc.noaa.gov. |
So, there is a little activity out in the Atlantic now. Pretty far to the north.
The surf is still flat and will remain around one foot all week.
Good hunting,
Treasureguide@comcast.net