In this forward-looking end-of-year edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry capture the electrifying momentum in precious metals as gold and silver continue their upward grind into late 2025 and early 2026—with silver blasting past the $60 mark (and surging toward $80–$86+ amid volatility and forecasts eyeing $100+ in the near term) driven by relentless industrial demand from electronics, solar, EVs, and emerging AI data centers requiring massive power (potentially boosting uranium and other energy metals alongside traditional precious ones). They discuss how rising prices could supercharge recycling efforts to recover more metals from e-waste and landfills, ponder Earth's finite gold reserves (unlikely to peak in our lifetimes without asteroid mining fantasies), and spotlight lesser-known precious metals like rhodium (currently the priciest per ounce), iridium, palladium, and even copper's space-hogging but essential appeal amid theft risks for plumbing/wiring. Portfolio advice emphasizes physical holdings for true control and long-term security over high-fee IRAs or speculative ETFs for trading, while acknowledging global uncertainties that could trigger rapid shifts. The conversation shifts to numismatics, explaining how elite classic coins resurface mainly via estate sales and named collections at major auctions rather than timed market plays, exciting the community when rarities reappear. Practical tips include selecting coin shows by size and location (small local ones for starters, larger for variety), embracing social interactions with fellow enthusiasts, visiting active or historic mints for behind-the-scenes fascination, and staying vigilant against holiday counterfeits—spotting too-good-to-be-true deals (e.g., silver at half spot) or urgency tactics as classic scams on platforms like Alibaba. They celebrate the endless niches in collecting—from typesets to quirky "lowball" sets of the worst-condition coins—proving education unlocks infinite joy and options in this timeless pursuit. As always, opinions aren't investment advice, and buying/selling precious metals/coins involves risks of loss—head to Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton for trusted appraisals or catch next week's show!34 web pagesRhodium market trendsAsteroid mining potentialMore concise synopsisThink Harder