In this edition of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren welcomes back renowned numismatist John Maben to discuss the impact of the ongoing war in Iran on global markets. Gold and silver have entered new, lower trading ranges—roughly $4,300–$4,600 for gold and $65–$74 for silver—after recent volatility, even as many assets feel the pressure from geopolitical tensions and higher oil prices. Maben emphasizes that short-term fluctuations should not derail long-term investors, who benefit from viewing precious metals as a hold for years rather than days. The pair explores why gold remains a solid diversifier (with some analysts still eyeing $6,000/oz by year-end), the advantages of government-issued bullion coins like American Gold Eagles, Krugerrands, and Maple Leafs, and why buyers should stick to widely recognized products from trusted local dealers instead of hyped, graded “investment” offerings.

In this edition of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren welcomes back renowned numismatist John Maben to discuss the impact of the ongoing war in Iran on global markets. Gold and silver have entered new, lower trading ranges&mdash;roughly $4,300&ndash;$4,600 for gold and $65&ndash;$74 for silver&mdash;after recent volatility, even as many assets feel the pressure from geopolitical tensions and higher oil prices. Maben emphasizes that short-term fluctuations should not derail long-term investors, who benefit from viewing precious metals as a hold for years rather than days. The pair explores why gold remains a solid diversifier (with some analysts still eyeing $6,000/oz by year-end), the advantages of government-issued bullion coins like American Gold Eagles, Krugerrands, and Maple Leafs, and why buyers should stick to widely recognized products from trusted local dealers instead of hyped, graded &ldquo;investment&rdquo; offerings.

Gold Pullback Amid Iran Conflict: Navigating Volatility in Precious Metals

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and renowned numismatist John Maben continue their discussion on buying and selling coins and precious metals on eBay. They break down the red flags of deals that seem too good to be true—ranging from outright counterfeits (like gold offered far below spot price) to suspiciously low but potentially legitimate offers from high-volume sellers that often come with purchase limits because platforms like eBay or Costco use bullion as a loss leader to attract big-spending customers. The pair emphasizes the importance of checking seller feedback and longevity, while cautioning that even established accounts can be shut down and reappear under new names. They compare online-only sellers to brick-and-mortar dealers, highlighting the value of building face-to-face relationships for better service, fewer restrictions, and peace of mind—even if it means paying a small premium. Additional topics include realistic expectations for product images (stock photos vs. actual items), response times and shipping (Amazon has raised the bar, but most sellers can’t match it), and current market conditions, with gold and silver recently dipping amid Middle East tensions and Fed decisions, potentially creating buying opportunities for the patient and bold. As always, the show reminds listeners that precious metals involve risk and are not regulated like securities.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and renowned numismatist John Maben continue their discussion on buying and selling coins and precious metals on eBay. They break down the red flags of deals that seem too good to be true&mdash;ranging from outright counterfeits (like gold offered far below spot price) to suspiciously low but potentially legitimate offers from high-volume sellers that often come with purchase limits because platforms like eBay or Costco use bullion as a loss leader to attract big-spending customers. The pair emphasizes the importance of checking seller feedback and longevity, while cautioning that even established accounts can be shut down and reappear under new names. They compare online-only sellers to brick-and-mortar dealers, highlighting the value of building face-to-face relationships for better service, fewer restrictions, and peace of mind&mdash;even if it means paying a small premium. Additional topics include realistic expectations for product images (stock photos vs. actual items), response times and shipping (Amazon has raised the bar, but most sellers can&rsquo;t match it), and current market conditions, with gold and silver recently dipping amid Middle East tensions and Fed decisions, potentially creating buying opportunities for the patient and bold. As always, the show reminds listeners that precious metals involve risk and are not regulated like securities.

Buying Gold & Silver on eBay: Spotting Fakes, Loss Leaders, and Smart Strategies

In this edition of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and renowned numismatist John Mabin dive into timely topics as tax season approaches. They stress the importance of reporting capital gains on sales of precious metals and coins to the IRS—treating them like any other profitable asset sale—while warning against underreporting risks during audits. John emphasizes consulting tax professionals rather than relying on dealers for advice and shares his positive yet cautious view of eBay as a powerful global platform for buying and selling, highlighting tools like automatic sales tax collection, buyer protections for certified items, feedback importance, return policy pitfalls (especially "free trials" in coins/metals), auction vs. Buy It Now decisions, and tips for spotting legitimate sellers through high ratings, off-platform research, and avoiding red flags like anonymous operations. The conversation underscores eBay's convenience for U.S.-focused transactions while noting international complexities, evolving market efficiency reducing auction "bonuses," and the value of high-resolution images and certifications for confident online deals.19 web pages

In this edition of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and renowned numismatist John Mabin dive into timely topics as tax season approaches. They stress the importance of reporting capital gains on sales of precious metals and coins to the IRS&mdash;treating them like any other profitable asset sale&mdash;while warning against underreporting risks during audits. John emphasizes consulting tax professionals rather than relying on dealers for advice and shares his positive yet cautious view of eBay as a powerful global platform for buying and selling, highlighting tools like automatic sales tax collection, buyer protections for certified items, feedback importance, return policy pitfalls (especially "free trials" in coins/metals), auction vs. Buy It Now decisions, and tips for spotting legitimate sellers through high ratings, off-platform research, and avoiding red flags like anonymous operations. The conversation underscores eBay's convenience for U.S.-focused transactions while noting international complexities, evolving market efficiency reducing auction "bonuses," and the value of high-resolution images and certifications for confident online deals.19 web pages

Tax Time Tips and eBay Strategies for Coin Collectors

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and renowned numismatist John Maben discuss precious metals amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions from Operation Epic Fury. Despite hostilities, gold ($4,800–$5,300/oz), silver ($78–$93/oz), and platinum (~$1,900–$2,300/oz) hold stable trading ranges post-meteoric rises, with muted reactions so far due to a strengthening dollar. Maben advises against impulsive buys or IRA routes, favoring physical metals from reputable local dealers for better pricing and trust over TV marketers. He highlights opportunities in pre-1933 numismatic gold coins trading near bullion value (e.g., 1924 Saint-Gaudens over modern Eagles) and recommends coin shows for education, relationship-building, and avoiding hard-sell red flags. The pair explores the proposed $2.50 commemorative coin for America's 250th anniversary—novel but unlikely to circulate widely—and Maben shares his active "retirement" balancing coins with guitar collecting and lessons. Always consult professionals; metals involve risk and volatility.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and renowned numismatist John Maben discuss precious metals amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions from Operation Epic Fury. Despite hostilities, gold ($4,800&ndash;$5,300/oz), silver ($78&ndash;$93/oz), and platinum (~$1,900&ndash;$2,300/oz) hold stable trading ranges post-meteoric rises, with muted reactions so far due to a strengthening dollar. Maben advises against impulsive buys or IRA routes, favoring physical metals from reputable local dealers for better pricing and trust over TV marketers. He highlights opportunities in pre-1933 numismatic gold coins trading near bullion value (e.g., 1924 Saint-Gaudens over modern Eagles) and recommends coin shows for education, relationship-building, and avoiding hard-sell red flags. The pair explores the proposed $2.50 commemorative coin for America's 250th anniversary&mdash;novel but unlikely to circulate widely&mdash;and Maben shares his active "retirement" balancing coins with guitar collecting and lessons. Always consult professionals; metals involve risk and volatility.

Geopolitical Tensions and Gold: Navigating Operation Epic Fury with John Maben

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and renowned numismatist John Mabin discuss the current precious metals landscape as gold stabilizes in the $4,900–$5,300 range and silver between $75–$90— a healthy shift from recent volatility. They explore JP Morgan's reasonable forecast of gold reaching $6,300 by year-end (a potential 20%+ gain), stressing long-term holding over short-term trading or crypto-style speculation. With metal values now eclipsing numismatic premiums on many historic coins, bargains abound in items like circulated Morgan/Peace dollars, pre-1933 $20 gold pieces, and uncirculated Franklin halves—often trading near melt value. They warn of rising AI-powered scams using fake coin-valuation apps that impersonate experts to extract subscriptions. The duo advises against cleaning old coins, urges expert evaluations, and notes the low odds of finding ultra-valuable pieces in everyday stashes. They close with excitement over newly circulating 2026 semi-quincentennial coins (including the Emerging Liberty Dime, Mayflower Compact Quarter, and Enduring Liberty Half Dollar) hitting pockets to mark America's 250th anniversary. Always remember: precious metals involve risk and are not investment advice.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and renowned numismatist John Mabin discuss the current precious metals landscape as gold stabilizes in the $4,900&ndash;$5,300 range and silver between $75&ndash;$90&mdash; a healthy shift from recent volatility. They explore JP Morgan's reasonable forecast of gold reaching $6,300 by year-end (a potential 20%+ gain), stressing long-term holding over short-term trading or crypto-style speculation. With metal values now eclipsing numismatic premiums on many historic coins, bargains abound in items like circulated Morgan/Peace dollars, pre-1933 $20 gold pieces, and uncirculated Franklin halves&mdash;often trading near melt value. They warn of rising AI-powered scams using fake coin-valuation apps that impersonate experts to extract subscriptions. The duo advises against cleaning old coins, urges expert evaluations, and notes the low odds of finding ultra-valuable pieces in everyday stashes. They close with excitement over newly circulating 2026 semi-quincentennial coins (including the Emerging Liberty Dime, Mayflower Compact Quarter, and Enduring Liberty Half Dollar) hitting pockets to mark America's 250th anniversary. Always remember: precious metals involve risk and are not investment advice.

Why Gold Isn't a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme: Market Ranges, Historic Coin Deals, and AI Fraud Alerts

In this 25-minute episode, Kyle Warren and John Mabin explore the recent stabilization in gold and silver prices following a pullback, describing it as a potential "consolidation phase" that could set the stage for future gains—or simply a healthy plateau around $5,000/oz for gold, $80/oz for silver, and over $2,000/oz for platinum. John expresses a preference for stability over rapid spikes, noting that steady prices benefit holders by reducing uncertainty and allowing the market to digest ongoing cash flow issues.They discuss how the meteoric rise in metal values has led many investors and collectors to sell numismatic coins (e.g., Morgan and Peace dollars), often at a profit after years of high markups from large dealers, with many such coins melted down—potentially increasing future scarcity and value for true rarities if held long-term (e.g., 20+ years in a high-gold-price future).The conversation advises against "starter kits," Gold IRAs, or heavily marketed products, favoring in-depth research, local dealers, coin clubs, shows, and physical ownership over paper/ETF forms or regulated storage. They critique crypto as "imaginary" and risky, suggesting outflows from it may be fueling metals demand. Additional topics include historical precedents (e.g., 1930s gold recall under FDR, pre-1965 silver coins now worth ~50x face value), the booming interest in coins (comparing a recent FUN Show to Comic-Con), supply/demand dynamics, and warnings about paper trading risks.John shares his semi-retired "dabbling" in collector coins without chasing specific "unicorns," emphasizing the joy of the hobby. The episode closes with mentions of upcoming events like the Central States Numismatic Society's 87th Anniversary Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois (April 2026), and listener Q&A via text.

In this 25-minute episode, Kyle Warren and John Mabin explore the recent stabilization in gold and silver prices following a pullback, describing it as a potential "consolidation phase" that could set the stage for future gains&mdash;or simply a healthy plateau around $5,000/oz for gold, $80/oz for silver, and over $2,000/oz for platinum. John expresses a preference for stability over rapid spikes, noting that steady prices benefit holders by reducing uncertainty and allowing the market to digest ongoing cash flow issues.They discuss how the meteoric rise in metal values has led many investors and collectors to sell numismatic coins (e.g., Morgan and Peace dollars), often at a profit after years of high markups from large dealers, with many such coins melted down&mdash;potentially increasing future scarcity and value for true rarities if held long-term (e.g., 20+ years in a high-gold-price future).The conversation advises against "starter kits," Gold IRAs, or heavily marketed products, favoring in-depth research, local dealers, coin clubs, shows, and physical ownership over paper/ETF forms or regulated storage. They critique crypto as "imaginary" and risky, suggesting outflows from it may be fueling metals demand. Additional topics include historical precedents (e.g., 1930s gold recall under FDR, pre-1965 silver coins now worth ~50x face value), the booming interest in coins (comparing a recent FUN Show to Comic-Con), supply/demand dynamics, and warnings about paper trading risks.John shares his semi-retired "dabbling" in collector coins without chasing specific "unicorns," emphasizing the joy of the hobby. The episode closes with mentions of upcoming events like the Central States Numismatic Society's 87th Anniversary Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois (April 2026), and listener Q&amp;A via text.

Steady as She Goes: Why Stability Wins in Precious Metals Right Now

In this engaging edition of Hard Money Matters on AM 930 The Answer, hosts Kyle Warren and professional numismatist John Mabin dive deep into the dynamic world of precious metals and coin collecting. They analyze a recent sharp but healthy correction in gold prices following an explosive run-up, viewing it as a necessary reset amid speculation rather than a reversal, with strong underlying demand from tech, solar, AI, and especially the emerging dominance of nuclear power as a future energy powerhouse—far surpassing current alternatives like lithium or EVs in long-term potential. Dismissing direct links between President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair and the metals dip, they emphasize patience, avoiding knee-jerk reactions, and measured portfolio exposure (echoing Ray Dalio's 5-15% guideline). The conversation highlights sustained industrial demand for gold and silver, while shifting to numismatics with the blockbuster sale of an 1804 silver dollar for millions—celebrated as America's "King of Coins" due to its extreme rarity (only 15 known) and intriguing backstory of being minted later than dated. They explore rewarding aspects of collecting at any budget level, from curated typesets and historically romantic pieces potentially handled by figures like George Washington, to quirky niches like "poor" graded coins prized for their condition extremes. John shares skepticism on mutilated "waffle" coins as a serious pursuit, calling them curiosities rather than legitimate collectibles. Throughout, the episode blends market insights, historical allure, and practical advice, underscoring the enduring fascination of coins tied to American history and the thrill of discovery in precious metals—always with the reminder that these are opinions, not investment advice, and that buying/selling carries risks.

In this engaging edition of Hard Money Matters on AM 930 The Answer, hosts Kyle Warren and professional numismatist John Mabin dive deep into the dynamic world of precious metals and coin collecting. They analyze a recent sharp but healthy correction in gold prices following an explosive run-up, viewing it as a necessary reset amid speculation rather than a reversal, with strong underlying demand from tech, solar, AI, and especially the emerging dominance of nuclear power as a future energy powerhouse&mdash;far surpassing current alternatives like lithium or EVs in long-term potential. Dismissing direct links between President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair and the metals dip, they emphasize patience, avoiding knee-jerk reactions, and measured portfolio exposure (echoing Ray Dalio's 5-15% guideline). The conversation highlights sustained industrial demand for gold and silver, while shifting to numismatics with the blockbuster sale of an 1804 silver dollar for millions&mdash;celebrated as America's "King of Coins" due to its extreme rarity (only 15 known) and intriguing backstory of being minted later than dated. They explore rewarding aspects of collecting at any budget level, from curated typesets and historically romantic pieces potentially handled by figures like George Washington, to quirky niches like "poor" graded coins prized for their condition extremes. John shares skepticism on mutilated "waffle" coins as a serious pursuit, calling them curiosities rather than legitimate collectibles. Throughout, the episode blends market insights, historical allure, and practical advice, underscoring the enduring fascination of coins tied to American history and the thrill of discovery in precious metals&mdash;always with the reminder that these are opinions, not investment advice, and that buying/selling carries risks.

Gold Correction, Fed Speculation, and Coin Collecting Insights

In this riveting January 2026 edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin (founder of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton) express genuine astonishment at the unrelenting precious metals bull run, with gold surging past $4,700/oz (continuing its meteoric ascent that feels "beyond absurd" yet persistent) and silver pushing higher amid forecasts like Deutsche Bank's $6,000+ gold target by year-end—while stressing the market's extreme abnormality, daily rule changes by big players, margin calls, credit lines pulled, and widespread dealer cash crunches from massive buy volumes outpacing immediate liquidity. John hopes for eventual stabilization in a 5–10% trading range for "normalcy" to benefit everyone, warning that unchecked volatility isn't healthy and could lead to sharp corrections (even catastrophic single-day drops, as seen historically in stocks). They revisit the critical importance of physical possession—owning metal you can hold/control—over paper/allocated forms, storage facilities, or gold IRAs (high fees, loss of control, hassle to sell, and dealer incentives skewing promotion), favoring direct physical buys or major ETFs (GLD, SLV, PPLT) only for short-term trading with full risk awareness. Geopolitical threads tie in: Trump's Greenland strategy (securing rare earths/military dominance without formal ownership, arguably a win for U.S. security) could inspire China's Taiwan playbook (occupy key areas, install bases, maintain facade of sovereignty), while global uncertainty (central bank buying, fiat erosion) sustains the rally. John expresses strong skepticism on a Fort Knox audit push—arguing the government already knows exact holdings but withholds disclosure to avoid political chaos (infighting over uses like welfare/Medicare vs. strategic reserves) and preserve uncertainty as a deterrent to adversaries. Amid volatility reminders—no straight-up forever, rotations inevitable—they celebrate the thrill of this unprecedented environment while urging prudence. As always, opinions aren't investment advice, and buying/selling precious metals/coins carries risks of loss—visit Pegasus for trusted appraisals or tune in next week!

In this riveting January 2026 edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin (founder of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton) express genuine astonishment at the unrelenting precious metals bull run, with gold surging past $4,700/oz (continuing its meteoric ascent that feels "beyond absurd" yet persistent) and silver pushing higher amid forecasts like Deutsche Bank's $6,000+ gold target by year-end&mdash;while stressing the market's extreme abnormality, daily rule changes by big players, margin calls, credit lines pulled, and widespread dealer cash crunches from massive buy volumes outpacing immediate liquidity. John hopes for eventual stabilization in a 5&ndash;10% trading range for "normalcy" to benefit everyone, warning that unchecked volatility isn't healthy and could lead to sharp corrections (even catastrophic single-day drops, as seen historically in stocks). They revisit the critical importance of physical possession&mdash;owning metal you can hold/control&mdash;over paper/allocated forms, storage facilities, or gold IRAs (high fees, loss of control, hassle to sell, and dealer incentives skewing promotion), favoring direct physical buys or major ETFs (GLD, SLV, PPLT) only for short-term trading with full risk awareness. Geopolitical threads tie in: Trump's Greenland strategy (securing rare earths/military dominance without formal ownership, arguably a win for U.S. security) could inspire China's Taiwan playbook (occupy key areas, install bases, maintain facade of sovereignty), while global uncertainty (central bank buying, fiat erosion) sustains the rally. John expresses strong skepticism on a Fort Knox audit push&mdash;arguing the government already knows exact holdings but withholds disclosure to avoid political chaos (infighting over uses like welfare/Medicare vs. strategic reserves) and preserve uncertainty as a deterrent to adversaries. Amid volatility reminders&mdash;no straight-up forever, rotations inevitable&mdash;they celebrate the thrill of this unprecedented environment while urging prudence. As always, opinions aren't investment advice, and buying/selling precious metals/coins carries risks of loss&mdash;visit Pegasus for trusted appraisals or tune in next week!

Gold Blasts Past $4,700: $6,000 Forecast, Volatility Warnings, and Why Physical Beats Paper

In this high-energy mid-February 2026 edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin (founder of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton) marvel at the breathtaking precious metals rally, with gold climbing past $4,700/oz (continuing its historic ascent with no clear ceiling in sight) and silver shocking observers by reaching $95/oz and barreling toward $100 amid relentless momentum—transforming a single roll of Silver Eagles from ~$600 melt value not long ago to ~$2,000 today. They discuss the mix of euphoria and caution: congratulations to long-term holders staring at massive profits, while new buyers face tough decisions at these levels—John advising patience for a pullback if starting fresh, though one may never come given the run's "legs." Driving forces include surging global demand from central banks hoarding gold as a fiat hedge/default currency, industrial/tech needs (AI, batteries, EVs), and geopolitical uncertainties—Trump's push for Greenland (rich in rare earth minerals critical for tech/defense, echoing past U.S. territorial buys paid in gold), China's influence, Russia's role, Venezuela/Mexico dynamics, and Canada's perceived retaliatory pivot toward Beijing. They highlight real-world shop activity: heavy profit-taking as holders sell unused jewelry or bars (turning dormant assets into cash amid highs), but far more sellers than buyers straining dealer liquidity—shops acting as "banks" with delayed wholesale payouts, lower buy percentages relative to spot, and occasional terms for large numismatic sales. John shares Ray Dalio's Davos insights (gold surging amid fiat order breakdown but wisely limited to 5–15% of portfolios for balance, not all-in exuberance) and expresses growing skepticism toward cryptocurrency (imaginary, hackable, eroding confidence vs. metals' millennia-proven track record). Amid volatility warnings—no straight-up moves forever, rotations inevitable, higher risk than equities—they celebrate metals' timeless appeal as a hedge and the abundance of free information for informed decisions with strong "BS filters." As always, opinions aren't investment advice, and buying/selling precious metals/coins carries risks of loss—visit Pegasus for expert estimates or tune in next week!

In this high-energy mid-February 2026 edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin (founder of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton) marvel at the breathtaking precious metals rally, with gold climbing past $4,700/oz (continuing its historic ascent with no clear ceiling in sight) and silver shocking observers by reaching $95/oz and barreling toward $100 amid relentless momentum&mdash;transforming a single roll of Silver Eagles from ~$600 melt value not long ago to ~$2,000 today. They discuss the mix of euphoria and caution: congratulations to long-term holders staring at massive profits, while new buyers face tough decisions at these levels&mdash;John advising patience for a pullback if starting fresh, though one may never come given the run's "legs." Driving forces include surging global demand from central banks hoarding gold as a fiat hedge/default currency, industrial/tech needs (AI, batteries, EVs), and geopolitical uncertainties&mdash;Trump's push for Greenland (rich in rare earth minerals critical for tech/defense, echoing past U.S. territorial buys paid in gold), China's influence, Russia's role, Venezuela/Mexico dynamics, and Canada's perceived retaliatory pivot toward Beijing. They highlight real-world shop activity: heavy profit-taking as holders sell unused jewelry or bars (turning dormant assets into cash amid highs), but far more sellers than buyers straining dealer liquidity&mdash;shops acting as "banks" with delayed wholesale payouts, lower buy percentages relative to spot, and occasional terms for large numismatic sales. John shares Ray Dalio's Davos insights (gold surging amid fiat order breakdown but wisely limited to 5&ndash;15% of portfolios for balance, not all-in exuberance) and expresses growing skepticism toward cryptocurrency (imaginary, hackable, eroding confidence vs. metals' millennia-proven track record). Amid volatility warnings&mdash;no straight-up moves forever, rotations inevitable, higher risk than equities&mdash;they celebrate metals' timeless appeal as a hedge and the abundance of free information for informed decisions with strong "BS filters." As always, opinions aren't investment advice, and buying/selling precious metals/coins carries risks of loss&mdash;visit Pegasus for expert estimates or tune in next week!

Gold Tops $4,700, Silver Nears $100: Geopolitical Surge, Profit-Taking, and Dalio's Portfolio Wisdom

In this lively early-2026 edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin (founder of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton) catch up on John's vibrant "retirement" since the January ownership transition to Holden Pollock—far from slowing down, John's busier than ever with less stress, occasional shop help, and newfound freedom to attend events like the record-shattering Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Show in Orlando (one of the largest ever, buzzing with massive attendance and activity fueled by the metals boom). They dive into the ongoing precious metals surge, with gold holding strong around $4,600–$4,900+/oz (after January peaks near $5,500–$5,600 and recent fluctuations) and silver climbing to $88+/oz amid volatility, describing the bull run as having "legs" thanks to dominant industrial/technology demand (AI chips, long-life batteries like Samsung's silver-enhanced versions, EVs, solar) outpacing traditional investor/jewelry drivers—creating a forward-looking scarcity dynamic. At the retail level (including Pegasus), profit-taking dominates as long-term holders sell at highs (far more sellers than buyers), straining dealer cash flow: shops act as "banks" buying massive volumes daily but waiting 2–8 weeks for wholesale payouts, leading to delayed customer payments (often 1–4 weeks) that regulars accept, while buyback percentages drop relative to spot (e.g., from 98–99% at lower prices to 90–92% now) to manage risk. John notes this affects numismatic sales too, with terms sometimes needed, and compares it to auction houses' 90-day payouts—normal in today's climate. They explore how tech uses "lock up" metals long-term (low recycling rates vs. near-100% for investor/jewelry gold), potentially amplifying upward pressure, while acknowledging volatility (no straight-up moves, rotations inevitable, higher risk than equities/index funds despite hedging appeal). No sure things exist, but the multifaceted world of coins/metals—collecting passion, investor strategies, historical ties—remains inexhaustible and thrilling. As always, opinions aren't investment advice, and buying/selling precious metals/coins carries risks of loss—visit Pegasus (thriving under Holden) for expert estimates or tune in next week!

In this lively early-2026 edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin (founder of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton) catch up on John's vibrant "retirement" since the January ownership transition to Holden Pollock&mdash;far from slowing down, John's busier than ever with less stress, occasional shop help, and newfound freedom to attend events like the record-shattering Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Show in Orlando (one of the largest ever, buzzing with massive attendance and activity fueled by the metals boom). They dive into the ongoing precious metals surge, with gold holding strong around $4,600&ndash;$4,900+/oz (after January peaks near $5,500&ndash;$5,600 and recent fluctuations) and silver climbing to $88+/oz amid volatility, describing the bull run as having "legs" thanks to dominant industrial/technology demand (AI chips, long-life batteries like Samsung's silver-enhanced versions, EVs, solar) outpacing traditional investor/jewelry drivers&mdash;creating a forward-looking scarcity dynamic. At the retail level (including Pegasus), profit-taking dominates as long-term holders sell at highs (far more sellers than buyers), straining dealer cash flow: shops act as "banks" buying massive volumes daily but waiting 2&ndash;8 weeks for wholesale payouts, leading to delayed customer payments (often 1&ndash;4 weeks) that regulars accept, while buyback percentages drop relative to spot (e.g., from 98&ndash;99% at lower prices to 90&ndash;92% now) to manage risk. John notes this affects numismatic sales too, with terms sometimes needed, and compares it to auction houses' 90-day payouts&mdash;normal in today's climate. They explore how tech uses "lock up" metals long-term (low recycling rates vs. near-100% for investor/jewelry gold), potentially amplifying upward pressure, while acknowledging volatility (no straight-up moves, rotations inevitable, higher risk than equities/index funds despite hedging appeal). No sure things exist, but the multifaceted world of coins/metals&mdash;collecting passion, investor strategies, historical ties&mdash;remains inexhaustible and thrilling. As always, opinions aren't investment advice, and buying/selling precious metals/coins carries risks of loss&mdash;visit Pegasus (thriving under Holden) for expert estimates or tune in next week!

Busy "Retirement" Buzz: John's FUN Show Report, Gold at $4,600+, and Profit-Taking Surge

Hard Money Matters is a weekly radio program originating from Sarasota, Florida and featuring John Maben of Pegasus Coin & Jewelry, and hosted by overnight talk show host Kyle Warren.  Each week John and  Kyle discuss the precious coin and jewelry marketplace, how it fits into the contemporary investment world and how folks can access the large inventory Pegasus has to offer

The show airs Saturday afternoons at noon on AM 930 The Answer in Sarasota.  Listen each week LIVE here, call John at Pegasus Coin & Jewelry at 941-725-6100, visit their website

Hard Money Matters is a weekly radio program originating from Sarasota, Florida and featuring John Maben of Pegasus Coin &amp; Jewelry, and hosted by overnight talk show host Kyle Warren.&nbsp; Each week John and&nbsp; Kyle discuss the precious coin and jewelry marketplace, how it fits into the contemporary investment world and how folks can access the large inventory Pegasus has to offer
The show airs Saturday afternoons at noon on AM 930 The Answer in Sarasota.&nbsp; Listen each week LIVE <a href="https://theanswersarasota.com/listenlive">here</a>, call John at Pegasus Coin &amp; Jewelry at 941-725-6100, visit their <a href="https://www.pegavault.com/">website</a>

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