Hard Money Matters

In this episode of Hard Money Matters on AM 930 The Answer, host Kyle Warren and John Mabin, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton, dive into the growing issue of fake news and misinformation in the coin collecting and precious metals community. They discuss the proliferation of misleading online articles and social media posts that falsely claim certain coins, often with fabricated mint errors, are worth millions. These stories, driven by clickbait motives, lead to scams like paid apps with fake price guides and backlink farms, wasting collectors' time and misleading the public. John highlights the impact on coin dealers, who face frequent inquiries about nonexistent "rare" coins, and explains how legitimate errors differ from these scams. The episode also touches on genuine high-value coins sold at reputable auctions, like those by Heritage Rare Coin Galleries, and warns against manipulative sales tactics, such as cold calls and data harvesting. Listeners are encouraged to rely on established sources and professionals for accurate information and to visit Pegasus Coin and Jewelry for free verbal estimates on their collections.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and guest John Mabin, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton, discuss the impact of a recent U.S. Court of Appeals ruling that deemed most of President Trump's tariffs illegal, creating uncertainty that drives investors toward gold, silver, and collectible coins as safe havens amid global tensions involving China, Russia, and North Korea. John explains the double-edged sword of rising precious metals prices for local dealers, emphasizing the need for substantial working capital—far beyond what small shops can afford—and the challenges in securing bank loans due to the industry's nature. They advise advanced collectors on navigating auctions by reviewing past sales, leveraging personal knowledge, and consulting trusted dealers. The conversation explores niche collectibles like "bingles" (historical company tokens from remote areas such as Alaska), which form a thin market with limited value despite their storytelling appeal. John reiterates warnings against amateur coin cleaning, noting how grading services designate and devalue cleaned coins, while sharing stories of remarkable coin discoveries in attics, beaches, grounds, and even dog-dug sites. The episode wraps with a lighthearted anecdote about a customer rejecting a fair gold sovereign offer, underscoring the importance of experience in the coin business.

In this engaging episode of Hard Money Matters on AM 930 The Answer, host Kyle Warren and coin expert John Mabin, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton, dive into the world of collectible coins and precious metals. They address common misconceptions about coin collecting, such as the belief that touching a coin makes it no longer uncirculated or that online prices always reflect a coin’s true value. John clarifies the difference between uncirculated and proof coins and explains how rising gold prices impact the jewelry trade, emphasizing Pegasus’s role in buying gold for its metal value at competitive prices. The discussion also covers the benefits of larger transactions, the absence of legal limits on gold ownership in most free countries, and the concept of cost averaging for investments. Additionally, they explore the historical significance of coins, including ancient standardization in coin production and the challenges of spotting counterfeits. Listeners are invited to visit Pegasus Coin and Jewelry for free verbal estimates and expert advice, with a reminder to tune in next Saturday at noon for more insights.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and coin expert John Mabin, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton, dive into the fascinating world of coin collecting and precious metals. They discuss how to start a coin collection with a $1,000 budget, with John recommending classic commemorative half dollars as an affordable and historically rich option. The conversation explores the diverse appeal of coin collecting, from Roman coins to modern U.S. Mint releases like the 2025 American Liberty high relief gold coin. John explains the distinction between dealers and investors, noting the challenges of coin investing due to market fluctuations and the rise of third-party grading for transparency. They touch on legendary rarities like the 1804 Bust Dollar and 1913 Liberty Nickel, the dangers of improperly cleaning coins, and the tight-knit coin community's efforts to recover stolen items. John shares a humorous anecdote about a rare 1958D Lincoln cent sold on eBay, highlighting the complexities of online transactions. The episode emphasizes the historical, artistic, and financial aspects of coin collecting while offering practical advice for enthusiasts.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and guest John Maybin, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton, dive into the world of coins and precious metals. They discuss the U.S. Mint’s 25th anniversary Sacagawea dollar, a limited-edition 24-karat gold coin with a mintage of 7,500, which sold out quickly and is now fetching high prices on the secondary market. John advises caution on its investment potential due to historical trends with similar low-mintage coins. The conversation also covers the lack of popularity of dollar coins like the Sacagawea and Susan B. Anthony, the challenges of collecting paper money compared to coins, and the risks of counterfeiting in both. They explore the surge in coin show popularity, the benefits of dealing with reputable dealers, and the impact of a recent Florida law removing a $500 tax threshold for coin and bullion sales. The episode concludes with a memorable story about a house call evaluation of a coin collection, highlighting the importance of trust and expertise in the industry. Listeners are invited to visit Pegasus Coin and Jewelry or tune in for more insights on AM 930 The Answer.

In this engaging episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and coin expert John Maybin, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton, dive into the intricate world of buying, selling, and collecting coins and precious metals. John shares his seasoned perspective, drawing from over four decades in the industry, offering practical advice on when to buy or sell—and when to hold back. He discusses scenarios where he might discourage customers from making transactions, such as selling inherited gold without a clear need for funds or purchasing beyond one’s financial means. The conversation also covers the realities of handling common wheat pennies, the minimal impact of penny retirement on the collector’s market, and the logistics of managing large or small transactions, including special orders and the associated risks. John expresses skepticism about the ego-driven nature of coin registry systems like NGC and PCGS, advocating for collecting based on personal enjoyment rather than competitive overpaying. Packed with insights, the episode emphasizes informed decision-making, customer service, and the nuances of the precious metals trade, inviting listeners to send questions for future discussions

In this episode of Hard Money Matters on AM 930, host Kyle Warren and guest John Maybin, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton, dive into the fascinating world of coin collecting and precious metals. They discuss the nuances of uncirculated coins, explaining that while condition significantly impacts value for older coins (pre-1960s), many modern uncirculated coins hold only face value. Storage conditions are highlighted as critical, with improper storage leading to corrosion and value loss. The conversation shifts to the rise of crossover collectibles, such as DC superhero-themed coins celebrating DC Comics' 90th anniversary, which appeal to fans but are often gimmicky and lack long-term investment value due to market trends driven by baby boomers. Security concerns are addressed, with Maybin debunking claims of "unfakeable" gold bullion bars, noting the prevalence of high-quality counterfeits, Rosalind, primarily from China, and the importance of expert testing. Maybin shares a road story about using psychology to secure better deals from coin dealers, illustrating the competitive nature of the trade. Finally, he explains Pegasus Coin and Jewelry’s no-appointment policy, emphasizing a customer-friendly approach. The episode blends practical advice, industry insights, and engaging anecdotes for collectors and enthusiasts.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters on AM 930, host Kyle Warren and John Maben of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry discuss gold’s utility and value, countering Warren Buffett’s view with examples of its use in AI and electronics, alongside silver and platinum’s industrial roles. Maben shares statistics on mined precious metals, highlighting silver’s undervaluation and his bullish stance on platinum, and notes the frequent discovery of pre-1964 silver coins in bulk from past hoarding. The conversation covers coin collecting supplies like the Boston Long 5x slide glass, a reliable light, and Crystal Clear showcases, advising against relying solely on internet data and favoring trusted dealers for valuation. Maben reflects on his road-trip coin-buying days, the rise in summer shop activity due to high metal prices, and the ease of insuring collections, emphasizing the growing hobbyist community and market dynamics in this unregulated industry.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters on AM 930, host Kyle Warren and John Maben of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry explore the intersection of politics, auctions, and liquidity in the coin and precious metals market. Maben notes that political laws impact the industry, while observing a predominance of conservative customers in his Florida store, though all political affiliations invest in hard assets. He discusses fluctuating gold-silver ratios, the real-time spot price updates (changing every 10 seconds), and the existence of futures markets for hedging by large dealers. Maben advises diversification for large investments, recommends coin clubs for enthusiasts, and warns against overvaluing auction prices or new proof coins from small nations, which often lose value despite marketing hype. He highlights gold, silver, and platinum as highly liquid, contrasting them with less traded metals like rhodium, emphasizing the importance of buyer awareness in this unregulated field.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters on AM 930, host Kyle Warren and John Maben of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry discuss the intricacies of coin collecting and precious metals, focusing on verifying dealer legitimacy and leveraging technology. Maben explains the lack of official registries for numismatists, suggesting credibility checks through affiliations like the Professional Numismatist Guild, years in business, and customer reviews. He advises caution at coin shows, emphasizing the importance of trusted relationships to avoid shady deals. The conversation also covers the joy of collecting, innovative products like the Vault Combi bar for affordable gold investments, and skepticism toward Texas and Florida’s moves to make gold legal tender, citing increased regulation risks. Maben discourages remote evaluations via text or email due to the need for hands-on coin assessment, reinforcing the value of in-person appraisals at Pegasus in this unregulated market.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters on AM 930, host Kyle Warren and John Maben of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry guide listeners on moving from collecting coins and precious metals as a hobby to a viable investment. Maben, with over 40 years of experience, advises against self-directed investing due to the high risk of costly mistakes, recommending instead to work with a trusted dealer for confidence and education. He suggests starting with low-risk metal investments (gold, silver, platinum) rather than numismatic items, tailoring strategies to individual goals like long-term holding or short-term profit. The discussion also covers market fluctuations, the impact of industrial demand on rare metals, and the pitfalls of including precious metals in IRAs, favoring physical ownership over managed accounts. Maben explains the evaluation and melting of used jewelry for gold value, noting that only rare pieces are resold, highlighting the dynamic and personalized nature of investing in this unregulated field.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters on AM 930, host Kyle Warren and John Maben of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry discuss how to identify trustworthy companies in the precious metals market. Maben, with over 40 years of experience, highlights red flags such as cold calls, high-pressure sales tactics, and fear-based pitches often used by marketing-focused "boiler room" firms disguised as reputable dealers. He advocates for face-to-face transactions and education over impulsive purchases, emphasizing Pegasus’s role in guiding customers without pushing sales. The conversation also addresses elder fraud risks, the dangers of house calls by dealers, and the irrelevance of customer-made coin lists for professional evaluations. Maben explains the historical shift away from silver in U.S. circulating coins post-1964, the prestige of the Professional Numismatist Guild, and the differences between pawn shops and specialized dealers like Pegasus, reinforcing the importance of informed decision-making in this unregulated industry.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters on AM 930, host Kyle Warren and John Maben of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry explore the dynamics of buying and selling coins and precious metals. Maben explains how Pegasus maintains a manageable inventory, relying on special orders for larger transactions, and emphasizes the face-to-face approach over shipping due to security concerns. The discussion covers the declining value of proof and mint sets due to a shrinking collector base, the risks of overpaying at estate sales, and the modest markups (2-6% for bullion, 10-40% for numismatic coins) compared to higher margins in telemarketing or jewelry sales. Maben warns against "traveling roadshow" scams that exploit uninformed buyers and shares how age influences investment preferences, with younger buyers favoring gold and seniors often selling for liquidity. He also highlights Pegasus’s adherence to anti-money laundering regulations, including refusing suspicious cash transactions, underscoring the risks and lack of federal oversight in the industry.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters on AM 930, host Kyle Warren and guest John Maben, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry, discuss the importance of vigilance in the precious metals market, emphasizing the principle of "caveat emptor" (let the buyer beware). Maben, with over 40 years of experience, warns against unscrupulous companies and high-pressure sales tactics that exploit hype, often leading to overpriced products or scams. He highlights the value of building trust through face-to-face relationships at Pegasus, contrasting this with impersonal telemarketing firms. The discussion covers pitfalls like unreliable shipping methods (e.g., FedEx or UPS) that risk theft, the concept of premiums over spot prices, and the misconception that a coin’s age determines its value. Maben stresses educating customers to make informed decisions without providing financial advice, offering insights into industry practices and the importance of condition over age in numismatic coins.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters on AM 930, host Kyle Warren and John Maben, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry, explore the intricacies of coin collecting and precious metals. Maben highlights undervalued assets like platinum, which is significantly cheaper than gold, and pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, which offer value due to their low numismatic premium amid rising gold prices. He emphasizes the subjective nature of coin grading, noting variations among major grading services like NGC and PCGS, and advises against grading most coins due to high costs. Maben also discusses branding in precious metals, explaining that globally recognized manufacturers like Pamp and Royal Canadian Mint enhance liquidity compared to lesser-known brands. With economic uncertainty driving interest in tangible assets, Maben encourages informed decision-making with expert guidance, urging listeners to call Pegasus at 941-725-6100 or visit pegavault.com for evaluations.

"Hard Money Matters," hosted by Kyle Warren on AM 930, features John Maben, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry, who shares his 40 years of expertise in collectible coins and precious metals. The episode delves into coin shop etiquette, emphasizing mutual respect and clear communication between dealers and customers to avoid misunderstandings. Maben discusses the importance of realistic pricing, the limited room for haggling in precious metals due to tight margins, and the risks of credit card transactions in the industry. He also warns about scams targeting the elderly, urging vigilance against fraudulent schemes. Additionally, Maben addresses estate planning, advising seniors to sell their collections during their lifetime to maximize value and avoid family disputes. The show highlights the professional evaluation services at Pegasus and the complexities of storing valuables, recommending secure options like bank safe deposit boxes while cautioning about their restrictions.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren interviews John Maben, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton, who brings over 40 years of experience to discuss the intricacies of coin collecting and precious metals investment. Maben critiques the aggressive marketing tactics of many precious metals companies, warning against their high-margin products and telemarketing upsells that often lead to significant buyer losses. He advises against storing precious metals in IRAs due to fees, limited control, and risks like depository failures, favoring physical possession instead. Maben also highlights the pitfalls of auctions for bullion, which incur high commissions, and clarifies tax implications, noting Florida’s sales tax exemptions for purchases over $500 or legal tender coins, while federal capital gains tax applies to profits. He addresses common misconceptions about coin values, explaining that circulated coins like bicentennial quarters hold little worth, while Pegasus regularly buys high-value items like pre-1964 silver coins, Morgan dollars, and pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. Maben contrasts the reliability of precious metals with the volatility of cryptocurrencies, emphasizing the tangible security of physical assets. Listeners are invited to visit Pegasus at 7230 55th Ave E, Bradenton, or call 941-725-6100 for expert guidance.

After months of regular interview sessions, overnight radio talk show host Kyle Warren and John Maben commence the first episode of Hard Money Matters.  If you didn't know there is a little coin and jewelry craze going on around the globe. With the price of gold right now it makes perfect sense. Some people are emptying out their old jewelry boxes, coin collections even things found on the beach and getting thousands of dollars.

Call Pegasus at 941-725-6100, or visit their website