Hard Money Matters

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 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 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 energizing first episode of 2026 on Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin celebrate the new year with major updates from Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton, where the ownership transition is now complete as of January 2—longtime protégé Holden Pollock has taken the reins after four years of mentorship, ensuring the shop's signature expertise, world-class staff (including industry veterans like Jay Rudo, Artie Rice, and part-timers like authenticator Skip Fazari and grader Alex Molinos), and high standards continue seamlessly while John remains involved on a part-time basis to assist as needed. John shares his excitement about a "busy retirement" freed from daily operations, allowing time to attend major events like the ongoing Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Show in Orlando (January 8–11, one of the year's biggest with 1,500+ dealers—perfect for newcomers to immerse themselves, meet like-minded collectors, and explore varieties from small local shows to massive conventions via funcoins.com). They discuss a healthy, modest pullback in gold (down about 1% recently amid a weaker ADP jobs report and profit-taking after 2025's explosive run to highs near $5,000+/oz by late January, with silver also volatile around $80–$100+), viewing it as a normal correction in an otherwise bullish trend driven by insatiable industrial/tech demand (AI chips, batteries, EVs, solar) rather than a reversal—echoing the timeless advice that taking profits is always prudent. Numismatic highlights include Paul Hollis's confirmation and swearing-in as the 41st U.S. Mint Director (first genuine numismatist in the role, promising better collector/dealer communication, marketing, and profitability), plus the American Numismatic Society's announced relocation from New York City to Toledo, Ohio (on the Toledo Museum of Art campus by mid-2028, enhancing public access to its vast collection of 800,000+ items). The episode underscores the multifaceted appeal of coins and metals—pure collecting passion, investor strategies, historical depth (tying into America's upcoming 250th anniversary), and endless exploration—while reminding listeners that opinions aren't investment advice and precious metals/coins carry risks of loss. Visit Pegasus (now under Holden's ownership) for expert estimates or tune in next week for more!

In this heartfelt season-finale edition of Hard Money Matters—the last show of 2025—hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry reflect on an extraordinary year of precious metals dominance, with gold maintaining strong upward momentum into the $4,300+ range (closing December around $4,325–$4,340/oz after volatile highs near $4,500) and silver blasting past $66/oz amid feverish speculation on industrial breakthroughs like Samsung's silver-enhanced long-life batteries for AI and electronics, fueling endless demand despite easing retail buying as profit-takers sell at peaks while industrial/tech needs (EVs, solar, chips) keep supply tight and prices resilient heading into 2026. They revisit standout numismatic moments, including the late-2025 discovery of a rare 1945 Lincoln cent struck on a mysterious 12–13% silver alloy planchet (sparking theories of wartime Mint experimentation or error amid WWII material shortages), the end of circulating penny production with the ultra-limited Omega-marked 2025 final cents fetching over $16.76 million total at Stack's Bowers Galleries auction (top symbolic last set at $800,000, averaging ~$72,000 per three-coin set including gold versions), and the innovative but legally challenging Shanghai gold-recycling ATM concept that melts jewelry for instant payouts—highlighting why trusted, human-guided dealers remain irreplaceable for expertise and security. The emotional centerpiece is John's announcement of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry's ownership transition effective January 2, 2026, to longtime protégé Holden Pollock (groomed over four years and beloved by customers for his role in stellar reviews and operations), allowing John to step back from daily responsibilities while staying involved occasionally—freeing time for passions like playing 1970s rock-inspired guitars (influenced by legends like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, and Robin Trower) and enjoying the hobby without the grind. They reminisce on John's nearly 50-year career evolution—from pre-internet road trips and face-to-face deals to today's brisk business—celebrating relationships, history tied to coins (sunken treasure, wartime improvisation), and the joy of numismatics as an endless exploration. With thanks to listeners and co-host Kyle, the episode looks ahead optimistically to 2026 while reminding that opinions aren't investment advice and precious metals/coins carry risks of loss—visit Pegasus in Bradenton (under new ownership soon) for appraisals or join the show next year!

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

In this captivating December edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry explore a stunning recent numismatic discovery—a 1945 Lincoln cent struck on an anomalous planchet containing 12% silver (alloy roughly 83% copper, 12% silver, 5% zinc, weighing 3.61 grams vs. standard 3.11), confirmed in late 2025 and baffling experts with theories ranging from accidental wartime contamination to intentional experimental strikes during WWII's final months, when material shortages led to innovations like silver war nickels and shell-case bronze cents. They ponder whether it was a playful late-night Mint mishap or a deliberate test, underscoring the detective thrill that keeps collectors hooked on history. The duo revisits the end of penny production, tempering hype around the Omega-marked 2025 final cents (which auctioned for over $16.76 million total in December 2025 via Stack's Bowers, with the symbolic last set hitting $800,000) as impressive but perhaps not the $2–5 million extremes some predicted for these manufactured rarities. Amid gold's dramatic 2025 run-up (closing near $4,340–$4,368 per ounce after breaching $4,000+), they discuss how soaring prices shift mindsets—more sellers taking profits than new buyers jumping in at perceived highs—yet insist there's no universal ceiling, as personal goals and historical patterns (like Bitcoin's relentless climbs) drive continued demand; advice includes prudent partial selling on the way up rather than greedy holding. Holiday newcomers get practical guidance on spotting a good local coin shop: look for engaging staff you click with, active inventory turnover (not static cases), and a welcoming vibe that fosters long-term relationships over high-pressure sales. They touch on evolving cash dynamics—some venues going cashless despite no federal mandate to accept it (though some states/cities require it for fairness), with costs, security, and convenience favoring electronic payments—while reflecting on pre-1793 colonial "hodgepodge" currency like Spanish pieces of eight, Continental dollars, and state issues as exotic, sought-after classics with lower liquidity but strong appeal outside mainstream U.S. collecting. Tying it all together is the enduring magic of numismatics: connecting revolutionary-era improvisation to modern mysteries and future uncertainties in a potentially cashless world, where gold, silver, and historical coins remain timeless stores of value. As always, opinions aren't investment advice, and precious metals/coins carry risks of loss—visit Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton for expert help or tune in next week!

In this reflective edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry mark the bittersweet end of an era as the U.S. Mint has ceased producing circulating Lincoln cents after over 232 years, with the final 2025 pennies bearing a unique Omega (Ω) privy mark—symbolizing the "end" of a legacy that began in 1793—limited to just 232 three-coin sets (including one regular Philadelphia, one Denver, and one 24-karat gold version) that were auctioned by Stack's Bowers Galleries in December 2025, fetching an astonishing total of over $16.76 million, with the very last set (#232) realizing a record $800,000 for the most valuable modern U.S. numismatic item. They discuss how this ultra-low-mintage modern rarity draws global attention and could spark new interest in collecting, though it likely won't disrupt the established Lincoln cent market, while noting that billions of ordinary pennies remain in circulation (and banks will accept them for the foreseeable future) amid a broader shift toward electronic payments where few under 35 carry cash. The conversation explores why bullion coins like Gold Eagles carry face values (e.g., $50) despite trading at melt value far higher—to qualify as official coins rather than mere rounds—highlighting practical aspects of precious metals ownership versus spending them in commerce. They delve into iconic early U.S. rarities from the 1790s, including the ultra-rare 1794 Flowing Hair dollar (one sold for $12 million in 2013) and the 1793 Chain cent (examples topping $2 million), plus the "King of American Coins," the 1804 silver dollar (recently near $8 million), emphasizing their extreme scarcity and historical significance as artistic symbols of a young nation's aspirations. Wrapping up with real-world shop stories of high-value referral transactions (including six-figure bullion deals), the episode celebrates the enduring thrill of numismatics—connecting past and present—while reminding listeners of the risks in buying/selling precious metals and coins, with opinions not constituting investment advice. Visit Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton for expert appraisals or join next week's show!

In this lively edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry dive into the dramatic rebound in precious metals following the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, with gold surging back above $4,100 per ounce and silver climbing toward $51 amid renewed market optimism and feverish buying/selling activity at the shop. They explore the exciting world of coin collecting through "typesets"—curated sets featuring one example of each coin type across eras—and share insights on the thrill of the hunt, grading nuances, eye appeal factors like natural toning versus "dipped" coins, and why identical grades don't always mean identical values. The conversation highlights the thrill of discovery in numismatics, from hunting rare pieces at shows and auctions to recent archaeological surprises like ancient Celtic connections revealed by old coins. They also celebrate the nomination (and excitement around) Paul Hollis, a true numismatist tapped to lead the U.S. Mint, discussing potential improvements to fairer distribution of commemorative coins and modern designs. Packed with practical advice, market updates, and passion for coins, this episode reminds listeners why precious metals and numismatics remain timeless pursuits—always with the standard disclaimer that these are opinions, not investment advice, and that buying/selling carries risks. Visit Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton for expert evaluations or tune in next week!

In this insightful edition of Hard Money Matters, hosts Kyle Warren and John Mabin of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry break down the current state of gold, which has pulled back from recent highs near the $4,000 mark (with broader 2026 volatility seeing peaks above $5,000 before sharp corrections), describing it as a healthy, logical trend amid stock market parallels—encouraging experienced buyers to hold long-term rather than chase quick flips, while sellers capitalize on still-elevated prices amid steadier selling than buying activity at the shop. They explore why physical metals suit patient accumulation over day-trading (better left to ETFs like GLD or SLV), dismiss notions of a U.S. government gold revaluation like in 1933 as improbable in today's global market, and reflect on the shift away from the gold standard in the 1970s, weighing nostalgia for backed currency against modern risks of fully digital money—including privacy loss, tracking, potential control in extreme scenarios, and the fading role of cash. The duo examines an innovative Shanghai gold-recycling ATM that melts and assays jewelry for instant bank transfers, praising the tech but cautioning on wait times, potential glitches, theft/laundering vulnerabilities, and the irreplaceable value of human expertise in face-to-face deals. They deliver a strong warning against modern commemorative coins and TV/shopping network purchases, which rarely appreciate and often yield far less than paid due to high production volumes and marketing hype—sharing a personal anecdote about low resale on non-precious items. Emphasizing building relationships with reputable dealers for real value retention in collecting or investing, the episode blends market updates, historical context, futuristic concerns, and practical advice, all with the standard disclaimer that opinions aren't investment advice and precious metals carry risks of loss. Stop by Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton for free estimates or tune in next week!

On this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and John Mabin of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry dive into the latest precious metals trends. They analyze gold's recent pullback from $4,000 as a healthy buying opportunity via dollar-cost averaging, explain why dealers pay below spot price on jewelry and bullion (due to overhead, holding periods, and market risks), and note improving silver spreads amid reduced backlog. The duo explores how rising metal values erode numismatic premiums on collectible coins, predicts AI's future role in grading and pricing coins (despite tactile challenges), and offers cautionary tips for buying coins abroad, including export rules and shipping options. Sponsored disclaimers emphasize risks and lack of federal regulation.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and precious metals expert John Mabin (owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry) dive into the chaotic silver market amid its rapid price surge. They explain "backwardation" — where futures prices dip below spot due to refinery backlogs, financing strains, and overwhelming sell-off volume — forcing dealers to buy at discounted futures-based rates while selling at higher immediate-delivery spot. Drawing parallels to the 1980 silver spike, they warn that prices rising "too fast" disrupt liquidity, unlike the smoother gold and platinum markets. The duo explores dealer cash-flow limits, why some shops pause buying, and investor psychology: many cash in profits despite discounts, while others keep buying for security. Shifting to broader economics, they adjust historical gold prices (e.g., 1985's $317/oz) for inflation, discuss dollar devaluation amid grocery shocks and trillions in debt, geopolitical risks (China/Russia tariffs), and skepticism toward BRICS reserve currency shifts or crypto overhauls. Ending on tangible assets as a hedge for uncertain times, the episode blends market mechanics with real-world financial anxieties.

On this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and precious metals expert John Mabin (owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton) unpack the shifting dynamics of pre-1934 U.S. gold coins, explaining why soaring bullion prices have crushed premiums on common dates—turning them into near-bullion buys with semi-numismatic appeal. They debunk myths about age equaling value, explore niche collectibles like old checks and stock certificates, and compare today’s global gold boom (fueled by central banks and geopolitical uncertainty) to the inflation-driven 1980 surge and the 2011 flight-to-safety rally. The duo also decodes obscure mint marks like “BM,” reveals why dealers break up curated collections, and offers practical advice for beginners: start with what you love, not what analytics dictate. A blend of market insight, history, and collector wisdom—plus a plug for free appraisals at Pegasus.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and guest John Mabin, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton, guide listeners through practical decisions in precious metals investing and coin collecting. They break down how to choose silver products (e.g., 1-oz rounds vs. 100-oz bars) based on premiums, liquidity, and budget; stress secure, personal storage over bank boxes or third-party depositories; and explain subtle premium differences in global 1-oz gold bullion coins (U.S. Eagles top the list, Krugerrands now mid-tier). The duo debunks myths around modern dollar coins (presidential, Sacagawea—face value only), celebrates the historical allure of Carson City Morgan dollars, and shares a real-life find: a 1955 doubled-die penny turned into $700 for its owner. A blend of actionable advice, market insights, and collector enthusiasm.

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and John Mavin, owner of Pegasus Coin and Jewelry in Bradenton, dive into the surging gold market. They debate whether record-high prices make now the ideal time to sell (or buy more), stress the dangers of buying metals on credit, and recommend keeping gold to 5-20% of a portfolio. The pair contrasts bullion’s straightforward hedge against inflation with the collector-driven coin market, warns against hype around “space-flown” Sacagawea dollars, and traces the Krugerrand’s legacy. Cash is declared “no longer king” in a cashless world, and John announces his semi-retirement in 2026, handing the reins to protégé Holden Pollock while pledging to keep the radio show alive. Listeners are reminded to visit pegavault.com or call 941-725-6100 for free appraisals.

In a role-reversal episode of Hard Money Matters, coin dealer John Mabin quizzes host Kyle Warren on 19 weeks of lessons in precious metals and numismatics. Kyle articulates the split between collectible coins (history-driven, subjective value) and bullion (inflation hedge, market-driven), stresses starting small with a trusted local dealer, warns against online/telemarketing traps, and advises never cleaning inherited coins. The duo agree: build relationships, trust instinct, and let passion—not just profit—guide the journey.

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.