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Australian Aboriginal Culture and it's use of #gold

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Get the Most Cash for Your Gold: How to Choose the Right Gold Buyer in Your Area

Gold is a precious metal that has been used as currency and as a symbol of wealth for centuries. It’s not surprising that many people have old or unwanted gold items lying around the house that they would like to sell. However, selling gold can be tricky, especially if you are not familiar with the process. It’s important to choose the best gold buyer in your area to ensure that you get a fair price for your gold.

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Bitcoin Basics: What You Need to Know About the Future of Money

Bitcoin is a digital currency that has been declared dead over 400 times, yet it continues to thrive. So what is it about Bitcoin that makes it so resilient? More importantly, why should you care about it? This post will break down the basics of Bitcoin in simple terms, explore why it’s here to stay, and show you how to invest in Bitcoin responsibly.

What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that was created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Unlike traditional currencies such as the dollar or euro, Bitcoin isn’t controlled by any government or financial institution. Instead, it runs on a peer-to-peer network powered by a technology called blockchain.

In essence, Bitcoin is money that isn’t tied to a country or central authority. It operates on a global scale and can be sent from one person to another without the need for a middleman, like a bank. This alone makes Bitcoin revolutionary because it puts financial power directly into the hands of individuals.

How Does Bitcoin Work?

Bitcoin operates on a public ledger known as the blockchain. This ledger records every transaction that has ever taken place on the network, ensuring transparency and security. When you send Bitcoin to someone, that transaction gets grouped with others and added to a block, which is then attached to the existing chain of blocks—hence the term blockchain.

Bitcoin transactions are secured by miners, who use powerful computers to solve complex mathematical puzzles. Once a puzzle is solved, the block of transactions is added to the blockchain, and the miner is rewarded with newly created Bitcoin. This process is what keeps the network running smoothly and secure.

How is New Bitcoin Created? (Bitcoin Mining)

Bitcoin mining is the process through which new Bitcoins are brought into circulation. Miners, as mentioned earlier, are rewarded with Bitcoin for solving those mathematical puzzles. The reward they receive for each block they add to the blockchain is how new Bitcoin is created.

However, Bitcoin's supply is finite—only 21 million Bitcoins will ever be created. This scarcity is one of the reasons Bitcoin has gained so much attention, as it contrasts with fiat currencies, which can be printed endlessly by governments.

The Bitcoin Halving Mechanism

Every four years or so, the reward for mining Bitcoin is cut in half in an event known as the Bitcoin Halving. This is built into Bitcoin’s code to control its supply. When Bitcoin was first created, miners earned 50 BTC for each block they added to the blockchain. Today, that reward has been cut to just 6.25 BTC.

This halving process will continue until all 21 million Bitcoins have been mined, which is expected to happen around the year 2140. The halving mechanism also makes Bitcoin increasingly scarce, contributing to its potential long-term value growth.

Why Is Bitcoin Revolutionary?

Bitcoin isn’t just another currency. It represents a complete shift in how we think about money and value.

Decentralization: Unlike traditional money, Bitcoin isn’t controlled by any government or central bank. It’s run by a decentralized network of computers worldwide. This means no one can manipulate Bitcoin's supply or value.

Finite Supply: Bitcoin’s total supply is capped at 21 million coins. This creates scarcity, much like gold, making Bitcoin a potential hedge against inflation.

Security & Transparency: The blockchain technology behind Bitcoin makes it extremely secure. Every transaction is recorded publicly, so there’s no need to trust a third party like a bank.

Financial Inclusion: In parts of the world where people don’t have access to traditional banking systems, Bitcoin offers a solution. Anyone with an internet connection can use Bitcoin, giving billions of people access to a global financial network.

Common Misconceptions About Bitcoin

Despite its growing popularity, Bitcoin still faces plenty of misconceptions:

Bitcoin is only used for illegal activities: While it’s true that Bitcoin has been used in illegal transactions, so has cash. In fact, Bitcoin's public ledger makes it less ideal for illicit activities than you might think.

Bitcoin is too volatile to be useful: Bitcoin’s price can be volatile in the short term, but long-term holders have historically been rewarded for their patience.

Bitcoin will be banned: While some governments have tried to regulate or limit Bitcoin, the decentralized nature of the network makes it incredibly difficult to shut down entirely.

Why Bitcoin is Here to Stay

Bitcoin has been declared "dead" over 400 times, yet here we are in 2024, with Bitcoin stronger than ever. Why? Because Bitcoin has something that most assets don’t: resilience.

It has survived market crashes, government crackdowns, and fierce skepticism. Not only has it survived, but it has thrived, with increasing adoption by individuals, corporations, and even governments. Websites like BitcoinDeaths.com track these “deaths,” showcasing just how many times skeptics have underestimated Bitcoin.

How to Invest in Bitcoin Safely (DCA Strategy)

One of the biggest fears for new investors is Bitcoin's volatility. Prices can swing dramatically from day to day, making it intimidating for beginners. That’s where Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) comes in.

What is DCA? Dollar-Cost Averaging is an investment strategy where you invest a fixed amount of money into Bitcoin at regular intervals, regardless of its price. This could be weekly, monthly, or even daily. The idea is to spread out your investments over time so that you average out the highs and lows of the market.

Why DCA works: By using DCA, you remove the emotional aspect of trying to "time the market." Instead of worrying whether the price is too high or too low, you simply stick to your plan. Over time, this strategy helps reduce the impact of short-term volatility.

Practical tips: Many platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, or Swan Bitcoin offer recurring buy options, making it easy to set up and forget about. Just choose an amount you’re comfortable with and let the system do the rest.

Real-life examples have shown that people who DCA into Bitcoin, even during its volatile years, have seen substantial gains over time.

How to Get Started with Bitcoin

If you’re ready to dive in, getting started with Bitcoin is easier than ever:

Choose an exchange: Platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, or Gemini make buying Bitcoin simple.

Set up secure storage: Consider using a wallet to store your Bitcoin safely. Hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor offer the best protection.

Start small: You don’t need to buy a whole Bitcoin. Start with a small amount and get comfortable with the process.

Stick to your DCA plan: Stay consistent, and don’t get caught up in the day-to-day price swings.

Conclusion

Bitcoin is more than just a digital currency; it’s a financial revolution. By understanding how it works, why it’s important, and how to invest wisely, you can become part of this growing movement. The future of money is being shaped today, and Bitcoin is at the forefront.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned investor, Bitcoin has something to offer. The key is to start learning, stay consistent, and keep an open mind as we move into the future of finance.

Take Action Towards Financial Independence

If this article has sparked your interest in the transformative potential of Bitcoin, there's so much more to explore! Dive deeper into the world of financial independence and revolutionize your understanding of money by following my blog and subscribing to my YouTube channel.

🌐 Blog: Unplugged Financial Blog Stay updated with insightful articles, detailed analyses, and practical advice on navigating the evolving financial landscape. Learn about the history of money, the flaws in our current financial systems, and how Bitcoin can offer a path to a more secure and independent financial future.

📺 YouTube Channel: Unplugged Financial Subscribe to our YouTube channel for engaging video content that breaks down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand segments. From in-depth discussions on monetary policies to the latest trends in cryptocurrency, our videos will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed financial decisions.

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content. Whether you're a seasoned investor, a curious newcomer, or someone concerned about the future of your financial health, our community is here to support you on your journey to financial independence.

Support the Cause

If you enjoyed what you read and believe in the mission of spreading awareness about Bitcoin, I would greatly appreciate your support. Every little bit helps keep the content going and allows me to continue educating others about the future of finance.

Donate Bitcoin: bc1qpn98s4gtlvy686jne0sr8ccvfaxz646kk2tl8lu38zz4dvyyvflqgddylk

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Warren Buffett - Diversification is For DUMB People |

@newtiative#warrenbuffett#investing#finance#entrepreneur#stockmarket#podcast Learn from Warren Buffett. Invest wisely. Achieve financial freedom. Follow us for expert analysis, inspiring stories, and actionable tips.

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How To Protect Your Investments In The Midst Of Increasing Talk Of Interest Rate Cuts – SDAX

Amid increasing talk of cutting interest rates, how can you protect your investments?

 Amid a cooling US jobs market and declining inflation, it now seems almost certain that the Federal Reserve (‘the Fed’) will cut interest rates in September. The Fed has continued to raise the federal funds rate – the interest rate it charges to its member banks, and a key lever for controlling money supply and inflation – for an unprecedented 11 times over a 16-month period.

Concerns about a potential recession have also eased considerably in a short space of time. Investors have recently been pricing in a “Goldilocks” scenario of strong growth with moderate inflation. This came after a period when analysts were questioning whether the Fed had risked the US economy slipping into recession due to its slowness in cutting rates.

The Bank of England, meanwhile, spent two years putting up interest rates at nearly every meeting, and then for a year after that, left them at a painfully high level for many households and businesses. Finally, on 1st August, a rate cut was confirmed, amid speculation that they could be reduced further in the near future.

Moves that investors might look to make now

So, on a backdrop of ongoing or probable rate cuts among the world’s central banks, investors might reasonably ask what steps they can take to help protect their investments during this period. An investment advisor might suggest that such individuals consider the following moves:

Acquiring gold

Gold has recently managed to hit a new all-time high, while relatively little attention was given in the financial press. And yet, the fundamentals of gold still persist: this precious metal serves as a safe haven asset with value that endures even during times of geopolitical uncertainty and currency instability.

Gold’s momentum lately has been fuelled by expectations of the Fed cutting rates soon, along with a slight dip in the dollar, and continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. So, from both a near-term and longer-term perspective, there are solid grounds to be bullish on gold.

Investing in high-yield bonds

As reported by The Wall Street Journal, “2024 has been Wall Street’s year of the bond fund … bonds are paying their highest yields in a generation”.

This observation tallies with the historical tendency for high-yield bonds to perform strongly during times of declining interest rates, when investors tend to look to securities that can provide a more generous return. The recent situation marks quite the contrast with 2022, when the Fed’s aggressive rate hikes clobbered US bond prices.

Tapping into the REIT sector

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are companies operating across a broad range of property sectors; they own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate. Investing in REITs, then, provides investors with a means of generating income from real estate without the need to directly purchase, manage, or finance properties themselves.

The last few years of inflation and high-interest rate environment have presented major challenges to REITs. However, with the fading of those headwinds, many experts have rightly pointed to REITs as an investment product to own right now.

With the REIT sector closely linked to the debt markets, such companies will stand to benefit as borrowing costs fall. 

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Wealth Building: What Rich People Do Differently

Wealthy people prioritize learning about personal finance, investing, and wealth building strategies. They always strive to gain more knowledge in these areas.

They maintain a long term perspective when setting financial goals and are patient in their pursuits.

Wealthy people diversify their investments across various asset classes to manage their risk.

Many of them are entrepreneurs who create and manage businesses as a means to build wealth.

They build and nurture professional networks opens doors to opportunities for investments, partnerships, and business growth.

They set clear, specific financial goals and regularly review and adjust their strategies to stay on track.

Wealthy individuals exercise discipline in their spending habits, avoiding impulse purchases and consistently saving and investing.

They assess and manage investment risks carefully, often with the guidance of financial advisors.

Many engage in philanthropy and charitable giving, recognizing the importance of supporting their communities and causes they care about.

Wealthy people invest in their personal development, acquiring new skills and knowledge to increase their earning potential or make better investment decisions.

They use legal tax strategies to minimize tax liabilities, such as tax advantaged accounts and tax efficient investments.

Legal structures like trusts and estate planning are employed to safeguard assets and facilitate smooth wealth transfer.

Wealthy people can adapt to changing economic conditions and market trends by diversifying income sources and investments.

Building wealth often involves overcoming setbacks and failures, and the wealthy demonstrates the result of persistence in their pursuit of financial success.

They have a positive and growth oriented mindset drives their belief in their ability to succeed and willingness to take calculated risks.

They prioritize acquiring and growing assets, emphasizing that assets generate income and wealth over time.

They are cautious about spending in liabilities (Things that do not make you money) and maximize their assets (add value) and those that detract from wealth (liabilities).

Instead of working solely for money, they make money work for them.

When they indulge in luxury purchases, they do so using returns on their investments rather than the money they earn or have saved.

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Wealth Building: Money Topics You Should Learn About If You Want To Make More Money

Budgeting: This means keeping track of how much money you have and how you spend it. It helps you save money and plan for your needs.

Investing: This is like putting your money to work so it can grow over time. It's like planting seeds to grow a money tree.

Saving: Saving is when you put some money aside for later. It's like keeping some of your treats for another day.

Debt Management: This is about handling money you owe to others, like loans or credit cards. You want to pay it back without owing too much.

Credit Scores: Think of this like a report card for your money habits. It helps others decide if they can trust you with money.

Taxation: Taxes are like a fee you pay to the government. You need to understand how they work and how to pay them correctly.

Retirement Planning: This is making sure you have enough money to live comfortably when you're older and no longer working.

Estate Planning: This is like making a plan for your stuff and money after you're no longer here.

Insurance: It's like paying for protection. You give some money to an insurance company, and they help you if something bad happens.

Investment Options: These are different ways to make your money grow, like buying parts of companies or putting money in a savings account.

Financial Markets: These are places where people buy and sell things like stocks and bonds. It can affect your investments.

Risk Management: This is about being careful with your money and making smart choices to avoid losing it.

Passive Income: This is money you get without having to work for it, like rent from a property you own.

Entrepreneurship: It's like starting your own business. You create something and try to make money from it.

Behavioral Finance: This is about understanding how your feelings and thoughts can affect how you use money. You want to make good choices even when you feel worried or excited.

Financial Goals: These are like wishes for your money. You need a plan to make them come true.

Financial Tools and Apps: These are like helpers on your phone or computer that can make it easier to manage your money.

Real Estate: This is about buying and owning property, like a house or land, to make money.

Asset Protection: It's about keeping your money safe from problems or people who want to take it.

Philanthropy: This means giving money to help others, like donating to charities or causes you care about.

Compounding Interest: This is like a money snowball. When you save or invest your money, it can grow over time. As it grows, you earn even more money on the money you already earned.

Credit Cards: When you borrow money or use a credit card to buy things, you need to show you can pay it back on time. This helps you build a good reputation with money. The better your reputation, the easier it is to borrow more money when you need it.

Alternate Currencies: These are like different kinds of money that aren't like the coins and bills you're used to like Crypto. It's digital money that's not controlled by a government. Some people use it for online shopping, and others think of it as a way to invest, like buying special tokens for a game.

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Weekend Stock Market Outlook - October 06 2024

Stock Market Outlook entering the Week of October 6th = Uptrend ADX Directional Indicators: Uptrend On Balance Volume Indicator: Uptrend Institutional Activity (Price & Volume): Uptrend ANALYSIS The stock market outlook maintains an uptrend, as market participants gear up for the start of earnings season. The S&P500 ($SPX) rose 0.2% last week.  The index sits ~4% above the 50-day moving average…

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The Perth mint created a 1 tonne gold coin!

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2024 1 Oz Silver Maple Leaf Coin – Royal Canadian Mint

AU Bullion proudly introduces the 2024 1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coins. Crafted to perfection, this Brilliant Uncirculated coin encompasses 1 troy ounce of .9999 pure silver. True to the Royal Canadian Mint’s legacy, this silver coin incorporates advanced security elements. This year, too, features the detailed micro-engraved maple leaf and the distinguishing radial lines.

Tracing back to 1908, the Royal Canadian Mint, formerly known as the Ottawa Branch, made its mark as one of the pioneering mints to produce coins with an unparalleled .9999 silver purity. Over the years, RCM has continued its tradition, producing the Silver Maple Leaf along with a diverse range of exquisite silver bullion coins.

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Gold Coins vs. Gold Bars: Which is Best for You?

When it comes to investing in gold, one of the key decisions you'll face is choosing between gold coins and gold bars. Both offer the security and stability that come with owning physical gold, but they have distinct advantages depending on your investment goals, budget, and preferences. This comprehensive guide will explore the differences between gold coins and gold bars, helping you decide which option is the best for your portfolio.

1. Understanding Gold Coins and Gold Bars

Before diving into the pros and cons of each, it’s important to understand what gold coins and gold bars represent.

Gold Coins: Gold coins are typically issued by government mints and have a face value, meaning they are legal tender in the country of issue. However, their intrinsic value is far greater than their face value, based on the gold content. Popular gold coins include the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, and South African Krugerrand.

Gold Bars: Also known as gold bullion, gold bars come in various sizes and are generally produced by private refineries, although some government mints also produce bars. Gold bars are valued purely for their gold content, with no face value or historical significance attached.

Both gold coins and gold bars have intrinsic value based on their weight and the current gold price, but they serve different purposes for investors.

2. Liquidity and Market Demand

When it comes to liquidity, gold coins generally have the edge. This is because gold coins are widely recognized and have established markets around the world. Coins like the American Gold Eagle or the Canadian Maple Leaf are instantly recognizable and can be easily traded anywhere.

Gold Coins: Their small size and global recognition make gold coins highly liquid. This means they are easier to sell, often without needing to verify the purity of the gold. They also tend to have a large collector market, which can add to their demand.

Gold Bars: While gold bars are also widely traded, their liquidity can vary depending on the size of the bar. Large bars, such as a 1-kilogram bar, may not be as easily traded as smaller denominations because they require a larger buyer pool. Additionally, gold bars often need to be assayed (tested for purity) before being sold, which can slightly delay the selling process.

For investors who may need quick access to cash, gold coins may offer a slight advantage over gold bars in terms of liquidity.

3. Price and Premiums

Price is another crucial factor when choosing between gold coins and bars. The price of both is primarily driven by the current spot price of gold, but there are differences in the premiums you'll pay above that price.

Gold Coins: Gold coins often come with higher premiums compared to bars. This is due to their smaller size, the craftsmanship involved in minting, and their status as legal tender. Some coins also carry numismatic value (the value derived from the coin's rarity, age, or condition), which can further increase the premium.

Gold Bars: Gold bars typically have lower premiums per ounce compared to coins. Since bars are produced in larger quantities and sizes, they are less expensive to manufacture, leading to smaller premiums. The larger the bar, the lower the premium, which makes gold bars more cost-effective for large-scale investors.

If you're looking to maximize the amount of gold you get for your money, gold bars might be the better option. However, if liquidity and ease of selling are more important, paying a slightly higher premium for coins may be worth it.

4. Storage and Security

Both gold coins and bars require secure storage, but the size and shape of each can influence your storage needs.

Gold Coins: Due to their smaller size and often intricate designs, gold coins can be easier to store and transport in smaller quantities. However, if you’re looking to invest in larger amounts of gold, storing many individual coins can become cumbersome.

Gold Bars: Gold bars, particularly larger ones, are more space-efficient when storing significant amounts of gold. For instance, a 1-kilogram gold bar takes up far less space than an equivalent value in coins. However, because bars are often larger and heavier, they may be more difficult to transport if you need to move your gold.

Investors who plan to store a substantial amount of gold may find bars to be a more practical solution due to their efficient use of space. On the other hand, for those who prioritize flexibility and ease of transport, gold coins may be a better choice.

5. Flexibility in Selling

Another key consideration is the flexibility you'll have when it comes time to sell.

Gold Coins: One of the primary benefits of owning gold coins is their divisibility. If you need to sell part of your holdings, you can easily sell one or more coins while keeping the rest. This gives you the flexibility to liquidate small portions of your portfolio as needed.

Gold Bars: While gold bars come in various sizes, larger bars can pose a challenge if you need to sell only part of your holdings. For example, if you own a 1-kilogram bar but only want to sell a portion, you would have to sell the entire bar. Smaller bars (like 1-ounce or 10-gram bars) offer more flexibility, but they may come with higher premiums.

For investors who value flexibility and foresee the need to sell in small increments, gold coins may be the better option. However, for those looking to make larger, long-term investments, gold bars may offer more value.

6. Collector Appeal and Aesthetic Value

One area where gold coins clearly outshine gold bars is in their collector appeal and aesthetic value. Coins often have intricate designs and historical significance that add to their allure. Some coins, such as the American Gold Eagle or the Austrian Philharmonic, are popular with both investors and collectors.

Gold Coins: Many investors appreciate the aesthetic value of coins, which often feature detailed engravings of national symbols, famous figures, or animals. Some coins also have numismatic value, which can increase over time as they become rarer.

Gold Bars: While gold bars may have a clean and professional appearance, they lack the artistic and historical appeal of coins. Bars are typically designed with a straightforward stamp indicating the weight and purity, which makes them less attractive to collectors.

If you’re looking for an investment that offers both financial and aesthetic value, gold coins are the clear winner. However, if your focus is purely on investment, gold bars may offer a more straightforward, cost-effective solution.

7. Which is Best for You?

The decision between gold coins and gold bars ultimately depends on your investment strategy, goals, and preferences. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

Gold Coins are best if:

You value liquidity and ease of selling.

You prefer smaller, more divisible investments.

You appreciate the aesthetic and collector value of coins.

You are willing to pay slightly higher premiums for flexibility.

Gold Bars are best if:

You want to maximize the amount of gold for your money.

You are making a larger investment and want to minimize premiums.

You need to store large quantities of gold efficiently.

You don’t need to sell in small increments.

Conclusion

Both gold coins and gold bars offer unique benefits depending on your investment needs. For smaller, more flexible investments with greater liquidity, gold coins may be the best choice. If you’re looking to make a larger, cost-effective investment with lower premiums, gold bars might be better suited to your portfolio.

No matter which option you choose, investing in physical gold is a proven way to diversify your portfolio and protect your wealth. Whether you're starting small with coins or going big with bars, it's important to work with a reputable dealer. Wall Street Metals offers a wide range of both gold coins and bars, helping you find the perfect option for your investment goals. Explore their selection today to get started on building a strong and diversified precious metals portfolio.

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Roman Coin - Gold Aureus of Titus AD 78-79 Portrait of Titus T CAESAR – VESPASIANVS. Reverse: ANNONA AVG. Annona seated holding bundle and corn ears in both hands.

Titus Caesar Vespasianus (30 December 39 – 13 September 81 AD) was Roman emperor from 79 to 81. A member of the Flavian dynasty, Titus succeeded his father Vespasian upon his death.

Before becoming emperor, Titus gained renown as a military commander, serving under his father in Judea during the First Jewish–Roman War. The campaign came to a brief halt with the death of emperor Nero in 68, launching Vespasian's bid for the imperial power during the Year of the Four Emperors. When Vespasian was declared Emperor on 1 July 69, Titus was left in charge of ending the Jewish rebellion. In 70, he besieged and captured Jerusalem, and destroyed the city and the Second Temple. For this achievement Titus was awarded a triumph; the Arch of Titus commemorates his victory to this day and age.

During his father's rule, Titus gained notoriety in Rome serving as prefect of the Praetorian Guard, and for carrying on a controversial relationship with the Jewish queen Berenice. Despite concerns over his character, Titus ruled to great acclaim following the death of Vespasian in 79, and was considered a good emperor by Suetonius and other contemporary historians.

As emperor, Titus is best known for completing the Colosseum and for his generosity in relieving the suffering caused by two disasters, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 and a fire in Rome in 80. After barely two years in office, Titus died of a fever on 13 September 81. He was deified by the Roman Senate and succeeded by his younger brother Domitian.

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260 gold coins dating to between 1610 and 1727, valued at around $290,000 (250,000 pounds) at auction.

The coins likely belonged to Joseph and Sarah Fernley-Maisters, members of an influential mercantile family that included several members of Parliament who lived in the area during the late 1600s and early 1700s, according to the statement.

"Joseph and Sarah clearly distrusted the newly formed Bank of England, the 'banknote' and even the gold coinage of their day because they [chose] to hold onto so many coins dating to the English Civil War and beforehand,

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This small bronze purse (4.3x3.3 cm) was found with six gold coins still inside in the Celtic oppidum (settlement) at Manching, Germany. It was originally sealed with an organic material, presumably a leather strap. Ca. 200 BCE

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