BRIANSCAVOAUTOSALES

It's a well-known fact that the humble penny costs more to make than it's worth. And quite a bit more, as it turns out. Because of inflation in metal prices, the U.S. Mint disclosed in 2022 that each one-cent coin cost 2.72 cents to manufacture. However, if you happen to own one of a few dozen special pennies made in 1943, you could be sitting on a treasure that's worth enough to buy a house. Regular pennies from 1943 are worth about 30-40 cents each, which still isn't a bad return against their one-cent face value. Although most folks typically associate older pennies with a copper-alloy construction, many pennies from the World War II-era, including most 1943 pennies, were actually made from steel. That's because the country's military needed traditional coin-making metals like copper and nickel for producing war materials instead. Besides the semi-precious metals in coins, Americans were also asked to conserve food, gasoline, and rubber items like car tires...

In an age marked by persistent inflation, volatile markets, and widespread geopolitical uncertainty, the challenge extends beyond growing wealth—it lies in safeguarding it. As financial systems show signs of strain and economic turbulence looms, a pressing question emerges: Where can one securely preserve their assets when traditional institutions begin to resemble a ticking time bomb? Traditionally, gold and cash have always been seen as safe-haven assets, but in recent years, Bitcoin has entered the conversation as a modern alternative. Each has its advantages and risks, and choosing the right store of value depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and belief in the future of money. So, what’s the best choice for securing your wealth? Let’s break it down. Gold: The Timeless Store of Value Gold has been humanity’s go-to store of wealth for over 5,000 years. Unlike paper currencies, it doesn’t rely on governments or financial institutions to maintain its worth. When econo...

Understanding the Historic End of Penny Production ©unsplash There have been ongoing discussions about potentially ending penny production, though no official announcement has been made, marking the end of an era that began in 1792. Production costs continue to exceed the coin's value, leading to periodic discussions about the penny's future. The penny, which dates from the early days of the U.S. Mint after its establishment in 1792, now costs more to manufacture than the coin is worth. The 1-cent coin cost about 3.7 cents to manufacture and distribute in 2024. It did estimate an immediate savings to taxpayers of $56 million from the halt of penny production. HON BRIAN SCAVO

As President Donald Trump advocates for new stimulus measures in 2025, Americans may soon see additional federal payments. Economic discussions are ongoing, with updates suggesting that checks could be distributed as early as June. Meanwhile, the IRS continues to process unclaimed $1,400 stimulus bonuses from previous rounds, although the deadline for claims has already passed, affecting those who missed prior filings. Residents in states like Mississippi were urged to act quickly to secure these funds through straightforward recovery steps. Trump’s Proposed Stimulus Checks for 2025 The possibility of new stimulus checks under President Trump has been a topic of significant interest. As of May 21, 2025, discussions about the viability of these payments under the incoming administration have been ongoing. The potential for new rounds of stimulus checks is being closely monitored, with many Americans eager to understand how these measures might impact their financial situations. Accord...

For a long time, I have had concerns about national debts and the value of fiat currencies—and have written about how these concerns both increase the appeal of gold. Since I first expressed those thoughts, the price of gold has gone up a lot, so I’d like to share what I believe are the most important things to know about gold It seems indisputably true to me that gold is a money and that it is the money that is least at risk of being devalued and/or confiscated. That’s why gold has been valued as money for thousands of years and in almost all countries, while many other monies have come and gone. Here is how gold has historically held its value—and why it still does. Throughout history, all currencies have been either linked/”hard-asset-backed” currencies or “fiat” currencies. The value of linked, or “hard-asset-backed” currencies, are connected to gold or to something similarly limited in supply and globally valued, like silver. These currencies allow people or governments to ex...

Check your pennies because some may be worth up to $200,000 Many people overlook the potential value hidden in their everyday pocket change, but some pennies could be worth a small fortune. In the United States, certain rare pennies have been known to fetch up to $200,000 at auction. Across the pond, the rarest UK penny from 1952 has been valued at an astonishing £200,000. Collectors and casual coin enthusiasts alike are encouraged to inspect their loose change for these overlooked treasures, as recent reports highlight the significant financial rewards that could be hiding in plain sight. Rare U.S. Pennies Worth Checking In the United States, the possibility of finding a penny worth up to $200,000 is not just a collector’s dream but a reality for some lucky individuals. Reports from early 2023 emphasize the importance of checking your pockets for these valuable coins. Some U.S. pennies, due to their rarity and historical significance, have reached impressive auction prices. For inst...

Gold prices have been on a remarkable upward trajectory, reaching unprecedented levels in recent months. This surge has prompted Wall Street to encourage investors to maintain a long-term perspective, with some analysts predicting that gold could rally toward $5,000 per ounce. JPMorgan’s analysis supports this outlook, forecasting that gold will exceed $5,000 by 2026, driven by persistent economic uncertainties. This momentum builds on a series of record-breaking highs throughout 2025, as evidenced by analyses from September through November. Recent Surge in Gold Prices The recent surge in gold prices has been characterized by a consistent pattern of new highs. Reports from mid-September highlighted the factors driving this upward trend, suggesting that prices could continue to climb. According to Quartz, the drivers include geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures, which have historically pushed investors toward gold as a safe haven. This trend continued into October, where...