Olympian’s Stolen Gold and Silver Medals Are Recovered

Three gold medals, along with one silver one that had been stolen from Olympic swimmer Josh Davis were returned. Last week, Davis’s attorney spoke to the media, telling them that it was likely that the Olympic gold and silver medals were stolen from the athlete’s unlocked vehicle. These gold and silver medals that had been stuffed into sock were left at a Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. A man who was there to pick up a family member saw the sock and brought it to the receptionist. The receptionist had noticed the sock earlier, but thought that is was debris that would need to be swept away later on during the day.

Those medals represent all of the medals that Davis one during his Olympic career, save one. In total, Davis earned three gold and two silver medals at Olympic Games in Atlanta and Sydney.

And at least one news outlet reported that Josh Davis had lost silver medals at some point in the past. Hmmm…there seems to be a pattern here. It is hard to believe that someone would leave gold and silver medals in an unlocked car. The swimmer is of the opinion that alerting the media made it impossible for the thief to try to capitalize on the crime or sell the medals.

As they say, you shouldn’t cast pearls before swine…or leave gold medals in an unlocked car. In some ways, this is ignoring their value, since something as precious and valuable as a gold or silver medal, earned through arduous Olympic training and competition is nothing to take lightly.

Are you ignoring the value of your gold? Do you have gold that you leave laying around, unused, collecting dust? In case you have not been paying attention, the price of gold is rising and now is a good time to sell gold.

We are certain that you would not actually leave your gold in an unlocked car, but that does not mean that you are not taking it for granted in other ways. If you do not want your gold jewelry, gold coins or other gold items, sell them to a gold buyer and get cash for gold.

The man who found those gold and silver medals belonging to Davis will be getting what you might call cash for gold as well—a reward in an undisclosed amount will be divided between the finder, the Salvation Army and the receptionist at the Salvation Army.

The Romance of Silver

When you are giving a gift of silver to someone special, do you take some time to think about why you have chosen this precious metal? Probably not! Nowadays, people are too busy to ponder on these things. Nevertheless, you have made a good and wonderful choice because silver is a most romantic metal.

Go back to the times of the Romans. If all roads lead to Rome, then those roads must be paved with silver. The Romans have produced some of the most beautiful and mystifying silver items ever seen. Who will not be enthralled by the Great Hunting, Achilles, and Meleager Plates from the Sevso Treasure? What about the Great Plate of Bacchus from the Mildenhall Treasure? The meticulous craftsmanship and the size of these plates offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Romans. Imagine the feasts that were served on those dishes! How about the Roman silver spoons found at Hoxne in Britain or the silver vessels from the Berthouville Treasure?

Think about the Vikings. These great conquerors were extremely fond of silver. Judging from the number of Viking hoards discovered in Sweden, England, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, and France, they must have amassed a lot of silver. Other than using silver for trade, the Vikings had a peculiar practice of burying their silver.  Apparently, they did this to gain entry into Odin’s hall, Valhalla, which is the Norse heaven for the souls of the mightiest of Viking warriors. It made sense then that the greater the warrior, the more silver he should bury. Some of these items included silver coins, silver ingots, and silver jewelry. Only Odin knows how many much more Viking silver remains in the ground. Those that have been discovered are exhibited in various museums in Europe.

When the Persians campaigned against the Greeks, the Athenians issued a lot of silver tetradrachma to build the strongest naval force in the region. This turn of events allowed the Athenians to preserve Athenian democracy. Without the discovery of rich silver deposits in Attica, Athens would have most likely fallen under Persian rule and Western civilization as we know it would be very much different today.

Not only was silver the food of the Romans and the heaven of the Vikings, but it represented the freedom of the Athenians. Now, that is one romantic metal, isn’t it? No wonder it’s so precious. If you want to enjoy the best rates for silver, you should contact a trusted silver buyer. Get instant cash for silver today!

More Idioms of Silver

Last week, we explored the meanings of three extremely popular idioms of silver. Today, we will look at some silver idioms which are not so well known. In this exercise, it’s interesting to see how silver is used to accentuate a certain meaning.

There’s a Swedish/German saying which goes like this: “Talk is silver, silence is gold.” Despite the fact that silver is considered a precious metal, here, it’s used to highlight the superior value of gold. In this context, the idiom means that speech may be precious but silence is more precious. Possibly, this idiom is created by the guy who said, “New friends are silver, old friends are gold.” You may notice the similarity. Again, it’s based on the inferiority of silver in comparison to gold. Yet, it’s quite superficial to suggest that old friends are more valuable than new friends, isn’t it? Actually, the idiom tells you to treasure your old friends more than your new friends. Combining the two idioms, this is what you must do. Talk to your new friends, silver. Be silent with your old friends, gold. It’s real simple.

Have you ever been asked to “cross someone’s palm with silver?” Traditionally, this idiom is used by gypsies who say, “Cross my palms with silver and I will tell you your future!” So, this idiom simply means to pay for a service. However, it can also mean to pay someone to do something faster. For instance, you are waiting to be served in a super busy restaurant. The waiters and waitresses are running about in a frenzy serving everybody else promptly, except you. To gain their attention, you may have to cross their palms with a little silver.

Perhaps, they may even serve your dinner “on a silver platter!” In the olden days, only the rich and powerful could dine on silver platters. It refers to being served in an extremely formal situation. On the other hand, it can also mean getting something without work or effort. In this sense, to be “served on a silver platter” is rather the same as ‘being born with a silver spoon in the mouth.” Don’t you think?

Well, you can get your palms crossed with silver today. Sell silver to your trusted old silver buyer. Why settle for second best when you can get the best rates for silver? Don’t talk. Act now!

Splendor of The Silver Arowana

While it’s hard to find a fish with a name that rolls quite as easily off the tongue as the Arowana, it’s even harder to find a fish which is quite as silvery as the Silver Arowana. For the aquarium enthusiast who also happens to be an avid collector of silver coins or silver antiquities, the Silver Arowana may well be perfect pet fish.

Derived from its scientific name Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, the Silver Arowana’s nickname is “bonytongued” though a more accurate translation should be “bonytongued with two barbels” which may not sound quite as catchy. A large-sized South American freshwater fish, the Silver Arowana’s natural habitats are the Amazon Flood Plains, the Rupununi River, the Oyapock River, and the lakes of Guyana. The Silver Arowana can grow up to 1.2m in its natural habitat and 1m in an aquarium. Due to its superb jumping abilities, the Silver Arowana is also called “river monkey” or “monkey fish”. It has been known to jump more than 2m in the air to make meals of bats, insects or even birds. Keep this in mind when you are feeding your Silver Arowana.

As its name suggests, the Silver Arowana is characterized by its shiny silvery heavy scales. In appearance, it’s majestic and fascinating. The way it swims is almost like a dance so it’s no surprise that many people find it a real joy to observe its motions. To the Chinese, the Arowana is more than a fish. They call it the Dragon Fish because they think it resembles a dragon with its two barbels and scales. In fact, many Chinese folks keep Arowanas for good Feng Shui. If you go into the office or home of some successful Chinese businessman or businesswoman in Asia, more often than not, you will see some Arowanas swimming in some fancy aquariums. They believe that Arowanas bring prosperity and wealth.

If you are planning to get a Silver Arowana or any kind of Arowana, you will be well advised to get a good sized aquarium. Arowanas are active swimmers so they will need the extra space. Assuming that you are a responsible person, you can expect your Arowana to live for 20 years or more. Who knows? Maybe it will bring you some good luck! Now, you can sell silver and earn the best rates for silver. Call the top silver buyer today!

US Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars

In 1916, America was entering into a phase of change on many levels. With the possibility of a World War becoming more obvious, it was an unsettling time for the young nation, especially for immigrants from across the Atlantic who represented the majority of the population. To reflect the times, the US Mint commissioned new designs for three coins to replace the unpopular Barber ones. One of these coins turned out to be the US Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar.

Three sculptors were selected to submit designs for the three coins. Ultimately, the US Mint settled on Adolph Alexander Weinman’s design for the half dollar. Measuring 30 mm, the US Silver Standing Liberty Half Dollar weighs 12.5 grams. It’s composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Minted from 1916 to 1947, it reached a peak of 53,190,000 coins in 1943. In contrast, there were only 208,000 1921-D coins, denoting coins from the Denver Mint. Coins without mintmark were minted in Philadelphia.

The US Silver Standing Liberty Half Dollar is truly a beautiful coin. On the obverse, you see the full glory of Lady Liberty, magnificently captured in the middle of her stride. With her right hand gesturing towards a new horizon and her left hand cradling a bouquet of laurels and oak, symbolizing national and military glory. Around her shoulders, she’s shrouded by the American flag. In front of her left foot, there’s a sun, presumably rising. The word “LIBERTY” forms a semi-circle around her and the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” is found behind her right foot. The year of coinage is at the bottom of the coin.

On the reverse, you see the bald eagle in resplendent pose, its majestic wings half-spread, ready for takeoff. Though it’s perched on a rock with mountain pine sprouting out, you expect it to take flight at any moment. In front of its breast are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above the eagle’s head. The words “HALF DOLLAR” are seen beneath the rock.

In times of uncertainty, the designs of currencies can lend some unexpected comfort to the people. The US Silver Standing Liberty Half Dollar reflected the public sentiments of those times quite adequately. Strangely, if the coin is circulated today, it wouldn’t be so far off. Of course, silver is much more valuable now. If you wish to sell silver, you can enjoy the best rates for silver. Just go to the best silver buyer!

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