Executive Insights
Read valuable and timely articles from our executive team of experts to further your precious metals and coin knowledge.
Our Executive Authors
Philip Diehl
President
Philip N. Diehl is the president of U.S. Money Reserve and a published analyst of the precious metals markets. As 35th Director of the U.S. Mint (1994–2000), Diehl oversaw one of the most impressive government agency turnarounds in recent U.S. history through new product initiatives, increased oversight, strategic reorganization, and fiscal responsibility. His experience and expert knowledge in the field of precious metals strengthens U.S. Money Reserve’s commitment to a superior customer experience.
Edmund C. Moy
Senior IRA Strategist
Edmund C. Moy collaborates with U.S. Money Reserve as Senior IRA Strategist. A recipient of the Alexander Hamilton Medal for public service, awarded to him by then-Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Moy served as the 38th Director of the United States Mint (2006–2011). Among many accomplishments during his tenure, Moy oversaw one of the largest increases in volume of precious metals output in Mint history, as Americans turned to safe-haven assets in the wake of the Great Recession.
Angela Roberts
CEO
Chief Executive Officer Angela Roberts joined U.S. Money Reserve in 2003. Roberts has held numerous positions within the organization, culminating in her promotion to CEO in 2015. She is credited with creating the analytic and KPI structure at U.S. Money Reserve. Believing strongly that the people make the business, Roberts has positioned U.S. Money Reserve to be a trusted precious metal leader that always puts their customers and employees first. Learn more in her interview with Forbes.
John Rothans
Master Numismatist
Chief Procurement Officer and Master Numismatist John Rothans has been a key fixture in the numismatic industry for over 30 years. Rothans joined U.S. Money Reserve as a consultant in 2004, eventually becoming Chief Procurement Officer and overseeing all wholesale operations, new product lines, and coin strategy. Rothans is credited with the development, production, and distribution of proprietary product offerings, including U.S. Money Reserve’s best-selling Pearl Harbor and Iwo Jima coin series.
Brad Chastain
Director of Education
Brad Chastain joined U.S. Money Reserve as Director of Education after spending 18 years at Vanguard, one of the world’s largest and most respected investment firms. As a leader in Vanguard’s employee plan retirement education business, Chastain managed a team of specialists and was responsible for helping hundreds of thousands of clients plan and prepare for retirement. He and his team provided in-depth training and education on a variety of financial topics ranging from investments, diversification and risk management, to Social Security, Medicare and College Savings Plans. An in-demand speaker and recognized industry thought leader in the areas of retirement planning and wealth management education, Chastain is dedicated to helping U.S. Money Reserve clients reach their financial goals and build more secure futures with precious metals.
Recent Articles
An Aging Bull and a Surging Dollar: High Stakes at Jackson Hole
It’s somewhat fitting that the future of global monetary policy and the path of U.S. interest rates will be discussed in a place renowned for the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar complete with saddle stools, Wyoming Whiskey, and thousands of Morgan Silver Dollars embedded into the bar top. The Jackson Hole Economic Symposium is a yearly event...
When—Not If—is the Next Economic Crisis?
The only certain things in life are death, taxes, and, one could argue, another financial downturn. Recessions are inevitable. Some economists believe they’re a natural outgrowth of business cycles. Others maintain that booms and busts reflect the inherent cadence of capitalism and a market economy. Still others assert that downturns...
A Goldilocks Economy and the Real Story of the Three Bears
What if I told you that Goldilocks was not a fair-haired child but rather a horrid old woman apparently up to no good? What if I told you that the three bears were not as high-minded as they’re often portrayed but rather wild, ravenous, and a bit vindictive? In the Goldilocks tale first published by Robert Southey in 1837, called “The...
What Happens at the Four U.S. Mint Facilities?
Ever wonder where your gold and silver coins begin their lives? How about your pocket change? America has official, coin-producing minting facilities from east to west, north to south. These facilities are some of the most popular and trusted coin minting facilities in the world. In order of date established, the mints are located in...
Under 100 Days Out—What the Midterms Could Mean for the Economy
Get ready for the toxic TV commercials, mounds of election mail, and—depending on where you live—door-to-door vote trolling. The midterm elections are now mere months away, and while there’s a lot on the line for both political parties, there is even more at stake for U.S. consumers, particularly those watching their nest eggs. The...
What is a Burnished Coin?
Burnished. Is it a coin type? Classification? Grade? To "burnish" something means to make it shiny or lustrous, especially by rubbing. In the world of numismatics—the study of coins and currency—a burnished coin is more than a polished piece of gold or silver. The basics: What is a burnished coin? The burnishing process was first...
The Sheldon Coin Grading Scale: Your Guide to Coin Grading
MS-60. AU-55. G-4. What’s next, 007? MI-9? Not quite! When you examine a certified gold or silver coin, you aren’t looking at a secret code or the calling card of a British spy. You’re looking at letters and numbers from the Sheldon Scale, the de facto standard for coin grading that communicates important information to you, the...
Why Do People Buy Gold?
People buy physical gold for many reasons: to protect against losses in other asset categories, for security in times of crisis, and because it's a tangible, liquid, and private asset. Why might YOU buy gold? The choice is yours. Make an informed decision. Learn more as we dive deeper into each of these reasons people buy gold. Common...
The Difference Between Pure Silver Coins and Clad Coins
From the 1920's to 1964, the jingle jangle of pocket change sounded different in America. It even felt different. When you pulled out a few quarters to pay for a soda, you were paying with real silver coins made from 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. Thanks to an increasing demand for silver and changing economic conditions,...
Who Inspired the Indian Head on the Gold American Buffalo Coin?
The Gold American Eagle depicts Lady Liberty, fearlessly gazing into America's future. The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf features the first portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to show her without a crown. The Gold American Buffalo features… who? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. The front of the Gold American Buffalo shows a...
How to Read the Label on a Certified Proof Coin
You may already know how powerful certified proof coins can be when held for a long time. What you may not know, however, is what all the information on the coin's plastic slab means. There are numbers, letters, abbreviations, dates, and more. Understanding this printed information equips you with the knowledge you need to properly...
8 Rules to Follow for Proper Coin Handling
Gold and silver coins are visually stunning, which can make it tempting to pick them up, admire them, and show them off to friends and family. Doing so, however, could diminish a coin's condition and future profit potential. If you must touch, hold, or transport your gold or silver coins, learn how to do it properly by following these...
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