Inflation Watch:

I got a bit of a shock when I dropped by my local coin shop, planning to buy some pre-1965 non-numismatic (“junk”) U.S. silver coins for Christmas gifts for Rawles family members. Their asking prices was 21.1 times face value! I was also surprised to see a few minty-looking 1964 proof quarters mixed in with the dealer’s tray of junk silver coins. He said that the spot price of bullion silver has galloped up so quickly that it has completely overshadowed any numismatic value for the 1964 proof Washington quarters. These are strange and exciting times for the coin bourse! The next coin show that I attend should be wild.

Rice May Triple in 18 Months As Supplies Tighten  

Reader G.W. mentioned: “I buy Nutivia Organic extra-virgin coconut oil. An 8 pound tub (1 Gallon) was $43.99 January, 2010. But it was $49.99 with my last purchase in late November, 2010. (A 13.6% increase.)”

America’s Leading Export: Inflation

Is QE2 the Road to Zimbabwe-style Hyperinflation? Not Likely

Global Food Prices About To Break An All Time High