by ZenOps » Sat Sep 08, 2012 5:33 pm
Its in the US best interest to keep the price of nickel low, since the US does not mine or produce any nickel of appreciable amount. It is also in Britains best interest to keep nickel low for the same reason. As long as the US, Britain and the EU is willing to print money to buy nickel - the price will remain low (and by low, I mean under $23/pound). Its in Canada, Russia, Austrailia and Indonesias best interest to see nickel rise to its rarity $ value (which arguably - could be right around silver) Two are commonwealth nations and so far it has been "given" out at a loss (much like how Canada gave the US $1 billion worth of free softwood lumber) in trade agreements.
Historically, Silver as a "standard" is in the best interest of Peru, Mexico and the US. Gold as a "standard" typically benefits Europe.
Every nation of any mention has a certain amount of copper (and silver, more in North America) production. Much more common than nickel, but also used for constructive purposes (electricity transmission)
Nickel is almost solely in shortage during wars. Silver has only been in shortage when people try to corner the market by hoarding - there technically has never been an actual shortage of usable silver. Silver is much more like vanilla beans in that way - One man *could* technically corner the market in it for a few months or a year, but there is always enough to produce as much flavoured ice creams for that year, etc...
Khadafi had 144 tons of gold. I'd suggest that any individual with means, should have at least a couple tons of copper and nickel. Most people already own 2 tons of iron (car frame) and 6.5 ounces of nickel (1.25 grams in each nickel) with maybe a few ounces more in your doorknobs and kitchen sink. Europeans should have about two ounces of nickel per person from their €1 and €2 coins. And before Canada started ARP'ing, every Canadian should have had 21 ounces per person.
Beaver collector
