J. Austin & Co. is celebrating their 14th year in Ashland. Today I’m talking to local owners Mark and Andrea Hutto about the latest in the coin & jewelry business.
Andrea, gold hit a new all-time high this year. Why was that and what are you recommending to sellers?
Andrea: Yes, gold recently hit a historic high of $2,720, which marks a 48% increase just since our interview last year when it was hovering in the $1800s. Most experts, including us, attribute this surge to a combination of factors: rising national inflation, ongoing international conflicts, and the historic decline of the petrodollar system. These forces are driving gold prices higher as more people seek safe-haven assets amidst economic uncertainty.
For those who may not know, what is a ‘petrodollar?’
Mark: As Saudi Arabia and the BRICS nations move away from using the U.S. dollar for oil trades, the global demand for dollars will decrease, weakening its value. This shift makes gold more attractive as a safe-haven asset. Historically, when the dollar loses value, gold prices rise, as people turn to tangible assets that hold intrinsic value. With the U.S. dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency being challenged, more countries and investors may seek stability in gold, pushing its demand and prices higher. This could create a significant upward momentum for gold, as it becomes a key store of value in a shifting global economic landscape.
What does high gold mean for our readers?
Andrea: It’s a call to action. Any gold you have, be it outdated jewelry or old foreign coins need to be reevaluated. For insurance, for diversification, for your estate you need to have a plan because old gold can provide new solutions to your current challenges.
Mark: As gold prices rise, collectible premiums don’t keep up. For example, if you have a 1 oz gold coin currently worth $3,000, which is $300 above the spot price of gold at today’s price of $2704, that premium won’t hold when gold reaches $3,000. At that point, the coin will likely only be worth its gold weight—around $3,000—without the extra collectible value.
This means the best time to cash in on that collectible premium is now, while it’s still worth more than just its precious metal content.
Mark: Given this trend, we recommend converting those collectible items into more relevant assets or mainstream gold bullion while you can still benefit from the premium.
Do you always promote gold?
Andrea: We don’t “promote” anything except healthy diversification. We generally talk to our clients about what we are doing at the moment and why. In fact, when a client comes into our shop, we often tell them not to ask us if they should buy, they should ask us what we are doing with our position. We just try to match you to products that fit your unique goals.
Mark, I hear from your radio interviews that you’re a prepper.
Mark: “Prepper” is a broad term that simply means being prepared. There’s a big difference between scared prepping and logical prepping. Scared prepping tends to lead to poor decisions, while logical prepping is about making smart, informed choices. The key is to avoid letting fear drive your actions. Instead, focus on where the dollar is heading and how your assets are positioned. By staying level-headed, you can make solid plans that protect your financial future, rather than reacting out of panic.
Andrea, what do you enjoy the most about the work you do at J. Austin & Co.?
Andrea: I really like how every day is different. Our clientele is incredibly diverse and knowledgeable, from world travelers to retired experts in various fields. The rich interactions and the stories behind each item we handle make this work incredibly fulfilling. Some days I get to work with beautiful antique jewelry and Victorian era sterling flatware, other days it’s all about Morgan Silver Dollars and collectable coins.
Your business is running by appointment now. Please tell us about your schedule.
Andrea: We take pride in offering the personalized service that has always defined us. Our appointment system ensures each client receives the attention and privacy they deserve. Scheduling is simple, and there’s no need to feel intimidated—this isn’t like going to the dentist! We’re available in Ashland from Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Mondays are dedicated to our Grants Pass clients. With our staff balancing two showrooms, the website, and our national and international trade networks, we appreciate your flexibility. The feedback has been clear: dedicated appointments are well worth it.
Last year you launched your expanded online services with FortuneReserve.com. How is that growing?
Mark: Since 1997, we’ve built our business by staying closely connected to our customers and evolving with their needs. What began as a physical storefront offering specialized, direct-to-consumer services in precious metals and fine jewelry grew out of our wholesale foundation. As demand shifted online, we launched FortuneReserve.com to meet that need, offering live trading prices and a range of payment options to ensure both convenience and transparency. The platform bridges the gap between our digital presence and the trust we’ve established in-store.
Andrea: Many clients who’ve moved out-of-state continue to engage with us, affirming the success of our hybrid model. Whether in-store or online, our mission remains the same: to offer high-quality, trustworthy service in a secure environment.
Specifically, what benefits does 24-hour access bring to your customers?
Mark: Our online platform provides several key advantages for our customers. One of the most significant is 24-hour access, which allows clients to navigate the precious metals market even outside traditional business hours. Given the market’s volatility, this flexibility enables more strategic buying, letting customers capitalize on price dips as they happen.
Andrea: Additionally, we understand that people have varying schedules and commitments. By offering around-the-clock online service, we’re making it convenient for customers to browse and make purchases at their leisure, without having to carve out time during their busy day to visit our physical location.
So, 24-hour access not only provides the flexibility to capitalize on market trends but also accommodates different lifestyles and schedules, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience.
Thanks for speaking with me today. Do you have any last thoughts or advice for our readers?
Mark: Gold and silver have long been reliable stores of value, offering stability in turbulent times. If you have items sitting unused, consider their potential worth. Instead of letting them gather dust, they could be converted into assets that better align with your financial goals. We’re not here to buy what you want to hold on to, but rather to help those who are planning ahead. Our appointment system ensures one-on-one attention, providing a space to strategize for your future.
To find out more, call J. Austin & Co.
Available by Appointment – Tuesday through Friday 10 AM to 5 PM
in the Ashland Shopping Center
Address: 1632 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR 97520
Phone: 541-482-3715
Web: www.FortuneReserve.com
Purchasing Estates Including:
*Scrap Gold, Diamonds, Antique and Vintage Jewelry
*Pocket Watches, Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe
*Sterling Flatware and Hollowware
*Collectable Coins – Morgan Silver Dollars
Specializing in the following Services:
* Bullion Trading – Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium
* Estate and Insurance Appraisal Services
* Jewelry Retail
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