Capstone Acquisitions

Friends- No macro economic lesson here. Just my market thoughts on what is happening in a nutshell with regards to my old friend Gold as we flirt with $4,000 per ounce….

Imagine the world’s money system as a giant game of musical chairs. Every country wants to make sure that when the music stops, when markets crash or wars break out. it still has a strong, sturdy chair to sit on. For a long time, that chair has been the U.S. dollar. It’s trusted, powerful, and used almost everywhere in the world since the end of WWIi. But lately, people are noticing the music is speeding up, prices are still rising, countries are arguing, and economies are wobbling. Who’s telling the truth anymore?

That’s why nations, big investors, and even regular people are turning back to something ancient, my friend Gold. This metal has been valuable for thousands of years, long before there were banks or governments. You can’t print more Gold. You can’t create Gold with a keystroke. Gold is real, a physical asset you can hold, and that’s why it’s earned people’s trust for generations. It stores value.

When times get uncertain, gold becomes the “safe haven” of the financial world. Think of it like a life jackets during a storm. It might not pay interest like a savings account or change value overnight like stocks, but when the waves get rough, Gold will keep you afloat.

Even central banks, big institutions that manage entire countries’ money — have been buying record amounts of gold. Why? Because it doesn’t depend on anyone’s promise. The dollar, the euro, and other currencies all rely on governments to keep their word. But gold bars and coins don’t make promises, they are the value.

So when people say gold is competing with the dollar for trust, what they really mean is this: in a world where confidence can disappear overnight, gold doesn’t need anyone to believe in them. People have believed in Gold for thousands of years. Thank you King Croesus of the Lydian dynasty. Your invention of pure gold coins in the 7th Century BC. This was the beginning of the world’s trust for this yellow metal.

Honoring the Birth of Christ and the First Portrait of Our Lord in Gold

The celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth at Christmas is a moment to reflect on the profound impact of His life and teachings. It is a time of joy, hope, and the recognition of His divine role in shaping human history. One of the most extraordinary historical artifacts honoring His legacy is the gold coinage from the first reign of Emperor Justinian II, minted in the late 7th century.

These coins hold a unique place in history, featuring the first portrait of Jesus Christ in gold—a powerful symbol of faith and reverence. The image of Christ, depicted with a halo and a sacred, serene expression, marked a turning point in Byzantine art and Christian symbolism, reflecting the central role of Christ in the empire’s spiritual and cultural identity.

Justinian II’s gold coins not only commemorate the Savior’s divine presence but also remind us of the enduring legacy of faith that began with His birth. They stand as timeless testaments to the glory of Christ, making them a fitting connection to the sacred celebration of Christmas.

Rare Byzantine Empire Justinian II AD 705-711 Gold Solidus NGC CHMS Young Jesus Christ portrait

BYZANTINE EMPIRE. JUSTINIAN II, Second Reign YOUNG CHRIST PORTRAIT TYPE, AD 705-711 NGC Choice Mint State Strike 4/5 Surface 5/5

Gold solidus, 4.43g 20 mm., minted in Constantinople.

Obv. Facing bust of young bearded Christ Pantokrator, holding Gospels and with his right hand raised in benediction.

Rev. Justinian II and son Tiberius.

The Background

First gold coin in history to have Jesus Christ featured on the obverse.

The introduction of the depiction of Jesus Christ on Byzantine coins takes place under Justinian II, whose rule is separated into two distinct periods, before and after his exile from Constantinople. Read more about this fascinating piece of history on our website. Link in bio.