in 1875 you could get a colt .45 for a $20 gold piece. you still can. I am sort of confused by all these folks talking about precious metals as if they still have something directly to do with currency. I thought they hadn't for some decades. They have'nt, but some people are totally clueless as to some things. That why they stay up all night and stare at their computer screens (a kind of perverse sexual pleasure). I believe Nixon took us of the gold standard in '73. People go to Economics school for 6 years just to get paid $ 60k a year to be wrong with their economic conclussions. By the way in the state of Arizona there is still a law on the books that allow someone completing a full stay in prison to recieve a good horse, $20 gold piece, pistol, rifle and a sadle when released from prison. That is why the state kicks you out one day early, even on a day for day sentance. I know people that have attempted to sue to get their horse etc. but lost. -- * Spelling errors are intentional and international * Jim Nalbandian netcomsv!lassie!jim%lassie@netcom.com Tempe, Arizona, USA N7SZS@K7BUC.AZ.US.NA No free man shall ever be de-barred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain there right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government. <-------- Thomas Jefferson --