Minor Issues

The Gold-Silver Ratio

Minor Issues
Mark Thornton

In this episode of the Minor Issues Podcast, Mark Thornton unpacks the fascinating world of the gold-silver ratio. Once a key player in bimetallism debates and Gresham’s law, this ratio is now making headlines as it hovers near record highs—over 100 ounces of silver to one ounce of gold.

Mark explores the historical context behind these numbers, and explains why these shifts can signal deeper changes in the economy. He also breaks down what the ratio means for different types of investors, how tariffs and trade wars can twist relative prices across the board, and why understanding these shifts is crucial for everyone—not just economists.

Additional Resources

Gold-Silver Ratio Charts at Gold Price: Mises.org/MI_119_A

“Bring Back Gold!” by Lew Rockwell: Mises.org/MI_119_B

“Gold:silver ratio hits 105, but analysts are not giving up on the ‘little’ sibling” by Neils Christensen (Kitco): Mises.org/MI_119_C

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