In effect, it is selling bullion for ten times the market value.

Try going in to a pawnbroker and ask if they sell bullion.

Gold prices took a tumble, hammered by reports that European central banks were selling bullion.

Also unsettling is the way the Soviet Union, the world's second-largest gold supplier, sells bullion in an erratic manner.

The trading was fueled by unconfirmed reports that European central banks, including the Bank of France, were selling gold bullion.

Often they are used as a promotional gimmick to sell bullion at a much higher price than the open-market price.

In effect, they are selling bullion at inflated prices simply by adding a design.

Also, Mr. Chender said, many gold companies had sold bullion for future delivery at prices far higher than the current level.

They said those markets were also affected by the strong dollar and perceptions that Middle Eastern countries may be forced to sell bullion to raise cash.

For nearly 3,000 years, mine owners have seen coins as a wonderful way to sell bullion.