Categories
Hill Country Treasures

Hill Country Treasures: Every Coin Has a Story – Introduction to Physical Metals, Volatility, and Hedging Practices

This is a podcast from MR Mint Coins & Collectibles in Kerrville, Texas, exploring the value, history, and stories behind coins, currency, gold, silver, jewelry, bullion, sports cards, memorabilia, and family collections. Whether you are a lifelong collector, a curious beginner, or someone who just inherited a box of old coins, this show helps you understand what you have, what makes it valuable, and how to make smart, confident decisions. Join host Tom Fox and MR Coin owner Mike Russ for a show that celebrates local expertise, honest conversations, and the treasures hiding in plain sight across the Hill Country.

In this inaugural episode, Mike Russ (“Mr. Mint Coin”) describes his Kerrville-based business at 1217 Broadway, which began as a collectible coin dealership and has since expanded to include buying and selling gold and silver, bullion, jewelry, and estate items. He explains his early interest in coin collecting and discusses recent precious-metals market volatility from his perspective, citing moves in gold from about $1,800 to roughly $5,600 per ounce and silver from about $22 to $120 before a sharp decline to the $60s and a later recovery to the $80s by May 2026. Russ recounts operational challenges during peak volatility, including heavy customer activity and delayed refiner processing, and outlines how he “hedges” by using physical inventory rather than ETFs or other paper instruments, managing risk through daily buying/selling volume and margins.

Highlights

  • How Mike Started
  • Nutcracker Collecting
  • Gold Volatility
  • Silver Spike and Crash
  • Hedging Explained

Resources:

MR Mint and Coin Collectibles

Categories
Kerr250 Podcast

Kerr250: Mike Russ on Kerrville’s Fourth of July Traditions, The River Flood, and Gratitude for Veterans

Kerr250 is a community-focused podcast dedicated to celebrating America’s 250th birthday through the people, businesses, traditions, and events of Kerr County. As our nation marks this historic anniversary on July 4, 2026, Kerr250 will highlight local celebrations and community efforts that bring this milestone to life. Each episode will feature conversations with local leaders, business owners, organizers, volunteers, and proud citizens who are helping make Kerr County a vibrant part of this national moment. The podcast will explore how history, patriotism, service, and community pride come together in one county that believes America’s strength has always come from its people. Kerr250 is where Kerr County honors the past, celebrates the present, and helps inspire the future. In this episode, Tom Fox visits with Mike Russ (“Mr. Mint” at MR Mint Coins & Collectibles) for the Kerr 250 podcast celebrating America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

Mike recalls 4th of July traditions centered on going to the park and watching fireworks, a practice he continued with his children, though his family sometimes travels to Connecticut. He describes the 250th anniversary as bittersweet due to the devastating flood in Kerrville. Mike grew up fishing on the river and returned from Connecticut to help with recovery efforts, noting a neighbor nearly lost his home. Asked what America at 250 means, Mike emphasizes gratitude toward veterans, regularly thanking them for their service, and expresses concern about current social divisions and negativity.

Highlights include:

  • Fourth of July Memories
  • Flood and River Reflections
  • America at 250
  • Honoring Veterans

Resources:

Kerr250 website

MR Mint

Categories
The Hill Country Podcast

The Hill Country Podcast – From Car Audio to Coins: Mike Russ’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week, Tom sits down with Kerrville-based entrepreneur Mike Russ, owner of Mr. Mint Coins & Collectibles.

Mike shares his journey from starting a car audio business at 19 to eventually transitioning into the collectibles market. He details his experience in buying and selling gold, silver, collectible coins, and sports memorabilia. Mike discusses the importance of educating new collectors, his passion for coins, and how he has built a successful business around his lifelong hobby. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of running a small business, the impact of market trends on gold and silver prices, and Mike’s plans for the future of his shop. Listeners will get insights into the unique world of collectible trading and the practical aspects of managing such a venture.

Key highlights:

  • Mike’s Business in Kerrville
  • Mike’s Journey as an Entrepreneur
  • Transition to Coin and Collectibles Business
  • Details on Collectibles and Coins
  • Buying and Selling Gold

Resources:

MR Mint Coins & Collectibles

Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts

Hill Country Authors Podcast

Hill Country Artists Podcast

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

 Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art