H. R. 1698 - President Obama signed the bill into law on December 4, 2015. Under H.R. 1698 the language 90% silver and 10% copper which has been used for decades now has been replaced with not less then 90% silver, rather then dictating the actual percentage used. This allows the U.S. Mint to adjust the silver content in the coinage in the future if approved by the Secretary of the Treasury. The mandate also requires that the edge of the 2016 proof American Silver Eagle be inscribed with a special designation marking the 30th anniversary of the coin.

Hallmark - Is a mark or a set of marks, which is struck on precious metals. The marks on a gold bar indicate the producer, weight and its fineness. Hallmarks are also used as security features on precious metals today.

Hedging - A hedge is a position established in one market in an attempt to offset exposure to price changes or fluctuations in some opposite position with the goal of minimizing one's exposure to unwanted risk. Hedging is a very popular practice in the wholesaler bullion market today.