VegasChatter

Watching tourists encounter this machine is an unusual experience. Some try to use the machine as a regular ATM or try to redeem their winning slot vouchers. Confusion ensues. Then they start to read. They then get confused again. It's such a simple concept. Put in money, get out gold. But equally, it seems rather bizarre. What next? Gold in a can?

In the space of ten minutes, this writer watched two separate groups of tourists huddle around the machine. Both groups walked away. Came back. Took pictures and debated the merits of changing silver into gold. It's a real conversation starter.

Neither packs of tourists indulged and, maybe, here's the reason why. The one gram piece is the size of a thumbnail, yet will set you back a C-note. When you arrive at the heftier one-ounce 50 dollar coin, you're pushed over the two thousand dollar price range.

This machine only takes cash, which is interesting. As is the choice of Spanish, German and Italian language options. (It's a German company so euro-centricism can be forgiven.) Other locations for the ATMs are in Dubai and Europe. You can also find one in Boca Raton, Florida. Or, at least you could. We can't find mention of it, anymore.

A year ago, VegasChatter's own Mr. Pappagiorgio saw the one gram piece selling for $60 shortly after the machine was launched. It will now cost you $104. Consult your financial adviser, but it looks like one of the safest bets on Fremont. The special souvenir Golden Nugget ingot might make a better keepsake than a novelty Vegas dice clock. And, if things turn financially sour just after purchase, you know that Rick Harrison and the Pawn Stars crew didn't name their joint the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop for nothing.