Mercury (element) metals. Alchemists thought of mercury as the First Matter from which all metals were formed. They believed that different metals could be produced by varying the quality and quantity of sulfur contained within the mercury. The purest of these was gold, and mercury was called for in attempts at the transmutation of base (or impure) metals into gold, which was the goal of many alchemists. The mines in Almadén (Spain), Monte Amiata (Italy), and Idrija (now Slovenia) dominated mercury production from the opening of the mine in Almadén 2500 years ago, until new deposits were found at the end of
Taxation of precious metals same "intra-community transaction" rules to all of Europe on a bilateral basis resulting in legally tax-free silver coin availability throughout all of Europe. Precious metals are subject to tax as collectibles, with any profit being taxed at the collectibles capital gains rate. This is normally the standard income tax rate, with metal held over 1 year is subject to a maximum of 28%. Note that many people unfamiliar with the collectibles tax rates (including some well-known websites) incorrectly think that precious metals are taxed at a flat 28% (because they interpret the word "maximum" in "maximum 28% rate"). Taxation of