While some families poked around in dresser drawers and jewelry cases for gold cufflinks and earrings, others rummaged through attics and closets in search of long forgotten sterling silver tea sets, candlesticks, or perhaps just a stray silver ashtray. Gold and silver fever is spreading to ordinary folks, and many were lining up at coin and jewelry shops to seE their little treasures for quick cash.
With bulging pockets, shoeboxes, shopping bags and even pillow cases, a throng of students, housewives, executives and pensioners last week crowded into the waiting room of the Empire...