Originally posted at Sprott Money April 20, 2016

Demand for both physical and paper currencies is through the roof. What is happening? What has the markets so spooked and why is the canary in the coal mine crying out in pain? Perhaps there is more to this market than meets the eye.

Of course, it has been that way ever since the banking elite took control of the money system and systematically dismantled what little freedom we once had in regards to our money. Yet, from time to time, information leaks out and the tinfoil hat that so many of us in the precious metals community are accused of wearing can safely be removed.

The latest leaked news has set conspiracy and market speculators' heads spinning. Last week saw an unprecedented event occur, when both the President and Vice President attended a "closed-door" meeting with Janet Yellen and FED board members.

This is unheard of and is truly shocking to market participants, as rumors now abound as to what could have caused such a serious meeting to occur. Is an unknown disaster rapidly approaching? Are the markets set for an implosion of epic proportions? Or were they just sitting down for a friendly chat? The latter is very unlikely and is, of course, sarcasm, even if we wish it were not.

After this meeting, two more extraordinary meetings were leaked that occurred over the course of a few days. What has been rumored is that a crisis is indeed in the works, and it is in regards to a "bank supervisory matter." What bank? What is happening? Why is it happening? These are just a few of the questions that people are desperately grasping answers for.

If a banking institution is truly on the brink, then a 2008-style financial collapse could be just around the corner. This would have officials even more petrified than ever, as it is well-known that the FED has fired its bullets, and with interest rates at near-historic lows, there is little they would be able to do. Especially given the fact that money printing is having nearly no effect on the real economy anymore - other than causing inflation - and has expended its "usefulness."

Regardless of what the truth is, something very serious is brewing behind the scenes. These meetings are proof of that, and would not have occurred otherwise. Gold and silver are exploding higher in the face of this, and the US Mint has once again reported staggering demand.

Hopefully, you the reader are at least prepared, even if the vast majority of the population is blissfully ignorant and set for a crash of epic proportions. Also, let's hope that for the good of the world, you will not get to benefit from this preparedness and that the rumors are just that - rumors. Fingers crossed.