I've always posited a default in COMEX precious metals futures contracts is a question of when, not if...That time will come--and sooner than expected as physical inventories are rapidly dissipating, thanks to price suppression in the paper markets.
Vaults in London and New York have been emptied, while gold bars have been re-smeltered in Switzerland for delivery to the eastern countries. The gold ending up in China, India, Russia, and other Asian countries will never see the light of day, as buyers range from central bankers to common peasants with long-term horizons, not day traders with itchy fingers. Meanwhile, Wall Street and London bullion banks enable the bankruptcy of their respective countries.
http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2014/1/29_The_Gold_Price_Reset_Will_Stun_The_World_In_2014.html