PRECIOUS-Gold prices hold steady amid firm dollar

Oct 17 (Reuters) - Gold prices were steady early on Tuesday, after dipping below $1,300 an ounce in the previous session, as the dollar held firm on strong U.S. Treasury yields. FUNDAMENTALS * Spot gold was unchanged at $1,293.60 an ounce at 0055 GMT. It shed 0.8 percent in the previous session. * U.S. gold futures for December delivery fell 0.5 percent to $1,296 per ounce. * The dollar held gains against the yen and euro on Tuesday, supported