Questions/Rant on Silver

[Jef]

Hello all -

Been on blowout for quite a long time for cards but kind of lost most of my interest there a few years ago.

I’ve recently been really into the idea of trading currencies - not so much to get rich, but somewhat of a hobby that would be fun to make bit of a profit on. The truth is that I don’t think I’m able to commit to staying consistently sharp enough to do well. So I’ve looked for something similar.

Like any other basic person, I’ve found it pretty hard to deny the potential of silver. Again, I don’t think this is some sharp take, I don’t think I’m buying low, and I don’t think that the future of silver (based on my own research) will be without ebbs and flows. Still, things seem to look good.

To get some very limited skin in the game as a start, I just purchased 4 American Eagles. Nothing crazy, but I plan on setting aside a small portion of each paycheck to put towards physical silver. I’d prefer more instantaneous buying at rates I can track, but I also don’t want to burn too much money longterm on shipping costs as a % of overall spend.

My question is this: while Silver Eagles seem to be the most basic way to get started, is it the most optimal? I’ve read about 2026 Silver Eagles and seen pricing and while I can understand the desire for those by collectors, I’d prefer to avoid paying a premium for collectibility. I’d like to get as much as my investment as possible into the metal itself.

What is optimal here? Is it bars or coins? I apologize for such a rudimentary question but this is the best resource I know of for this stuff. Obviously I’d ideally like to find something instantaneous (ie instant purchases where you own something in a vault), but I can’t say I trust that: im the rookie of rookies here, but in the scenarios where metals rule and currency is weakened, im not sure I’d have trust in what is essentially a currency-like promise of ownership.

I’d appreciate any insight anyone has here. Again, I’m not pretending to be an expert here. IF (big if) I have an edge it would be in staying patient and understanding the “why” of highs and lows. But this does seem like a chance to make some good investments and have fun while doing so.

Thank you,
Jeff

[Cactuspies]

explore using onegold through apmex for the vault storage idea. you can auto invest and take physical when you want or even sell back. they also cut spot/premiums at times, but with the market the way it is, that might be over for a bit

I've dabbled with APMEX, Scottsdale Silver and Modern Coin Mart. I assume all 3 are still around, I just only have dealt with APMEX for the last few years.

Eagles are going to cost more than say a basic bar or coin one of the other companies brand as their own or other generic coins/bars. At the same time the Eagles are timeless and always in demand especially since they are dated

to me, it's whatever you want to do, coins, bars, whatever. I'm having a brain fart, but I stay away from the ones where they add characters or colors as those seem to have higher premium when buying, but it may not translate when you trade or sell.

Canadian Maple leafs are another way, but also probably are going to have higher premiums, and I don't know if they would carry a tariff cost if you are getting from outside the US.

there is always graded coins too, some will carry higher prices depending on the grade and say an early release or 1st release or proof.

I know others have a much better idea on what's out there and other suggestions. I was able to build up over the last few years with the prices being lower. now what was an 1oz to 2oz a week, is a 1/4oz with my auto investing!

[ajlaxmn]

Originally Posted by Jef

Hello all -

Been on blowout for quite a long time for cards but kind of lost most of my interest there a few years ago.

I’ve recently been really into the idea of trading currencies - not so much to get rich, but somewhat of a hobby that would be fun to make bit of a profit on. The truth is that I don’t think I’m able to commit to staying consistently sharp enough to do well. So I’ve looked for something similar.

Like any other basic person, I’ve found it pretty hard to deny the potential of silver. Again, I don’t think this is some sharp take, I don’t think I’m buying low, and I don’t think that the future of silver (based on my own research) will be without ebbs and flows. Still, things seem to look good.

To get some very limited skin in the game as a start, I just purchased 4 American Eagles. Nothing crazy, but I plan on setting aside a small portion of each paycheck to put towards physical silver. I’d prefer more instantaneous buying at rates I can track, but I also don’t want to burn too much money longterm on shipping costs as a % of overall spend.

My question is this: while Silver Eagles seem to be the most basic way to get started, is it the most optimal? I’ve read about 2026 Silver Eagles and seen pricing and while I can understand the desire for those by collectors, I’d prefer to avoid paying a premium for collectibility. I’d like to get as much as my investment as possible into the metal itself.

What is optimal here? Is it bars or coins? I apologize for such a rudimentary question but this is the best resource I know of for this stuff. Obviously I’d ideally like to find something instantaneous (ie instant purchases where you own something in a vault), but I can’t say I trust that: im the rookie of rookies here, but in the scenarios where metals rule and currency is weakened, im not sure I’d have trust in what is essentially a currency-like promise of ownership.

I’d appreciate any insight anyone has here. Again, I’m not pretending to be an expert here. IF (big if) I have an edge it would be in staying patient and understanding the “why” of highs and lows. But this does seem like a chance to make some good investments and have fun while doing so.

Thank you,
Jeff

If the quoted above is your total goal, I've read/heard just buying 1 oz silver rounds (bullion) may be the best. Just buy buffalo rounds. HOWEVER, I am not expert. Could always dabble in the coins that look the coolest I guess. I am VERY, VERY new to precious metals, WAY LATE, however I will slowly build a silver stockpile, not worry about buying at this price, as the long term applicability I think will make the current prices seem cheap in the next couple years. I'm sure AI/Solar/Tech has and will continue to be one of the main driver of the need for silver.

[John91C]

Depends on what your goals are.

If you just want as much silver to hedge against inflation: Junk 90% silver coins (dimes, quarters, halves, etc).

Silver Eagles will have some of the highest premiums but they will also sell the easiest.

If you want to hedge against inflation and stack...then get whatever you can at cheap prices. Remember the smaller you get the higher the premiums. Meaning grains and grams are more expensive than grams than ounces, etc...

Get whatever you can afford and are comfortable spending...if you can only afford to pick up an ounce every paycheck then just do that. If you can afford to pick up a 5 ounce bar every paycheck then just do that. Don't go overboard...that way you won't have to sell it immediately to put food on the table.

Over time you will be able to see your stack grow...don't worry about the price going up or down...just stay consistent. Stay within your budget...if your budget is $100 just get whatever you can get at that time. $100 now could get you 1 ounce but in 2 weeks it could be .75 ounces...but you just pick up whatever $100 budget gets you.

That would be my 2 cents...I'm sure others will chime in.

[goodole13]

Go to findbullionprices.com

The site scours the web for dealers offering the best prices. They also show companies that are offering silver at spot deals.

[premium1981]

In my opinion, outside of junk silver to just hedge against the dollar, the only way to go for silver are the Eagles. Everything else you buy is harder to sell at a good price. At the end of the day, your actual value is what others will pay for it. The Silver American Eagles are the #1 desired silver and you will have the best luck moving them when that time comes without having to give a big discount under spot price.

I dabbled as a young adult 20 years ago buying all kinds of gold and silver. I had a short attention span at the time and wasn't really buying for long term. I just liked buying it to have it. When life happened and I decided to take my money from that and put it into other things I learned a lot. I had bars of silver that were too big (much less demand) as well as gold that was too small (premium was too high when purchased, too low when selling). My easiest transactions with the closest to spot price was 1oz American Eagles.

With those lessons learned early on, that is the only thing I personally buy anymore. I think a lot of people (myself included) tend to over think this, similar to the stock market. Simple brokerage accounts with just a handful of holdings tend to outperform complicated brokerage accounts wtih tons of random things in it.

PS. Just to add, this market won't stay this hot. Its easy to liquidate anything and everything right now. But you have to think ahead to "normal" times. When the market cools, the premiums when selling are more noticeable.

[Jef]

I appreciate everyone’s thoughtful answers here. Quite a lot of good stuff to go on. For now I have 6 silver eagles that will eventually arrive to me, and possibly some junk silver to go through. For a bit I just want to be patient now and learn more about the markets and potential indicators.

A lot of good advice in the replies and I’m looking forward to keeping up w more threads on this part of the site.

Thank you all!