| Author |
 Topic  |
|
DesertTumbleweed402
Penny Pincher Member
USA
196 Posts |
 Posted - 04/22/2009 : 16:37:29
|
I am unsure of what kind of silver to buy. I have tried my luck at halves and have found that the work involved (and getting shorted many times) is not worth the possible return.
I was wondering what everyone's favorite kind of silver is (coin-wise). I like the American Silver Eagles but find that the premium is kinda steep. Whereas with "junk silver" there is not that high of a premium, but I don't like how the coins are worn down. I don't know, maybe I am just asking too much. I'm just having trouble figuring out what to buy.
- Desert
|
I enjoy taking long walks off short piers. |
|
|
daviscfad
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1664 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 16:54:00
|
to be honest i like it in all forms I am starting to prefer the purer silver though like the ASE's and maple leafs, bars things of that nature |
Inquiring minds want to know |
 |
|
|
fb101
Administrator
USA
2856 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 16:56:00
|
| You can get better deals on buffalo rounds and such. I take silver in any form. |
 |
|
|
|
Nickelless
Administrator
USA
5580 Posts |
|
|
Nickelmeister
Penny Hoarding Member
Canada
588 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 16:57:34
|
Personally, I collect both "junk" and premium (SMLs) silver is an approximate 1:1 ratio.
Like the tidiness and purity of bullion, but think junk would have more practical application. |
www.WinnipegGoldBuyer.com
Standing offer for sale of quality, second-hand solid gold jewellery:
<$100 USD worth - spot +25%, plus actual shipping
$101-500 worth - spot +20%, plus actual shipping
$501-1,000 worth - spot +15%, plus actual shipping
$1,001+ worth - spot +10%, plus actual shipping |
|
|
|
Lemon Thrower
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1588 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 16:58:03
|
if i was starting from a base of nothing today, i would buy better name generic rounds or bars. you can get them for not much more than a buck over spot. compared to $3 plus for BU coins, its a good value.
if you like coins, i'd buy bags of junk halves. the premium is about $250 over spot but you can find collectible coins and even franklins and walkers go for a decent premium over spot- $20 or $30 bucks a roll. |
Buying:
Peace/Morgan G+ at $15.00
copper cents at 1.3X
wheat pennies at 3X
|
|
|
|
DesertTumbleweed402
Penny Pincher Member
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 17:02:47
|
| The problem I see with the generic buffalo rounds is that they probably won't have that much numismatic value as opposed to the ASEs. |
I enjoy taking long walks off short piers. |
|
|
|
Lemon Thrower
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1588 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 17:06:08
|
| btw, I have a theory on this. several months ago premiums on all silver spiked. 100 oz bars were going for more than 2 bucks over spot. eventually, they have come down. premiums on new silver are now the lowest, but junk has stayed high. reason is because they are not making any more of it, and people aren't selling it. the new bars and rounds are coming from 1000 oz bars that are being melted. so junk is becoming relatively scarcer. bodes well for numismatics imho. |
Buying:
Peace/Morgan G+ at $15.00
copper cents at 1.3X
wheat pennies at 3X
|
|
|
|
NotABigDeal
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 17:10:52
|
Buy all you can afford of whatever kind you can find at all times. Simple....
Deal |
Live free or die.
Plain and simple.
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your council or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."
- Samuel Adams |
|
|
|
Country
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
3121 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 17:16:52
|
It all depends on what kind of silver you like  ! Of course, what you may like depends upon what silver premium seems OK with you. Sometimes it's not the premium, but what you see as beautiful or spectacular.
For me, I like 90% silver because I like holding and looking at old US coins  . Looking through these coins, you can create a really good coin collection. I like their potential SHTF value and easy recognition. Also, I like the fact that the supply of 90% silver coins is decreasing as more get melted over the years. The premium for 90% silver will run you on the buy side spot+$2.75, 10X face and up. About a year ago, you could buy these at silver spot. However, you can still get great deals if you take the time to find them.
For others, nothing can beat a brand new .9999% Pure Silver round or bar. Some of these are really stunning . Premiums for these are lower than 90% silver coins. Yesterday, I saw some on APMEX selling for spot+$1.19. Premiums appear to be coming down as more large bars are melted to supply an increasing supply of rounds and smaller bars.
It all boils down to buying what you appeals to you  . |
---> Come to the new and improved realcent: http://realcent.org
The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life.
Theodore Roosevelt
|
|
|
|
Market Harmony
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1274 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 17:17:49
|
Personally, I have way more pure silver in various forms- small bars/rounds to larger bars, than what I have in junk silver and numismatics.
Practically, silver's major use is by industry. There should always be a higher demand for that. Industry wants pure silver, not 90% coins. There is a refining cost involved with junk silver that isn't there for pure bullion. But silver in coin form still has high value because it is easily recognizable, and purity does not get disputed. Coins, art bars, and collectibles fall into the "investment" piece of the silver pie, and that piece is only about 1/10 of the size of the total silver market. So, to me, pure bullion is the best choice, as it meets the demand of industry and a part of the demand from investors. But that's just me.
If you are starting off new, I think you should consider what your end game is... you can't take all that shiny stuff with you. |
goto the new and improved realcent: http://realcent.org |
Edited by - Market Harmony on 04/22/2009 17:19:46 |
|
|
|
Flbandit
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
851 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 17:21:22
|
| I buy whatever I get the best deal on. I do have a weak spot for ASE's and Mapleleaf's though. |
Are you throwing that out? |
|
|
|
oober
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1304 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 20:58:34
|
Some premium, some junk, some bars.... Whatever gets you the best deal...
Obviously this is hypothetical as I don't own any silver... So if I were to buy I would have bought in the following order.
Premium Bullion when all premiums were high and bars/90% weren't available.
90% when 90% was available at a reasonable premium...
Bars now because they have to lowest premium over spot...
Now of course this is all only hypothetical for me... Investing in metal is something crazy people do, not me... |
|
|
|
Nickelless
Administrator
USA
5580 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 21:03:07
|
quote:
Originally posted by oober
Some premium, some junk, some bars.... Whatever gets you the best deal...
Obviously this is hypothetical as I don't own any silver... So if I were to buy I would have bought in the following order.
Premium Bullion when all premiums were high and bars/90% weren't available.
90% when 90% was available at a reasonable premium...
Bars now because they have to lowest premium over spot...
Now of course this is all only hypothetical for me... Investing in metal is something crazy people do, not me...
How many FRNs would you want for your silver...IF you had any silver? |
Visit my new preparedness site: Preparedness.cc/SurvivalPrep.net
--Latest article: Stocking up on spices to keep food preps lively
---------------
Be prepared...and prepared to help: http://www.survivalblog.com/charity.html
Are you ready spiritually for hard times? http://www.jesusfreak.com/rapture.asp |
|
|
|
buyingsilvers
Penny Collector Member
441 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 21:12:11
|
Like what's been mentioned earlier, it's all a matter of personal preference, and everyone has their own opinion on what's "better". ANYTHING is better than NOTHING.
Personally, I'd start with junk, then move to 1oz & 10oz pure silver rounds & bars. I dont really care for the premiums on ASEs, Maples, Kooks, etc. The advantage that junk & sovereign silver have is that they're widely recognized and very liquid.
I've seen the argument that 90% isn't as good of an investment because it's not "pure" and therefore not as good for refining. The thing is, in most cases, 90 %silver coins, 95% copper coins, 90% gold eagles, etc aren't being bought and sold to be refined. Instead they're being traded as investment vehicles to people who have no intent of melting them. And as such, nowadays, the 90% silver commands a decent numismatic because the supply is decreasing over time, as opposed to pure silver rounds/bars, which is stamped out to meet investor demand (exceptions would be collectible bars/rounds such as engelhards, etc)
For junk, typically halves have the least wear, but my favorite is mercury dimes. I'd go for 90% kennedy halves only at first. If you can find franklins or liberties for a no/low premium compared to the kennedys, that's great. Non-rare & cheaper "silver dollars" might be worth looking into, but look out for fakes.
If you find enough 40% halves, then you can "trade up" to better silver or gold. There are people who buy 40% halves for refining & for investing in bullion, but it isn't as desired, and you may have to take a loss for a quick sale. |
Edited by - buyingsilvers on 04/22/2009 21:45:23 |
|
|
|
redneck
1000+ Penny Miser Member
1273 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2009 : 02:20:27
|
quote:
If you are starting off new, I think you should consider what your end game is... you can't take all that shiny stuff with you.
Why not ?
The Pharaohs did...
> |
|
|
|
Nickelless
Administrator
USA
5580 Posts |
|
|
jadedragon
Administrator
Canada
3788 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2009 : 03:07:56
|
| No one mentioned it, but don't forget Canadian Silver Coins. Sometimes you can pick them up for a bargian in the USA. IF I owned silver, I would like diversity because it makes collecting it more fun - How about some Canadian 80% and 50%, some US 90% and 40%, some 35% US war nickels, some international silver coins, some generic bars and coins, some premium coins, along with Maples, Pandas, ASEs, and Sunshine Rounds. Really whatever you can find a good deal on. There is even a couple silver ETFs if you want to speculate on a whole lot of silver without taking delivery (though I prefer physical). |
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man. George Bernard Shaw.
Why Copper Bullion ~~~ Interview with Silver Bullion Producer Market Harmony
Passive Income blog |
|
|
|
Ant
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
894 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2009 : 20:32:24
|
quote:
Originally posted by Nickelless
quote:
Originally posted by redneck
quote:
If you are starting off new, I think you should consider what your end game is... you can't take all that shiny stuff with you.
Why not ?
The Pharaohs did...
>
Yes, but those were just a bunch of pyramid schemes
Aaaagggh, that was corny!  |
Lovely dimes, the liveliest coin, the one that really jingles. --Truman Capote
Coins are the metallic footprints of the history of nations. --William H. Woodin |
|
|
|
highroller4321
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
2648 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2009 : 21:12:10
|
Desert it all depends on what your goal is and what you personally like.
I personally only own generic .999 and name brand .999 silver. A lot of people like 90% but I dont personally care for it as a long term investment.
You mentioned that you want a numismatic option. Yes, you may get lucky and buy an ASE or SML or another "premium carrying" round but at the same time you may not. You will always have to pay a premium when you buy those coins and you SHOULD get that premium back when you sell. For me though I cant justify buying 15 ASE when I can use that same money to get 16oz silver. If silver were to double than I would be making more money off the 16oz than the 15oz because the premium on ASE shouldnt double also. So it really all depends on your goals.
I would avoid 1000oz bars and 50, 40, and 35% coins. The 1000oz bars are heavy and have generally limited buyers for them. The 50,40,and 35% coins usually get less money for them because they are more expensive to smelt.
I would stick with 1oz and 10oz bars. DONT buy things that arent marked .999 fine silver and say troy ounce.
Just my opinion |
Copper Penny Investing
www.portlandmint.com |
|
|
|
oober
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1304 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2009 : 11:11:06
|
quote:
Originally posted by highroller4321
Desert it all depends on what your goal is and what you personally like.
I personally only own generic .999 and name brand .999 silver. A lot of people like 90% but I dont personally care for it as a long term investment.
You mentioned that you want a numismatic option. Yes, you may get lucky and buy an ASE or SML or another "premium carrying" round but at the same time you may not. You will always have to pay a premium when you buy those coins and you SHOULD get that premium back when you sell. For me though I cant justify buying 15 ASE when I can use that same money to get 16oz silver. If silver were to double than I would be making more money off the 16oz than the 15oz because the premium on ASE shouldnt double also. So it really all depends on your goals.
I would avoid 1000oz bars and 50, 40, and 35% coins. The 1000oz bars are heavy and have generally limited buyers for them. The 50,40,and 35% coins usually get less money for them because they are more expensive to smelt.
I would stick with 1oz and 10oz bars. DONT buy things that arent marked .999 fine silver and say troy ounce.
Just my opinion
I've got a pile of wood marked .999 fine silver and troy ounce, and its up for sale!!! |
|
|
|
Lemon Thrower
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1588 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2009 : 12:35:10
|
BuyingSilver makes a good point about 90% that compared to the late 70s people value 90% for what it is and not with a view to refine it. Also, sterling silver is only 2.5% more pure so to call it junk is a misnomer. A lot of antique flatware was made from 90%.
I like 90% now because you can often find numismatically valuable coins but the premium is still $2.50 over. You can probably find name brand bars or rounds with a premium of half of that.
longer term, 90% may be the best choice becuase they are not making any more of it. for example, in the last year you are seeing the price paid for wheats go from about 2 or 2.5 cents to more than 4 cents.
on the other hand, it was not that long ago - 18 mos maybe - that you could buy 90% at or below spot.
so the risk is the lost opportunity that you could have bought more silver of a different form instead of investing it in the premium. |
Buying:
Peace/Morgan G+ at $15.00
copper cents at 1.3X
wheat pennies at 3X
|
|
|
|
kieblera5
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
859 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2009 : 13:13:45
|
| I prefer the 90% coins. I like ASEs as well, but I count those as numismatic coins, not bullion. |
Democracy is being allowed to vote for the candidate you dislike least.
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you mercilessly with experience.
Caller number seven gets the Peace Prize!
Get coding tips, tricks, and more at: http://codingmonday.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
Lemon Thrower
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1588 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2009 : 13:32:34
|
| you have it backwards imho. 90% is more likely to have a numismatic premium than ASE's (with teh exception of maybe W mintmarks) imho. |
Buying:
Peace/Morgan G+ at $15.00
copper cents at 1.3X
wheat pennies at 3X
|
|
|
|
kieblera5
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
859 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2009 : 14:15:14
|
| Yes, I have 90% numismatic coins, but I also have some that are for bullion only. These coins are lower grades or certain types like Roosevelt dimes and Washington quarters. AU+ condition coins, to me, are numismatic coins or if they are older, Franklins, Walkers, etc. |
Democracy is being allowed to vote for the candidate you dislike least.
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you mercilessly with experience.
Caller number seven gets the Peace Prize!
Get coding tips, tricks, and more at: http://codingmonday.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
Lemon Thrower
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1588 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2009 : 14:20:46
|
| i like older, less available coins G or better condition. I consider those more numismatic than a brand new proof. they are both bullion, the question is which one offers a better speculation on possible collector value. |
Buying:
Peace/Morgan G+ at $15.00
copper cents at 1.3X
wheat pennies at 3X
|
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Silver Conundrum..
Forum Locked
