Silver has officially broken through the $36 per ounce mark, and if you’ve been following the precious metals market closely, this move shouldn’t come as a surprise. For those who have been following, this isn’t about hype—it’s about fundamentals, supply constraints, and a shifting macroeconomic landscape that’s finally catching up with silver’s long-term value proposition.

Industrial Demand Meets Tight Supply

Silver isn’t just a monetary metal—it’s an industrial workhorse. With demand from solar, electric vehicles (EVs), and electronics continuing to rise, the physical market is feeling the pressure. The Silver Institute projects another year of supply deficits, and unlike paper contracts, physical silver doesn’t just appear when demand spikes. That’s a key distinction many overlook, and part of why silver broke above $36.

Monetary Policy and the Flight to Hard Assets

As central banks around the world flirt with rate cuts and inflation remains sticky, investors are turning to tangible assets. Silver, often overshadowed by gold, is now taking center stage. It’s more affordable, more volatile, and historically lags gold in bull markets—until it doesn’t. When silver moves, it tends to move fast.

The Gold-Silver Ratio Signals Opportunity, Even With Silver Breaking Above $36

The gold-silver ratio has been narrowing, which is historically a bullish signal for silver. Even with the recent price movement, there is still plenty of room to grow based on the ratio. When the ratio begins to revert to its long-term average, silver tends to outperform. Smart money is watching this closely—and acting accordingly.

What Silver Breaking Above $36 Means For You

If you’re holding physical silver, this rally validates your long-term strategy. Silver has broken above $36, but it still has not reached its all time high. If you’re still on the sidelines, now’s the time to reassess. But remember: silver is volatile. That’s why we always emphasize a long-term, allocation-based approach, not chasing price action.

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Here you will find some basic Gold and Silver facts that every precious metals investor should know.  Gold and silver coins and bars come in a variety of weights and designs. A number of sovereign mints (national mints of countries. i.e. United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, etc.) as well as private mints and refiners produce gold and silver coins, bars and bullion for the investing market. To help you make sense of the many investing options available, we have provided the following brief summary of Gold and Silver Coin and Bar facts.

Fisher Precious Metals offers a large inventory of gold and silver coins, bars and bullion at industry leading prices. Investing in gold and silver is an excellent way to provide diversification and precious metals have become a standard asset class for many investment portfolios. Many gold and silver coins and bars are eligible for inclusion in Precious Metals IRAs.   (See our IRA Page.)

Types of Gold and Silver Coins

There are two basic types of gold and silver coins:  Bullion Coins and Numismatic Coins

Bullion Coins

Gold investors usually buy gold and silver bullion coins because their prices are completely transparent and their liquidity is typically excellent.  Their price is determined by the spot price and a cost that is added to cover 1) the cost of production, 2) distribution and 3) retail sale.  This cost that is added to the underlying spot price and is referred to as “premium” and is the price at which these coins trade in the marketplace.  Bullion coins contain a 90% (as a minimum) to as much as 99.99% (considered pure) gold content.

Numismatic Coins

Numismatic gold and silver coins are typically purchased by coin collectors and speculators.  These coins have significantly higher volatility than bullion coins and do not enjoy the same liquidity.  Speculators will utilize the numismatic volatility in an attempt to profit and rare coin values are subject to many factors outside of the gold or silver spot price. Much like fine art, true numismatists (collector coin experts), are generally lifetime coin collector enthusiasts who have acquired years of specialized knowledge sharpening their skills.

Buying Gold and Silver Wisely

First, all gold and silver items that you buy should meet two prerequisites, low premium and high liquidity.  You want the best of both worlds.  Yes, you can find ultra-low premium items, but often their demand is poor and hence their liquidity.  You can also find items that have very high liquidity, but their premiums are much higher than one need pay.  So, here are our recommendations for both gold and silver that enjoy the best of both worlds.  Although specific suggestions may change, this list has been largely consistent for many years:

Gold (maximum 6% premium over spot)

• Canadian Maple Leaf – 1 oz. and 1/2 oz. – The 1 oz recent year gold Maples Leaf’s feature state of the art authentication technology known as Bullion DNA Digital Authentication.
• US Gold Eagles – premiums are typically 1.5% more the Maple Leafs cited above. Although the most popular coin in the United States, the US Mint is more expensive than any other world mint
• South Africa – Krugerrand – 1 oz
• Gold Bars enjoy approximately a 1% premium savings over sovereign gold coins, just buy a reputable mint brand such as Royal Canadian Mint, Valcambi and Perth Mint.

Silver (Maximum 15% premium over spot)

• Pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver coins – Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars (referred to as ‘junk’ silver)
• Canadian Silver Maple Leaf – 1 oz coins, recent years contain the Bullion DNA Digital Authentication technology.
• Silver Eagles – again 4% more expensive than the Maple Leaf
• Generic 1 oz. (in round form, referred to as ‘rounds’)and 10 oz. silver ingots. Make certain they are from a COMEX approved refiner which also makes them eligible to be placed in Precious Metals IRA’s
• 100 oz. silver bars (COMEX and IRA approved only)

Some items are missing:

• Mexico – 50 Peso too large and poor secondary market
• Australian – too thinly traded
• Chinese – too many counterfeits
• Italian, Spanish, Latin & South American – limited secondary market

Choosing the best gold or silver coins for your investing objective will depend on multiple factors including your geographic location, the importance of privacy when selling gold coins back to gold  dealers and the premiums on BOTH the buy and the sell side.

If you are considering converting an IRA to gold or silver, please see our IRA section to review the allowable coins for your fund, or better yet give us a call to discuss.

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As the effects on inflation are felt, investors are turning to precious metals. Investors use precious metals as a safe haven to protect and grow their wealth. Among these metals, gold and silver stand out as time-tested assets. Both metals have been used as money for 5,000 years and each have their own unique characteristics and advantages. However, rather than choosing one over the other, savvy investors are learning the benefits of owning both gold and silver. In this article, we will explore the reasons why it is important to diversify your precious metals portfolio and own both metals.

Both Gold and Silver are Hedges Against Inflation

Inflation erodes the purchasing power of fiat currencies, making them vulnerable to economic downturns. As a tangible asset, both gold and silver have historically acted as effective hedges against inflation. They tend to retain their value and even appreciate during times of economic uncertainty, making them a safe store of wealth when paper money loses its purchasing power. This effect has been felt over the last few years. As inflation got worse, gold and silver continued to rise in value.

Gold and Silver Have Diverse Market Performances

Gold and silver do not always react the same way to the market. During certain economic conditions, gold might perform well, while silver might outperform gold in different scenarios. Owning both metals ensures that you are not relying on one metals performance but can benefit from the growth in both metals.

Gold and Silver have Different Functions

Although both metals are considered “precious metals”, they have different functions. Silver is an affordable precious metal that could be used in a time of crises to make transactions and conduct commerce if that was necessary. Gold, on the other hand, is used as a store of wealth because a person could contain more wealth in a smaller area than one could with silver. When a person owns both gold and silver they now have two precious metals that can perform two separate important functions.

Liquidity and Flexibility

Both metals are highly liquid assets. This means they can be easily turned into cash when needed. In times of economic distress or when facing financial emergencies, owning these precious metals provides flexiblity and security. Diversifying with gold and silver allows you to access funds rapidly without selling off your entire investment. Having both metals gives you more control of how much of your metals you are selling. For example, lets say you only have gold and gold is worth $2,300. If you need to liquidate metals to get $500, you are in trouble. You would need to sell the entire ounce to get more cash than you need. If you have silver that is worth $30 on ounce, you have more flexibility.

Industrial Demand for Silver Makes it Unique

Silver has significant industrial applications, with its use in electronics, solar panels, medical devices, and more. This industrial demand provides a unique dynamic to its price movements, making silver an attractive asset for investors.. By adding silver to your portfolio, you gain exposure to this sector and could reap benefits from the growth in technology.

Silver can be an Affordable Entry Point

While gold remains the premium metal of choice, its higher price point can be a barrier to entry for some investors. On the other hand, silver offers a more affordable option, allowing individuals with smaller budgets to participate in the precious metals market. By diversifying your portfolio with silver, you can enter the market at a lower cost while still benefiting from its potential appreciation.

Portfolio Stability

A balanced investment portfolio is important for mitigating risk and preserving wealth. Incorporating a mix of gold and silver can enhance the stability of your holdings, especially during turbulent economic conditions. The metals’ low correlation with other asset classes can reduce the overall volatility of your portfolio. When the rest of your assets fall in value, often gold and silver move the opposite direction.

Store of Value Over Time

People have recognized both gold and silver as stores of value for centuries. Unlike fiat currencies, which are subject to the whims of governments and central banks, these precious metals have stood the test of time as mediums of exchange. While a government could keep printing a fiat currency, it is much more difficult to inflate the precious metals market. By holding a combination of gold and silver, you can protect your wealth and potentially witness long-term capital appreciation.

Diversification is a cornerstone of smart investing, and when it comes to precious metals, owning both gold and silver offers a powerful strategy for financial security. Each metal brings its unique advantages to the table, from hedging against inflation and industrial demand for silver to the portfolio stability they offer. By having both gold and silver, investors can maximize their potential for growth while avoiding risks. Whether you are an experienced investor or just beginning your journey into the world of precious metals, consider the benefits of owning both gold and silver.

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Are you surprised?  Would you make any changes in your investment strategy based on this data?

“Gold is money. Everything else is credit”: – J.P. Morgan, an influential banker who believed in gold’s inherent value

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What is “Junk” Silver?

What is “junk” silver? “Junk” silver is a term used to describe pre-1965 coins that were made with 90% silver. These coins were in regular circulation before a specific date when their silver content was reduced or eliminated. Over time, the value of silver has risen from where it was in 1965. This has made these coins worth much more than their face value, because of their silver content.

Common Types of Junk Silver Coins

• Dimes: Mercury dimes (1916-1945) and Roosevelt dimes (1946-1964).
• Quarters: Washington quarters (1932-1964).
• Half Dollars: Walking Liberty half dollars (1916-1947), Franklin half dollars (1948-1963), and Kennedy half dollars (1964).
• 40% Half Dollars: For a short period(1965-69), the government made Kennedy Half Dollars with 40% Silver.

Why is This a Good Investment?

1. Intrinsic Value: The silver in junk silver is what creates value. With each coin containing 90% silver, the value of these coins fluctuates with the market price of silver, providing a hedge against inflation and economic instability. These coins are valuable regardless of outside factors.
2. Liquidity: Junk silver coins are widely recognized and accepted. This makes them easy to sell or trade. Their widespread recognition ensures investors can quickly convert them to cash or goods. They are especially liquid because of their small denominations. Getting silver coins in such small quantities gives 90% silver an extra advantage if a person needed to barter with silver.
3. Affordability: Since these coins are not valued for their rarity or condition, they can often be purchased closer to the spot price of silver than bullion or collectible coins. This makes it accessible for smaller investors who want to enter the precious metals market without a significant premium. Junk Silver is a great way to get silver in smaller denominations while avoiding the premiums that come with buying silver bullion under one ounce.
4. Tangible Asset: Unlike stocks or bonds, junk silver is a physical asset. The performance of a government or company does not affect the value of silver. It is also a hack-proof asset, as it is “off the grid”. This physical nature provides a sense of security and stability.
5. Historical Significance: While not typically valued by collectors, these coins do have historical significance. They were part of everyday transactions in the past and serve as a reminder of the dangers of fiat currency.

Conclusion

Junk silver represents a practical, affordable, and historically significant way to invest in silver. Its intrinsic value, liquidity, and status as a tangible asset make it a safe way to invest in precious metals.

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Last weekend, the silver market experienced a historic breakthrough as the price of silver surged past the $30 mark for the first time in over a decade. With the price of silver at its highest in years, the question on everyone’s mind is: what does this mean for the future of silver, and could we see even more gains as 2024 progresses?

Silver Finally Breaks Out

The silver market has been relatively subdued over the past ten years, fluctuating between periods of modest gains and declines. However, the recent rally marked a much-anticipated turning point. This surge in the silver price comes on the wake of growing concerns over the economy and inflation.

Looking ahead, the potential for further gains in the silver market remains strong. Several key factors could drive the price of silver even higher as 2024 unfolds:

1. Economic Uncertainty: With uncertain global economic conditions, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions and potential recessions in major economies, silver’s appeal as a safe-haven asset is expected to persist. Investors seeking to diversify may continue to drive demand for silver. Another factor is the potential purchasing power of silver if there is an economic collapse. If the dollar collapses, silver gives an alternative currency that could be used to barter in the interim.
2. Monetary Policies: Central banks’ monetary policies will play a crucial role, especially in response to inflation. If the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, the value of fiat currencies could erode. This would make silver and other precious metals more attractive.

What Does This Mean Going Forward?

The silver market’s breakthrough past $30 is a significant development, marking the highest price level over a decade. The stage is set for potentially more gains as 2024 progresses. While market volatility is always a factor to consider, the underlying fundamentals suggest that silver could continue to shine brightly in the months ahead. Investors and market participants will closely watch how these dynamics play out, as silver finally breaks out in the precious metals market.

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The Gold-to-Silver Ratio is a helpful method of interpreting the prices of gold and silver. Often abbreviated as Au/Ag, this ratio represents the amount of silver one can acquire with a single ounce of gold at a given moment in time. While it may seem like a simple comparison, this method is very helpful for people who are new to buying precious metals or have been buying them for a long time.

What is the Gold to Silver Ratio?

The Gold-to-Silver Ratio is calculated by dividing the current price of gold by the current price of silver. For instance, if gold is trading at $2,000 per ounce and silver is trading at $20 per ounce, the ratio would be 100 (2000/20 = 100). This means it would take 100 ounces of silver to equal the value of one ounce of gold.

Historical Significance of The Gold-to-Silver Ratio

Historically, the ratio has fluctuated significantly over time. While there is no fixed standard, the ratio often ranges between 15 and 100, with occasional spikes and dips outside this range. Throughout history, different cultures and civilizations have placed varying degrees of value on gold and silver. This has led to shifts in the ratio based on supply and demand dynamics, economic conditions, and geopolitical factors.

Interpreting Market Trends-

The ratio is a valuable tool for investors trying to understand market trends and make informed decisions about their precious metals portfolios. A high ratio typically indicates that gold is overvalued relative to silver, suggesting that silver may be undervalued or presenting a buying opportunity for silver investors. On the other hand, if it is lower it may suggest that silver may be overvalued compared to gold, potentially signaling a buying opportunity for gold investors.

Economic and Geopolitical Factors

Several economic and geopolitical factors can influence the ratio. Economic instability, inflation, currency devaluation, and geopolitical tensions can all impact investor sentiment and drive fluctuations in the ratio. For example, during periods of economic uncertainty or geopolitical turmoil investors may flock to gold as a safe-haven asset. This may increase golds price relative to silver and widen the ratio.

Practical Applications

For investors, the Gold to Silver Ratio can inform asset allocation strategies and timing for buying or selling precious metals. Some investors use the ratio to rebalance their portfolios. They may sell gold when the ratio is high or vice versa. Others use the ratio as a contrarian indicator, buying the metal they believe to be undervalued relative to the other.

Conclusion

This ratio is an important metric in precious metals investing. It can provide valuable insights into market dynamics, investor sentiment, and economic trends. That being said it should not be used in isolation to make investment decisions. It is a helpful tool when entering the market and could indicate how the ratio could correct itself in the future. However, it is important to remember that just because something “should” happen doesn’t mean it will happen. It is impossible to predict the future of the precious metals market perfectly.

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Within the realm of silver investments, two options typically emerge. One of the most common questions I get is which of these two options is a better investment. These are silver rounds and silver coins, but what is the difference between them, and which one should you buy?

Silver Rounds:

Silver rounds are bullion coins minted by private mints rather than the government. They are typically made of .999 fine silver and come in various sizes and designs. Unlike coins (like the Eagle or Maple), rounds do not carry face value and are not considered legal tender. Instead, their value comes from the metal itself.

Pros:

• Lower Premiums: Silver rounds often come with lower premiums than government-issued coins. This gives the added benefit of buying more metal for your dollar. Your goal may be to gain as much of the metal as possible. If so, the round is one of the cheapest ways to do that in one-ounce increments. With the potential for silver to increase in value, rounds are a cheap entry-point. 

Cons:

• Lack of Recognition: Rounds are not legal tender. Because of this, they may not be as easily recognizable or accepted as payment in certain situations.
• If you were trying to barter with someone using a round and that person was not already well-versed in the precious metals market, they might feel more comfortable using an item with government backing. Name recognition goes a long way!
• Resale Value: The value of silver rounds is primarily tied to the spot price. However, because government-issued coins demand higher premiums, you are likelier to get more on the buyback when you sell back coins instead of rounds. You spend less when buying rounds, but you most likely receive less when you sell them back as well.

Silver Coins:

Silver coins, on the other hand, are minted by government entities and are typically considered legal tender within their respective countries of origin. Examples include the American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, British Britannia, South African Krugerrand, Australian Kangaroo, and Austrian Philharmonic. These coins also contain .999 fine silver (just like a round) but carry a face value that the issuing government assigns.

Pros:

• Legal Tender Status: Silver coins are recognized as official currency and can be used as legal tender to make purchases at their face value.
• Global Recognition: Popular government-issued silver coins are widely recognized and accepted worldwide. This can be advantageous for international transactions or in times of crisis. Again, someone may have never heard of whatever private mint your rounds are coming from, but everyone has heard of the United States or Canada!
• Resale Value: You are more likely to get more back when you resell an American Eagle than you are for a round. This is true because Silver Eagles can be resold more than the round can because of their premiums.

Cons:

• Higher Premiums: Coins often come with higher premiums than rounds, reflecting their official status. This results in a higher initial investment cost for investors to reach the same amount of silver they would if they were buying rounds. It is important to remember that you are acquiring less silver for your dollar, so if the price jumped significantly, you would benefit less because you received less.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rounds and coins offer investors a tangible way to own silver. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your individual preferences and investment goals. While rounds may offer lower premiums, coins provide the added benefits of legal tender status and global recognition.

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In a noteworthy rebound, both gold and silver prices rallied Thursday morning in response to signals from the Federal Reserve indicating a shift towards a more accommodative monetary policy. This positive momentum comes after a week and a half of declines in the prices of both precious metals, with gold hitting all-time highs on December 3rd before experiencing a subsequent drop back under $2000.

The yellow metal had faced a downward trajectory following its record-breaking highs, making this recent reversal particularly significant for investors looking to regain lost ground and creating a sense of optimism for future price growth.

Silver, often called “the poor man’s gold,” also witnessed a notable rally. The white metal had similarly experienced a price dip in the weeks following the recent peak in gold prices. However, with the growth in the price of silver, optimism for continued growth has increased.

The Federal Reserve’s indication of a looser monetary policy has prompted investors to reassess their portfolios, especially given the potential impact on various asset classes. The central bank’s move reflects a broader effort to stimulate economic growth and address prevailing headwinds.

This positive shift in the precious metals market, particularly following the recent volatility, underscores the intricate relationship between central bank decisions and financial markets. As investors navigate an environment marked by economic uncertainties, the renewed interest in gold and silver as safe-haven assets suggests a rekindled confidence in these commodities’ ability to hedge against rampant inflation and currency devaluation. 

The coming days will reveal whether this trend continues or if new developments will reshape the landscape again.

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First, will today’s breakout last?  Who knows – no one!  Iran shoots down a drone – is that a flash in the pan or the start of something real?

It is very difficult for many to buy on a breakout.  Shucks, I could have purchased yesterday or last week for considerably less.  And if I do buy, are prices going to retreat next week?

The best advice I can give is to not buy anything today and wait to see if these prices stick.  Futures speculators love volatility and they are getting it in spades today.

What I would strongly encourage you to consider is swapping (trading) a portion of your gold for silver or platinum.  Both metals are as cheap as they have been relative to gold for the last 20 years.  That is not going to last.  This WILL turn around.  No one knows when, but it will.  I have personally swapped a significant amount of my gold holdings into silver and platinum.

As a result I expect to realize a 50 – 100% increase in silver and platinum ounces for the gold I swap.

How does it work?  We will buy your gold and sell you low premium platinum or silver.  We reduce our commissions by 50% on both sides of the trade so as to not double dip.  There are premiums and bid/ask spreads that will consume approximately 5% of the trade but that will quickly disappear as the ratios decline over time.

Here are the charts:

If you would like to discuss this strategy and determine whether it fits your individual situation, we would be happy to visit over the phone with no pressure, no obligation.

Quote:  “The history of paper money is an account of abuse, mismanagement, and financial disaster.”

Richard M. Ebeling

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