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PAMP Suisse and Activision Collaborate on Gold and Silver Bars to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Call of Duty Modern Warfare III

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To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Call of Duty video game franchise, Activision has partnered with PAMP Suisse to develop a line of limited edition silver and gold bars featuring the imagery from the game.

The obverse shows the outline of a shield with a game character dressed in military fatigues along with the franchise title “Call of Duty” in vertical orientation. The reverse shows a diagonal pattern of Call of Duty Modern Warfare III logo, with the makers hallmark, weight and purity in the center and includes a unique serial number that is also printed on the matching assay card.

Additionally, all of the COD silver and gold bars include a code that is redeemable for a bonus in-game weapon charm.

Further details can be found in the press release from MKS PAMP.

PAMP Suisse

Founded in 1977 and based in Ticino, Switzerland, PAMP is one of the world’s leading bullion brands, known for its high-quality gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products. The company produces a wide range of bullion products, including bars, coins, and ingots, which are popular among investors and collectors alike for their purity, craftsmanship, and innovative designs.

PAMP Suisse gold bars come with an assay certificate, which guarantees the purity, weight, and authenticity of the bar. Each PAMP Suisse gold bar is individually serialized, which aids in authentication and adds to its collectibility. While the intrinsic value of the gold itself is a significant factor in the value, the collectibility of these limited edition bars can add a premium above the spot price of gold.

Call of Duty

“Call of Duty” is an influential and popular first-person shooter video game franchise developed and published by Activision. The series began with the launch of the original “Call of Duty” game on October 29, 2003. The game was initially set in World War II and was praised for its immersive storytelling, realistic gameplay, and engaging multiplayer modes. Over the years, the franchise has expanded to include various settings, including modern times, futuristic worlds, and even space.

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” is an update of the original game that features missions that mirror modern military conflicts and tactics. The franchise itself is developed and published by Activision, with various development studios working on different entries, including Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games.

The original “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare” launched in November 2007 and was a pivotal game in the series, marking a shift from World War II settings to contemporary battlefields and significantly influencing the first-person shooter genre with its realistic gameplay, narrative depth, and multiplayer modes.

The “Call of Duty” franchise boasts millions of active players across its various titles and has extended its reach beyond video games into a broad array of merchandise and media, including Action figures, LEGO sets, gaming peripherals like branded controllers, headsets, and mouse pads and narrative extensions of the franchise’s storylines, offering deeper dives into its lore and characters.

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How to Verify a PAMP Suisse Gold Bar? 

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PAMP Suisse has made it easy to verify the authenticity of their products with the Veriscan app that is available for the App Store for iPhones and iPads.

PAMP Suisse Veriscan Instant Authentication Mobile App

The surface of all precious metals have microscopic topographic features that are as unique as human fingerprints. Using the app, you can scan the front surface of the bar, allowing the app to interpret the surface topography of the bar, which is then compared against the data stored in the PAMP VERISCAN database. The app will display an affirmative result for authentic products and issue a failing result for products that it suspects may be counterfeit. 

The PAMP Suisse Veriscan Mobile Application can be used to authenticate gold, silver and platinum bars that are issued by PAMP Suisse, along with bullion coins and bars that are issued by a handful of other established mints that include the Royal Australian Mint, Bank of China, Lombard Bank Malta and UBS.

Larger silver bars and gold bars can be scanned from any of the six sides of the bar.

All PAMP Suisse Veriscan enabled products are issued with a unique QR code, when scanned with the app, allows the lookup of the specific bar’s topographic features that were scanned during the manufacturing process.

After scanning, the Veriscan app will open a corresponding page that contains all of the details of the bar, including its weight, purity, mint mark, and serial number. 

This allows you to compare this information from the mint with the information from the packaging of your PAMP Suisse product. If they match, you have a genuine PAMP Suisse product. Having the application verify PAMP Suisse products allows greater confidence in the authenticity of your gold bar. If they do not match, verify that the you’ve followed the provided instruction to determine if your product is counterfeit.

Instruction for scanning larger size PAMP Suisse Silver Bars and Gold Bars are available in the application’s menu. When scanning larger size bars, the Veriscan application provides options to choose which sides of the product will be scanned. Authenticating larger PAMP gold and silver bars is easy with the enhanced authentication option, which can scan any of the six sides of a gold, silver, or platinum bar. 

The PAMP Suisse Veriscan App can be downloaded from the Apple App Store directly to your iPhone or iPad for easy verification and authentication at home.

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The Basics of Silver as a Store of Value and Wealth

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In an age where digital transactions and cryptocurrencies are the norms, the concept of precious metals as a form of currency might seem outdated to many. However, there’s a compelling case to be made for considering silver not just as a relic of the past but as a relevant and wise choice for long-term wealth preservation and financial security.

The Forgotten History of Silver as Money

For centuries, silver and gold have been the cornerstone of global trade and currency. Our grandparents carried silver coins in their pockets, and the coins in circulation prior to 1965 were minted from 90% pure silver. Many in America built their wealth based on gold and silver reserves.

This historical significance isn’t just a matter of antiquity; it’s a testament to the intrinsic value these metals have played for thousands of years across various cultures and civilizations, but which is often overlooked in modern times.

Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese, used silver as a primary medium for trade. Silver coins were minted and used extensively for commercial transactions. Various countries, at different times, adopted a silver standard, a monetary system in which the value of paper currency was defined in terms of a certain amount of silver.

The Spanish silver dollar, sometimes referred to as “pieces of 8”, was widely used beyond Europe, especially in the Americas and Asia, with silver playing a key role in early global trade. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, silver, like gold, began to be seen more as a commodity and an investment. The shift to paper money and, later, digital transactions, led to a decline in the use of silver as everyday currency.

Today, silver continues to be an important asset in investment portfolios and is still used in various forms of commemorative and investment-grade coins. The historical significance of precious metals as a medium of exchange and store of value remains an important part of the global monetary systems.

Why Silver is Relevant Today

In the world of digital finance, silver stands out because it is a tangible asset. It’s an object that you can own and keep as a store of value, like a savings account. Unlike digital currencies or stocks, silver is something you can hold.

Silver has historically offered protection against inflation. When fiat currencies like the dollar lose value due to economic policies and market fluctuations, precious metals often retain their value. There have been many examples in history where their value has even appreciated. This is because these commodities often have an inverse relationship with other investments.

Compared to gold, silver is much more affordable, making it an accessible investment option for young investors who are starting to build their portfolios.

Diversifying your investment portfolio is a fundamental principle of sound financial planning. Including silver can provide balance and stability, especially during times of high inflation and economic uncertainty.

Beyond its value as an investment, silver’s industrial uses are expanding in the tech and medical industries, potentially driving up its demand and value. For the environmentally conscious, silver offers a sustainable investment. It’s recyclable and plays a crucial role in various green technologies, including solar panels.

How to Get Started with Silver Investing

Start by learning about the history of silver as currency and its current role in the economy involves delving into various educational resources and platforms.

A good place to begin is with books focused on the history of precious metals as money and currency. Most of these well regarded books are available in Kindle and other eReaders, paperback and hardcover:

Stay updated with the current role of silver in the economy by following financial news platforms and blogs that specialize in precious metals. Websites such as Kitco, The Silver Institute and FindBullionPrice.com offer news, analysis, and data on silver markets.

Various online learning platforms offer courses in economics and history, some of which specifically offer courses that cover the use of precious metals as currency.

The CME Group, the company which runs and operates various commodities markets and exchanges include COMEX, offers a free self-guided Introduction to Precious Metals online class that provides an overview of various precious metals, how they are consumed by industry and why they are important investments.

YouTube also offers numerous educational channels where experts and influencers discuss the history and economics of silver. Documentaries and TV programs that focus on economic history or the history of money often cover the role of silver.

Social Platforms such as Reddit, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other specialized online forums have communities devoted to precious metals, such as /r/Silverbugs and /r/Gold. These and other online communities can be valuable for discussions, resource sharing, and advice from experienced investors and enthusiasts.

Silver ETFs and Buying Vaulted Silver

Silver can be purchased in physical form (as bars or coins) or through silver Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). A silver ETF purchases and holds silver or silver-related assets in a trust. The value of an ETF share is thus linked to the price of silver, minus fund expenses and fees.

Investors can buy and sell shares of a silver ETF on a stock exchange, just like individual stocks. This provides a simple way to invest in the silver market without dealing with the challenges of physical silver storage and security while aiming to track the spot price of silver. This means that the ETF’s share price moves in tandem with silver prices in the global market.

Additionally, digital platforms like OneGold.com and Vaulted.com provide investors with a mobile application that enable quick and easy buying of vaulted allocations of physical silver, gold and platinum. These vaulted allocations can be easily redeemed anytime for secure delivery of physical precious metals to your home.

OneGold.com specializes in digital precious metals, allowing customers to buy, sell, and hold digital gold and silver without the need for physical storage. The metals backing digital investments are stored with well-known vaulting services, ensuring the security of the physical metals backing your digital investments.

OneGold.com was founded as a partnership between two of the biggest names in the precious metals industry, APMEX and Sprott Metals. Founded in 2000, APMEX is a leading online retailer of precious metals. Founded by Eric Sprott, a renowned investor in the precious metals sector, Sprott Money is known for providing valuable insights into the precious metals market with articles, reports, and analysis that can help investors make informed decisions. They also offers investors a variety of services including options for precious metals IRAs and other investment accounts.

Vaulted.com is an online mobile web app that allows investors to buy and sell allocated silver and gold. Each client is provided with an advisor who offers a personalized approach to investing in precious metals. Vaulted stores its precious metals in the Royal Canadian Mint, which provides investors with a high level of security and assurance. With Vaulted, you can buy, sell, and even request physical delivery of their precious metals for a small transaction fee for buying and selling and a low annual maintenance fee for storage and insurance.

Buying Silver Online

Buying silver online offers numerous advantages, including convenience, variety, and competitive pricing. As a tangible asset, silver provides security and privacy, similar to real estate, but with greater liquidity.

Online dealers offer a wide range of silver products, from coins and bars to specialty and numismatic items, providing more options than what might be available in your local coin stores. Many online dealers offer products from a variety of international mints that aren’t available locally. With lower overhead costs compared to brick and mortar stores, online dealers can offer lower premiums over the spot price of silver. Several dealers also offer silver at spot price deals catered specifically to new investors that offer a low risk way to start.

Buying online allows you to easily compare prices and products across multiple dealers with many providing a variety of educational materials, market analysis, and investment guides. Most of the trusted and reputable online dealers are have customer reviews and ratings on third-party websites, helping you make an informed decision based on other buyers’ experiences.

Online transactions provide various payment options, including credit cards, bank transfers, and even a large assortment of cryptocurrencies through platforms like Bitpay. Combined with purchases being delivered discreetly and securely to your doorstep, this level of privacy, discretion and convenienceis not be possible with in-person transactions.

FindBullionPrices.com provides comprehensive price comparisons for various physical silver coins, silver bars and silver rounds from a wide range of online dealers and enables investors to quickly find the best available prices. By aggregating prices from dozens of reputable online bullion dealers, FindBullionPrices.com gives investors access to a broad market landscape from a single platform that saves time and effort that would otherwise be spent visiting multiple websites.

PAMP Suisse 10 oz Cast Silver Bar

Our product listings covers a vast array of silver coins, bars, rounds, and even collectible and numismatic items. In addition, we provide access to a broad range of educational materials, analysis and detailed guides on investing in precious metals. These resources help buyers understand market dynamics, investment strategies, and other factors affecting precious metals prices.

The most popular silver investments include a variety of notable silver coins and bars. Top selling 1 oz coins like the American Eagle, the Canadian Maple Leaf and the Krugerrand are a mainstay for investors who prefer government backing or have a specific need such as a Silver IRA.

Private mint 10 oz silver bars offer a combination of low premiums, high liquidity, bulk discounts and unique varieties that are suitable for both long-term holding and short-term trading. Compared to smaller denominations like 1 oz coins or bars, 10 oz silver bars have lower premiums over the spot price of silver allow you to acquire more physical silver for the same money.

Silver has a high market demand and is recognized globally, facilitating easier buying and selling. Silver’s value is universally recognized, with prices updated daily based on global markets, enhancing its liquidity.

Unlike real estate or land, silver can be bought, sold or traded in smaller units, making transactions simpler and quicker. This liquidity, combined with its global recognition and ease of transaction, makes silver, along with other assets like gold and stocks, a preferred choice for beginning investors seeking liquid tangible assets.

Like any investment, the spot price of silver constantly fluctuates. Keeping an eye on the market can help you make informed decisions. The “spot price” of commodities like silver and gold refers to the real-time market price at which they can be bought or sold for immediate delivery. The spot price of silver is influenced by various factors, including supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, market speculation, and currency fluctuations. For precious metals like silver, gold, and platinum, the spot price is typically quoted per troy ounce.

For beginning investors, especially Millennials and Gen Z, rethinking silver as a currency and store of value offers a bridge between the past and the future. It’s a way to preserve wealth in a tangible form that has stood the test of time, while also aligning with modern values of sustainability and diversification. In an ever-changing financial landscape, the enduring value of silver can provide both stability and peace of mind.

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Tips for Storing Bullion Bars and Coins at Home

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For many investors, having a few hundred ounces of silver or a few ounces of gold at home provides an additional level of financial security beyond traditional investments like stocks and bonds. New investors often have questions about storing precious at home. While storing silver bullion at home in very common and gives you immediate access, it does comes with risks such as theft or loss in a disaster.

A home alarm system may deter burglars and surveillance cameras can add a layer of security. But the most basic way to avoid the possibility of theft is to keep your investment confidential. Loose lips sink ships, as they say.

With porch pirates and package thefts on the rise, some investors choose to have their packages delivered to an alternate address, such as a work address or a PO Box.

Most reputable online bullion dealers will ship packages with return address information left blank beyond a PO Box or street address. Some may obfuscate the originator of the package as a precious metals dealer to make it less likely that a theft may occur during shipping.

For most investors, you don’t need to dedicate much space at home for storing precious metals, but for some, it’s important to consider the different space requirements needed for typical bullion items.

  • A typical monster box that holds 500 troy ounces is roughly the size of a shoe box.
  • A private mint 10 oz silver is similar in size to a deck of playing cards.
  • A tube of 1 oz silver rounds is roughly 1.75 x 1.75 x 3 inches.
  • A few ounces of gold bars in assay cards can easily be stashed in a nightstand drawer or alongside other important personal items.
  • Most fractional gold coins, like 20 francs, have similar dimensions as modern clad coins and can be stored in plastic tubes that are available from Amazon and other retailers.

Some investors keep their precious metals in a safe, stored alongside firearms and other valuables. Beyond silver tarnishing as it’s exposed to air, precious metals are noble metals. They are not typically effected by the environment in which they are stored. Silver and gold coins that have been discovered on shipwrecks that have survived hundreds of years under the sea with minimal indications of damage.

US Mint Silver Eagle Monster Box

When storing silver at home, you should pick an area of your home that has low air exposure to help reduce the amount of tarnish that can form. Also keep in mind that some everyday household items like rubber bands are made with sulfur and can accelerate tarnish. If you chose to store your silver coins in plastic flips, be sure to choose a brand that is made from mylar and is free of PVC.

Think of unconventional locations to store silver, like a hidden compartment or behind a false wall. Some investors go as far as installing a decoy safe in an obvious location to distract a thief looking for a quick grab. Even throwing in some modern coins and scrap metal to give the would-be thief the impression that there are valuables inside.

A diversion safe is also a common tactic for keeping a stash of precious metals discrete by resembling everyday household products, such as soda cans, cleaning products, or food containers. When placed among genuine products in a pantry or cupboard, they are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing and can be effective in deterring casual burglars who are in a hurry.

A classic example is the “book safe.” From the outside, it looks like an ordinary hardcover book. But when opened, a hollowed-out compartment is revealed inside. Some are designed to look like standard electrical outlets, but can be removed from the wall to reveal a hidden compartment. Items like wall clocks, picture frames and even pieces of furniture are built with hidden compartments designed to hold valuables.

Investing in a High-Quality Safe

When installed properly in a discrete location a good, high quality safe can be a decent deterrent against theft.

When shopping for a safe to store silver and gold bullion, it is important to look for one that has a TL rating. A TL rating, also referred to as a “Tool Rating”, refers to the amount of time that a safe should be able to withstand an advanced criminal attack. The rating was developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a third-party certification company that has been around for over a century. The TL rating is accompanied by a numerical value, which indicates the number of minutes the safe can withstand a break-in attempt using basic tools. For example, a safe with a TL-15 rating offers protection against a break-in attempt using common hand tools for up to 15 minutes.

Fire Ratings are separate from a TL rating and deal with the amount of time and temperature that a safe or home vault can endure protecting the contents inside. Fire ratings are typically provided by either Underwriter Laboratories or Intertek.

The products are put through a battery of tests to ensure that the interior contents remain at a reasonably safe temperature while being exposed to extreme temperatures. Some fire-resistant safes also offer protection against water. This isn’t a direct component of the fire rating, but it’s a related and can be valuable feature.

If considering the purchase of a safe, be sure to choose a location where it can properly bolted in a secure and discrete location. Remember that no safe is entirely “fireproof”; they are “fire-resistant” for specific durations under certain conditions.

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Silver Bullion Premiums Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels

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The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on global supply chains, creating a myriad of problems and challenges for mining and minerals companies, refineries and mints.

Many mines and refineries around the world were shut down or operated at reduced capacities due to lockdowns, quarantine measures, and worker illness. This led to reduced output and shortages of silver, gold and platinum, not only for investors, but especially in industries where precious metals are consumed.

The supply chain disruptions and lockdowns led to wholesale premiums on precious metals to increase quickly as demand from investors was driven by uncertainty and supply concerns.

The premiums on US Mint Silver Eagles were impacted more than others. Most of the high premiums were caused by a combination of things that included a variety of repeated shutdowns, issues with blank planchets from suppliers and other problems related to the production of coins. At their peak, the dealer premiums on Silver Eagles were in excess of 50% more than the silver spot price.

In today’s market, bullion buyers are able to find deals on 10 oz silver bars from various online dealers with premiums below $2.00 per ounce over the prevailing silver spot price. For investors looking for larger silver bars, such as silver kilos and 100 oz bars, dealer premiums can be the range as low as $1.25 to $1.50 per troy ounce above spot silver.

Silver premiums have not been this low in several years making this a great opportunity to back up the truck and load it up.

Although the Federal Reserve has paused interest rate hikes for the time being, many analysts are speculating that the results of the policy hikes aren’t likely to be felt for twenty-four months or longer. The Fed began the string of rate hikes in March 2022 as a following two years of consistently high inflation impacting prices.

If analysts predictions are correct, the CPI, which includes consumer prices of essential everyday goods, including housing, gasoline and food, isn’t likely to show meaningful decreases until the first quarter of 2024 or beyond.

JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon continues to repeat his dire prediction of an extended period of stagflation.

Stagflation is an economic term used to describe a situation in which an economy experiences stagnant growth, high unemployment, and high inflation simultaneously. This combination is particularly troubling for policymakers because the usual tools to combat inflation, like raising interest rates or reducing government spending, can exacerbate unemployment and further hinder economic growth. While measures to boost the economy, like lowering interest rates or increasing government spending, can worsen inflation.

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Silver Bars of the Atocha

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The Atocha was a famous Spanish treasure galleon that we by the full name of “Nuestra Señora de Atocha”, Our Lady of Atocha. The Atocha was laden with a vast cargo of gold, silver, emeralds, and other valuable items from the New World, destined for Spain. These treasures were accumulated from the wealth of the Spanish colonies in the Americas.

On September 6, 1622, the Atocha was caught in a severe hurricane as it was sailing from Havana, Cuba, to Spain. The ship was driven onto a coral reef and sank, taking down most of its 265 crew members and passengers, as well as its precious cargo.

Shortly after the shipwreck, Spanish salvagers tried to locate and recover the Atocha’s treasure but had little success. The location of the wreck remained a mystery for centuries.

The exact inventory of the Atocha is extensive, but the majority of the Atocha’s cargo consisted of silver. According to historical records there were 1,038 silver bars and over 255,000 silver coins, mostly consisting of “pieces of eight” that were minted in the Americas and used as a global trade currency during the era.  The silver coins had been hand-stamped at mints in Potosí, Lima, La Plata, Mexico City and Santa Fe de Bogotá.

The silver bars found in the wreck of the Atocha were each massive and all had a purity greater than 99%. Each ingot was formed by pouring more than 80 pounds of silver into a casting mold. As soon as the ingot cooled, it was struck with a serial number and stamped with the fineness, the same information would be listed on the ship’s manifest. Over 900 silver bars were listed on the ships manifest and many of the bars were mined and processed in upper Peru (at Potosí or Oruro).

Other marks were sometimes added by shipmasters and other officials as the bar progressed on its journey to Spain.

There was also an estimate of over 7,175 ounces of gold, in the form of at least 160 gold bars and discs, as well as a significant number of gold coins.

In addition to precious metals, the ship carried a considerable quantity of rough and worked emeralds amongst its cargo, with some of exceptional quality and size. The emeralds came from the Muzo mines in Colombia.

In 1985, treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his team made international headlines by discovering the main wreckage site of the Atocha just off Marquasas Key, west of Key West in the Florida Keys.

The extensive recovery operation led by Mel Fisher recovered a significant portion of the Atocha’s treasures, but many believe that there’s still more to be found.

The find resulted in the recovery of an estimated $400 million worth of coins, jewelry, and other artifacts. This made it one of the most valuable shipwreck finds in history.

The discovery of the Atocha’s treasure led to legal disputes between Mel Fisher’s team and the state of Florida. Eventually, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Fisher, granting his company, Treasure Salvors, Inc., ownership of the shipwreck and its cargo.

The artifacts and treasure from the Atocha offer a unique glimpse into the past and the extensive wealth and trade of the Spanish Empire during the 17th century and its discovery has spurred additional interest in shipwreck diving and the quest for sunken treasure.

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Why Many Investors Prefer Silver Over Gold

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Investing in precious metals is a big commitment. The notion of taking a portion of your cash savings buying a physical asset goes against the mainstream narrative.

The Federal Reserve has announced that the FedNow service is NOT a CBDC. Most “conspiracy theorists” are suggesting that the Fed may not be telling the truth. Luckily, a few states like Florida and Texas have efforts to reject any fed issued digital token.

More people want precious metals as a store of value in lieu of cash and deciding which is the best metal to buy can be a laborious choice. Ideally, having a balanced portfolio that is diverse with a portion in both gold and silver, alongside traditional investments, can provide extra assurance to cover many unexpected financial scenarios.

Silver is Cheaper Per Ounce

The most obvious reason many investors prefer to buy silver is the enormous price gap per ounce. The average per ounce premium is often higher on silver as a percentage of the price.

However, just like with the stock markets, the commodities markets also have bull and bear periods where the returns on silver can shine or tarnish.

For example, at the start of the pandemic in 2020, the price per ounce of silver hit a low of $11.77 per ounce. In three years, silver is already trading up more than 100%.

Silver coins and bars

Gold prices have been trading at record highs in recent weeks. Rumors have been circulating for weeks about an upcoming announcement from the BRICS summit in South Africa related to a new gold-backed reserve currency.

Easier to Liquidate

This has some analysts continuing to suggest that gold prices will continue to climb higher as central banks in many emerging economies continue adding gold to their reserves.

A portfolio containing many smaller silver coins, such as Britannias or 1 ounce silver bars is naturally more convenient to sell than larger bars or a full ounce of gold.

Silver stacking is far more popular than most people realize. Many find it to be a convenient and effective way to set aside a little bit of cash each week or month.

As a physical asset, it’s a little more difficult to spend than cash and easy to keep stashed at home is available in a variety of formats that span from naturally fractional junk silver to larger kilogram and 100 ounce silver bars.

There are many options, both locally and online that make selling silver easy when the time comes. Whether it’s for an unexpected emergency repair or to raise some cash for a new venture.

While selling a portion of silver coins is a straightforward process, it’s not as easy or practical to cut a gold bar in half.

Growing Industrial Consumption

Silver is consumed by various industries in considerably greater quantities than other precious metals. Although undeniably an excellent store of value, silver is also one of the best conductors of electricity and is used everything from iPhones and other consumer devices to solar panels and EV batteries. According to statistics released since was used in smartphone manufacturing.

The largest growth in consumption industrial consumption continues to be driven by globalist climate change and green energy initiatives. Global statistics on solar panel manufacturing shows consistent year over year growth likely to continue based on the 2030 narratives.

Renewable energies represents an area where many see potential for continued increases in consumption. Compared to other metals, silver is relatively scarce in nature. There are very few naturally occurring silver ore deposits.

Most raw silver is mined as a by-product of other metals such as lead, copper and gold, which makes the mining of these other metals relatively more important.

Medical Applications

Silver plays a huge role in medical technology and with natural antibiotic properties. The invention of x-rays, MRI and other medical imaging technologies would not have been possible without silver.

Silver bromide is a chemical compound that is sensitive to light and plays a key role in X-Ray and photographic films.

Silver plays many hidden crucial roles in countless ways throughout our everyday lives. Around half of all silver mined annually is consumed during the production of over 3000 various technologies including integrated circuits, medical radiology equipment, water purification, photographic imaging and even explosives.

Silver is Undervalued

The gold-silver ratio is a great way of keeping track of silver’s fluctuations and its current value relative to gold. It demonstrates the relationship between their respective values and can be a way investors spot potential opportunities.

Over the long-term, the price of silver has steadily increased relative to the dollar due mainly to inflation.

Recent CPI data indicates that inflation continues to rise at a steady rate while the data used by the Fed in decision making lags behind the reality that consumers face each day.

Most countries fill their reserve vaults with gold, there are a few countries holding significant silver stockpiles such as Peru, Mexico and China.

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Storing Silver at Home

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Silver bullion typically does not need special treatment when it comes to storing at home. Many people are able to store their silver in a basic hiding place somewhere around their house.

Finding a place in your home to store silver does not need to be complicated. Simple is better, most of the time.

Some common hiding places that people choose may include places where other valuables are stored. Such as the drawer of a nightstand or desk, a bookshelf or a lockbox.

There are many options for storing 1 oz silver rounds at home. One of the easiest option is a plastic storage tube designed to store silver coins and rounds that has the same (or similar) diameters as the coins. These are similar to the plastic coin tubes that are used by the US Mint for silver eagle packaging.

Storage tubes are made from molded plastic that is specifically shaped and sized to fit specific coins and rounds based on their dimensions.

Many of the modern 1 oz silver rounds that are released by private mints are 39 mm in diameter. You can measure the specific silver rounds in your collection to ascertain the specific dimensions. Finding storage tubes that are the right size for your silver rounds is as easy as searching on Amazon or eBay.

Many reputable coin supply vendors sell their products through various online marketplaces to make it easy for collectors and investors to easily locate the items needed to protect your investment.

Plastic coin tubes are also available in rectangular shape that are designed specifically to hold up to twenty 1 oz silver bars. The compact size and shape of these coin tubes make it easy to store up to 20 oz silver in a small amount of space virtually anywhere in your home.

At Home Safe or Lockbox

Over time, many silver investors will look for better, more secure storage for their investment.

Firearms owners may already own a safe to keep firearms secure. It’s a logical and practical choice to store silver alongside of firearms at home.

With most 10 oz silver bars being of a similar size and shape as a deck of playing cards, a couple of them can be neatly stacked alongside boxes of ammo.

Various other options are plentiful for those new to precious metals that may not already have a gun safe at home.

For a secure installation at home, a safe should be mounted to part of the foundation of the house. This is not always possible due to the many variations in construction. Many will, instead, use bolts and mounts to secure the safe to the floor or wall framing.

Some silver stackers may even set up a diversion safe or a honeypot in a spot that would be obvious to thieves looking for a quick score. While keeping the real shiny stashed away in a less obvious location or in a diversion safe of some sort.

Diversion Safes

Diversion safes come in a variety of disguises that look like ordinary household objects. Most often used as a clandestine way of storing herbs and other medicines, these are also a great way for investors to keep their investment secure without having to invest in a large safe.

One of the first things to come to mind for many is the simple soda can safe. They are a basic and simple way to store silver in your refrigerator.

Other options include picture frames, book safes, hanging safes, in-wall safe disguised as an electric outlet. You can find hundreds of simple and effective options for hiding a couple of ounces in plain site.

It is a good idea when storing silver at home to be prepared. It doesn’t take long very long to fill a small safe with shiny metal. So when you are investing in a safe it is a good idea to plan ahead.

After a while, most investors will develop some diversity to their collection that may include a mix of silver bars of different sizes, 1 oz silver rounds and coins.

Ammo cans, either metal or plastic are a good size for storing various size silver bars and coin tubes together. They are strong, durable, air-tight, waterproof, lockable and are easy to keep hidden away.

They’re also portable and easy to grab if you need to pack up in a hurry. However, they’re also easy for a thief to grab unless they are secured.

While ammo cans are a good option in some scenarios, they are still not match for a good safe.

When buying a safe, you should consider your future plans. How much silver do you plan to buy per week? per month? per year? Will you trade silver for gold in the future?

A good home safe can be a significant investment that you don’t want to find yourself repeating every six months to a year.

There are a variety of consumer-grade home safes that can provide adequate protection for most investors that can be suitable for storing up to a few hundred ounces of silver.

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Preparing for the Next Dollar Crisis

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The American dollar system is broken. All of the major swings in the economy over the last few years that have been driven by political and policy-based initiatives have led to a decline in global trust of the American dollar. The ongoing banking crisis makes it more evident.

The breakneck pace at which the global banking system is becoming multipolar is supported by central banks continuing their gold stacking efforts into first quarter.

JP Morgan Chase is among the largest banks in the world. CEO Jamie Dimon made headlines last year with dire warnings about the economy.

In March of this year, JP Morgan Lead Strategist Marko Kolanovic suggested that as investors lose confidence the possibility of a Minsky moment in the markets could lead to a sudden crash in across some sectors.

Reports from the IMF and World Gold Council show the largest purchases in the first two months were Singapore (51.4 tonnes), Turkey (45.5 tonnes), China (39.8 tonnes), Russia (31.1 tonnes) and India (2.8 tonnes). 

Very few countries have reported a reduction in their central bank gold holdings. However, many reports show various countries have increased their yuan currency holdings.

Some current trends suggest the Chinese yuan is gaining a foothold because of some recent lucrative trade deals, such as those with Saudi Arabia and Brazil.

Reports from the Russian government have made the allusion that the basket currency will provide support for countries that may be rich in natural resources and could include fertile soil, rare earth elements, and of course, precious metals including gold, silver and platinum.

Countries from across the southern hemisphere are expressing interest in joining the trade agreements outside of the dollar currency. The BRICS treaty countries are purportedly preparing for the announcement of a commodity based basket currency in South Africa at their next conference in August.

The G7 was long considered the global financial powerhouse of countries that set many of our current standards since 1975. Data reported in March shows that the BRICS nations combined have overtaken the G7 in GDP, with trend lines suggesting that separation could continue through 2030.

Various reports in recent weeks have suggested that the upcoming FedNow service expected to launch this summer is the first step in a Fed role of out a nationwide CDBC. Of course, the Fed has responded to the rumors with an announcement that the payment system is not a digital currency.

The IMF, a cartel controlled by member banks, has announced that they’ve received unprecedented interest from their member central banks with more than 30 countries asking for help fast-tracking CBDC implementations.

A private organization that advocates on behalf of the IMF called the DMCA recently announced their own CBDC, seemingly backed by the banking cartel.

The Universal Monetary Unit (UMU), or Unicoin that is represented with the ANSI Character, Ü. The IMF says that it can be used to transact in any legal tender settlement currency. It is also fully programmable and can be used to enforce regulations dealing with the international banking system.

The press release claims that it is legally a money commodity but does not specify where it is legal.

The DMCA hopes that central banks will adopt its Unicoin standard when implementing their own national digital currency initiatives.

More investors are beginning to view investing in precious metals as a way to preserve their money for the coming financial hurricane.

Wage growth has tumbled, thousands have been laid off, unemployment levels have started to rise and we are seeing more signs that we are headed for a major recession.

Gold prices continue chasing towards record highs with spot price closing the week at $2,005 per ounce. Silver spot price closed at $25.43 per troy ounce.

Having a diverse mix of gold and silver in your portfolio can offer some financial protection against uncertainty in other markets.

Having a stack at home also helps you to gain the financial independence to be your own bank.

Premiums at online precious metals retailers vary. Whether you’re looking to stack fractional gold, 10 oz silver bars or other physical bullion investments, FindBullionPrices.com can help you find the best deals.

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One Hundred Ounce Silver Bars

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Precious metals have long been trusted by investors as store of value and wealth.  When looking for the most cost effective way to buy silver. For many stackers, 100 ounce bars are one of the most cost effective ways for investors hold physical silver.

These bars often have the lowest premium per ounce over spot price and are a great way to bring peace of mind during times of economic and political restlessness. A variety of both private and sovereign mint 100 oz silver bars are in stock and ready to ship from many online bullion dealers.

Comparing the features, dealer premiums and shipping costs of the many available options is one of the ways to find the best deal on what fits your needs.

100 oz Silver Bars 

Serious precious metals stackers choose 100 oz bars because they will often have the lowest dealer premium per ounce. This makes them ideal for adding weight to your silver portfolio when stacking silver.

Some leading private mint one hundred ounce silver bars include those manufactured by Asahi Refining, Scottsdale Minting, Royal Canadiam Mint, Valcambi, Germania and others. Some designs and manufacturers may offer some rarity and collectability which could have an impact on premiums down the road.

A 100 ounce silver bar is an investment vehicle that can be utilized to stack your wealth at home while taking up only a relatively small storage space.

Each mint works within the conditions of their affiliation organizations certifications, such as LBMA, to ensure that these silver bars adhere to the outlined specifications. There is no standard size for a silver bar of this weight class and the dimensions will vary between manufacturers.

However, each 100 ounce silver bar contains almost 7 pounds of silver!

Secondary market 100 oz Silver bars are circulated. Which means that they were at some point sold back to a bullion dealer, pawn shop, local coin store or other exchange. Secondary market precious metals, sometimes refered to as “Dealer’s Choice”, typically have lower premiums than when they were newly minted and make an ideal choice as a store of wealth.

All hundred ounce silver bars are stamped with their weight and purity and include the manufacturers hallmark.

Industrial Demand for Silver

Precious metals and other commodities are always in demand by many industries. They play a significant role as components in many of the things that are part of our everyday lives.

Silver is one of the most efficient conductors of electricity. Many everyday electronic devices, such as cell phones, computers, solar panels and electric vehicles are all made various amounts of silver embedded in the circuitry. There is roughly 1/3 of a gram of silver (0.34g) inside the average iPhone.

While each device only has a small amount, considering that Apple has sold over 1.5 billion devices since 2007. When added up, that’s 510,000,000 grams or 16,396,881 troy ounces of silver.

In perspective, iPhone manufacturing alone has consumed more than 464,843 kilos of silver.

Already, more than 5.3 billion discarded smartphones that have been piling up in landfills as e-waste. With at least another 151 million being thrown away each year. The majority of that silver will likely never be recovered and is likely gone forever.

Today, advanced wound dressings and ointments are compounded with elemental silver and silver ions. The anti-bacterial properties have been used to treat severe burns and other skin ailments for more than 6,000 years.

Silver also plays a prominent role in medical imaging, x-rays and other radiographic imaging.

According to Statista, the jewelry industry consumed more than 202 million troy ounces worldwide in 2022 alone, more than 6,250 tons.

Generic 100 oz Silver Bars

The price of silver is driven by the spot futures markets. Those markets are where brokers for various industries buy silver with the expectation that it will be mined, refined and delivered by a specific future date.

Many modern industries are responsible for consumption of silver that will never be recovered or recycled. This will compound and effect the rarity and availability of silver and drive prices up over time.

Value investors look to the secondary market when searching for the lowest premiums on 100 oz silver bars. These are typically generic, private mint bars that have been bought and sold multiple times after being bought when they were freshly minted. Signs of wear, tear and patina can be indicative of its age and it’s common that most of these bars will have some dings, dents and scratches.

Some investors looking to preserve spending power consider generic 100 oz silver bars to be the perfect investment item. It’s often used as a hedge against high inflation because they maintain their intrinsic value.