There is a good case IMO to have 1 to 3% of net worth in physical metals. Even if you are not a doomsday prepper hyperinflation type. Adjusted for inflation, silver peaked at $150 in 1980 and is now $17.65. It was also up to $50 about 5 years ago. So it seems pretty cheap
I mostly got mine from ebay. You cant trust randoms on ebay, but there are plenty of old and trusted pro sellers. if you sign up for ebays spam list and get a cash back CC, you can get silver at spot and gold 3% under spot during ebay bay bucks promos.
I am not a collector but it is fun to get gold and silver coins that are up to 200 years old. Late 1800’s gold coins, which were mass produced and used as currency, can be had for melt price using this method and look really cool. Early 1800’s will never be at spot price, but I got two gold coins with Napolean Bonaparte on them from 1811 and 1812 for the $230 spot price plus about $30. It was worth it for the coolness factor, it is the oldest thing I own and nearly flawless.
In general Ive never regretted buying asset classes near historical lows, and PMs are above their very low 90s prices but otherwise cheaper than normal. So far my profit on $16 silver and $1200 gold from 2015-2016 has been less than stocks or real eatate, but it is more fun and limited to 1% of net worth. Once you hold for 5+ years, physical buying even with transaction costs is cheaper than ETFs.
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