Generic Silver

[Highlander]

Last year for a period I got into stacking generic silver like Apmex coins and bars. At the time I also stacked some cooler coins like the wolves, grizzlies, pandas, etc. although in smaller volume.

I am starting to regret stacking the generic bars and coins. Don't get me wrong, it's still pure silver but I look at what my wolves and grizzlies have done over spot and wonder if it's worth it to trade in all of my generic for more moose and current limited run coins. Do you guys think it's worth it to start trading up into more numistic coins?

[harbl_the_cat]

(02-26-2012 02:01 AM)Highlander Wrote:  Last year for a period I got into stacking generic silver like Apmex coins and bars. At the time I also stacked some cooler coins like the wolves, grizzlies, pandas, etc. although in smaller volume.

I am starting to regret stacking the generic bars and coins. Don't get me wrong, it's still pure silver but I look at what my wolves and grizzlies have done over spot and wonder if it's worth it to trade in all of my generic for more moose and current limited run coins. Do you guys think it's worth it to start trading up into more numistic coins?

I think it's a good idea to diversify your holdings. If the semi-numismatic bullion has a significant premium because of numismatic demand, odds are your average local bullion dealer won't give you as much as a collector for them.

I don't think you want to end up in a situation where you want to take some profit quickly, but your local bullion dealer won't give you as much as much as you think it's worth.

The scenario I can think of is a rapid runup in price like in 2011. My local dealer wasn't giving much more for the Canadian Timberwolves over the Canadian Maples (maybe $5 more when silver was $49), but now the Wolves are selling as high as $65 each.

IMO, the semi-numi's, I think are more of a long term savings. Generic silver is for liquit transactions and short term profit taking. That's why I think it prudent to own some of each.

[.9999]

harbl the cat is right.
I would just keep them. When you need some cash you can sell the gen's and save the semi-numis.
The Canadian mooooooose is nice.

[juslen]

(02-26-2012 02:13 AM)harbl_the_cat Wrote:  

(02-26-2012 02:01 AM)Highlander Wrote:  Last year for a period I got into stacking generic silver like Apmex coins and bars. At the time I also stacked some cooler coins like the wolves, grizzlies, pandas, etc. although in smaller volume.

I am starting to regret stacking the generic bars and coins. Don't get me wrong, it's still pure silver but I look at what my wolves and grizzlies have done over spot and wonder if it's worth it to trade in all of my generic for more moose and current limited run coins. Do you guys think it's worth it to start trading up into more numistic coins?

I think it's a good idea to diversify your holdings. If the semi-numismatic bullion has a significant premium because of numismatic demand, odds are your average local bullion dealer won't give you as much as a collector for them.

I don't think you want to end up in a situation where you want to take some profit quickly, but your local bullion dealer won't give you as much as much as you think it's worth.

The scenario I can think of is a rapid runup in price like in 2011. My local dealer wasn't giving much more for the Canadian Timberwolves over the Canadian Maples (maybe $5 more when silver was $49), but now the Wolves are selling as high as $65 each.

IMO, the semi-numi's, I think are more of a long term savings. Generic silver is for liquit transactions and short term profit taking. That's why I think it prudent to own some of each.

Excellent points. I am diversified myself, with 40% silver Kennedy's, 90% silver dimes, Peace Dollars, Morgan, quarters, and then I have various rounds and a few 10 oz bars. Most of my bullion coins are American Eagles and then I have coins from the Canadian and Perth mints along with some Chinese Pandas. The "junk" silver will sell really quick for spot value, silver dimes and fractional coins would serve well as barter items. Even some of the rounds are very beautiful, and although they are not rare because they do not have a limited mint, I feel they could have a slight premium based on the fact that they aren't "junk." In many ways, my silver collection is somewhat of a hobby, I bought silver instead of beer, lol. I'm not real concerned about whether or not I can sell for a higher premium. It's just nice to have my savings in something other than digital or printed dollars.

[nigerian prince]

i have the base of my collection in maples and now im getting into the semi numis, next buys are going to be moose and takus, i see the semi numis as a low risk/ moderate reward type play

[Donato1]

Great response Harbl_the_Cat. Well said, diversification is critical to maximize the potential returns and also have some for liquidation. Everyone will agree bartering is best accomplished with the generic while the semi-numismatic/numismatic coins are sold with a premium.

(02-26-2012 02:13 AM)harbl_the_cat Wrote:  

(02-26-2012 02:01 AM)Highlander Wrote:  Last year for a period I got into stacking generic silver like Apmex coins and bars. At the time I also stacked some cooler coins like the wolves, grizzlies, pandas, etc. although in smaller volume.

I am starting to regret stacking the generic bars and coins. Don't get me wrong, it's still pure silver but I look at what my wolves and grizzlies have done over spot and wonder if it's worth it to trade in all of my generic for more moose and current limited run coins. Do you guys think it's worth it to start trading up into more numistic coins?

I think it's a good idea to diversify your holdings. If the semi-numismatic bullion has a significant premium because of numismatic demand, odds are your average local bullion dealer won't give you as much as a collector for them.

I don't think you want to end up in a situation where you want to take some profit quickly, but your local bullion dealer won't give you as much as much as you think it's worth.

The scenario I can think of is a rapid runup in price like in 2011. My local dealer wasn't giving much more for the Canadian Timberwolves over the Canadian Maples (maybe $5 more when silver was $49), but now the Wolves are selling as high as $65 each.

IMO, the semi-numi's, I think are more of a long term savings. Generic silver is for liquit transactions and short term profit taking. That's why I think it prudent to own some of each.

[Idaho Silver]

This, available from Provident Metals is beautiful, cheep, and best of all low cost shipping in about three days.    

[victor kruger]

I like minted purely as they are more recognisable etc and often as cheap if not cheaper than generic rounds.

If going for a base id go with the cheapest option to start, mine have been phillis, maples and 1KG bars. When thats done you can get going on everything else, numismatic art bars whatever you wish or takes your fancy, not going to even begin telling people what collectors silver to get thats all up to you. It would have to be quite a special numismatic for me to pay over the usual by much more than a few dollars. Ive noticed the price on a lot of semi numis drops the very next year. Mooses I think will not be a big deal, everywhere I look I see monster boxes. I can pick them up at about $ .30 in singles over and above a regular maple. I probably will pick some up as the extra cost is so minor but ill be surprised if they ever go for the likes of a wolf or even a regular panda. Cougers I can also get for the same premium as mooses so ive picked up a few more rolls. Last year they were $1.50 over maples in Europe but not any more.

Btw I picked up a 2oz Lunar gold dragon over the December smackdown for exactly the same price as 2 1 oz gold maples. The silver Lunar dragons however didnt budge a $ other than the normal drop and no way could I justify paying double the spot for what i consider is not really a very special numismatic. I am reminded of my father and his stamp collection. Ok the occasional one was worth having but all the regular collectors series were good for about a decade but once the bottom dropped out of stamp collections the collectors series were mostly worth face value. People blew lots of money on collections that became no more than face value and a lot used them for postage after that and why not ?

If your in it for the metal and as a collector fine if its just a safe haven your looking for just stick to the lowest premium minted within 2 or 3 dollars of the mass runs

[AgShaman]

(02-26-2012 02:01 AM)Highlander Wrote:  Last year for a period I got into stacking generic silver like Apmex coins and bars. At the time I also stacked some cooler coins like the wolves, grizzlies, pandas, etc. although in smaller volume.

I am starting to regret stacking the generic bars and coins. Don't get me wrong, it's still pure silver but I look at what my wolves and grizzlies have done over spot and wonder if it's worth it to trade in all of my generic for more moose and current limited run coins. Do you guys think it's worth it to start trading up into more numistic coins?

Most of my stack is generics....I don't regret it one bit. The Holidays and around New Years is the best time to buy generics. I deal with a pretty good LCS....and if you buy in larger quantities....you can easily get 1 oz. round and bars for .50 cents over spot or less....which is much better than the online dealers pricing....save for maybe Tulving.

This is a PM bull market....it's all about the ounces before it gets outta hand and prices people out before they can get their stacks built. Premiums with numi's and special offerings will slow down the stack building process IMO....so I believe generics should make up a portion in one's stack. There will be ways to restructure your stack later....right now I think it's all about the ounces.

   

[Mojofabulous]

(03-27-2012 12:59 AM)AgShaman Wrote:  

(02-26-2012 02:01 AM)Highlander Wrote:  Last year for a period I got into stacking generic silver like Apmex coins and bars. At the time I also stacked some cooler coins like the wolves, grizzlies, pandas, etc. although in smaller volume.

I am starting to regret stacking the generic bars and coins. Don't get me wrong, it's still pure silver but I look at what my wolves and grizzlies have done over spot and wonder if it's worth it to trade in all of my generic for more moose and current limited run coins. Do you guys think it's worth it to start trading up into more numistic coins?

Most of my stack is generics....I don't regret it one bit. The Holidays and around New Years is the best time to buy generics. I deal with a pretty good LCS....and if you buy in larger quantities....you can easily get 1 oz. round and bars for .50 cents over spot or less....which is much better than the online dealers pricing....save for maybe Tulving.

This is a PM bull market....it's all about the ounces before it gets outta hand and prices people out before they can get their stacks built. Premiums with numi's and special offerings will slow down the stack building process IMO....so I believe generics should make up a portion in one's stack. There will be ways to restructure your stack later....right now I think it's all about the ounces.

I wouldn't recommend selling your silver to rebuy numismatic plays. Instead just start saving money for good deals in the future. Like the 1/2 oz dragons that are on sale right now. The moose are pretty but I just don't see those developing a crazy premium. There is something missing with them, imo. I own 7 and that's plenty for me. The retarded cougar looks horrible, I bought 1 just to confirm that it looks horrible and physical possession of the coin confirms it's horribleness. If you can get your hands on some 2012 1oz pandas for$ 8 over spot that might be worth considering. The 2012 taku at gainesvillecoins will have a nice premium in 2-3 years I think. Those coins haven't taken off yet, but they will.

[slow to learn]

IMHO silver is silver generics have the least premium allowing you to buy more silver over the long run! I believe that things are going to get very bad in the near future and all silver will be judged by its melt value only! Keep stacking the least expensive silver you can buy! I purchase mostly all junk silver or 90% silver coins! I have found this to be the least exspensive silver out there!