Silver Stacking for Beginners
Welcome to your silver stacking journey. Whether you have $50 or $5,000 to start, this guide will show you exactly what to buy, where to buy it, and how to build a solid silver position over time.
"Savers are losers. Save silver and gold, not paper dollars."
- Robert Kiyosaki
Getting Started Checklist
- Build an emergency fund first
3-6 months expenses in cash before serious stacking
- Set a monthly budget
Decide what you can consistently invest - $50, $100, $500/month
- Choose a reputable dealer
JM Bullion, SD Bullion, APMEX - compare prices before buying
- Plan your storage
Home safe, bank box, or private vault - have a plan before buying
- Start with sovereign coins
Maple Leafs or Eagles - build a liquid foundation first
Monthly Budget Recommendations
Whatever you can afford consistently is the right amount. Here's what to buy at different budget levels.
$50-100/month
1-2 oz of sovereign coins monthly
$100-250/month
2-5 oz mix of coins and occasional bars
$250-500/month
5-10 oz with emphasis on variety
$500+/month
10+ oz with bar focus for efficiency
Recommended First Purchases (In Order)
Follow this sequence to build a balanced, liquid silver position.
5-10 Canadian Silver Maple Leafs
Highest purity (.9999), reasonable premiums, globally recognized
5-10 American Silver Eagles
Most liquid and recognized coin in the world
10 oz Silver Bar (PAMP, RCM, or similar)
Lower premiums, good stepping stone to larger bars
$50-100 Face Value Constitutional Silver
Divisible, recognizable, historical value, barter-friendly
100 oz Silver Bar
Lowest premiums, serious stacking milestone
Where to Buy Silver
Online Dealers
Pros
- +Best prices
- +Wide selection
- +Easy comparison
- +Buyback programs
Cons
- -Shipping costs for small orders
- -Wait for delivery
Examples:
JM Bullion, SD Bullion, APMEX, Money Metals Exchange
Best for: Most purchases, best value
Local Coin Shops
Pros
- +Immediate possession
- +Negotiate on rare pieces
- +Build relationship
- +No shipping
Cons
- -Higher premiums
- -Limited selection
- -Quality varies
Examples:
Local dealers - search 'coin shop near me'
Best for: Small purchases, urgent needs, learning
Mints Direct
Pros
- +Guaranteed authentic
- +First access to new releases
Cons
- -Often higher premiums
- -Limited to their products
Examples:
US Mint, Royal Canadian Mint
Best for: Collectors, guaranteed authenticity
Common Beginner Mistakes
Chasing numismatic coins too early
Why it's bad: Premiums are high and value is subjective. Build bullion first.
Fix: Stick to bullion for your first 100+ oz. Numismatics come later if ever.
Buying from pawn shops or unknown sellers
Why it's bad: High risk of fakes and terrible prices.
Fix: Buy only from reputable dealers with buyback policies.
Timing the market
Why it's bad: Nobody can predict short-term moves. You'll miss dips waiting for 'the perfect time.'
Fix: Dollar-cost average: buy the same amount on a schedule regardless of price.
Ignoring storage and security
Why it's bad: If someone knows you have silver and where it is, you're a target.
Fix: Don't broadcast your stack. Consider safe deposit boxes or home safes.
Selling after small gains
Why it's bad: Transaction costs and taxes eat into small profits.
Fix: Think long-term (years, decades). Silver is a marathon, not a sprint.
Going all-in immediately
Why it's bad: You may need cash for emergencies and panic sell at losses.
Fix: Keep 3-6 months expenses in cash before serious stacking.
Stacking Milestones to Celebrate
First Major Milestone
You have a meaningful liquid position. Celebrate!
Serious Stacker
You're no longer a beginner. Time to start adding bars.
Monster Box Club
You could fill a monster box. Time for 100 oz bars.
Four-Figure Stacker
You have real wealth in physical silver. Impressive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much silver should a beginner buy?
Start with what you can afford without stress. A good first goal is 50-100 oz over your first year. Begin with $50-100/month if that fits your budget, buying 1-2 oz of sovereign coins each time. The key is consistency - regular small purchases add up. Don't go into debt or neglect emergency savings to buy silver.
What should I buy first when starting to stack silver?
Start with sovereign coins from government mints: Canadian Silver Maple Leafs (best value) or American Silver Eagles (most recognized). These are highly liquid, globally recognized, and harder to counterfeit. Avoid numismatic/collector coins and generic rounds until you have a foundation of 50+ oz in sovereign coins.
Is silver stacking a good investment?
Silver is best viewed as savings/insurance rather than a traditional investment. It preserves purchasing power over decades, provides a hedge against currency debasement, and is tangible wealth you can hold. However, silver is volatile short-term and doesn't pay dividends. Stack silver alongside, not instead of, diversified investments.
Where is the best place to buy silver for beginners?
Reputable online dealers offer the best prices and selection: JM Bullion, SD Bullion, APMEX, and Money Metals Exchange are popular choices. Look for dealers with buyback programs, good reviews, and transparent pricing. Local coin shops are good for learning and immediate possession but typically charge higher premiums.
How do I store silver safely?
Options include: 1) Home safe - bolt it to the floor, don't tell anyone, 2) Bank safe deposit box - secure but not insured and bank-hour access only, 3) Private vault storage - for large stacks, insured and secure. Never tell people about your stack. Spread across multiple locations if your stack is large. Consider a Silver IRA for tax-advantaged, professionally stored silver.
Consider a Silver IRA from Day One
Instead of stacking at home, consider a Silver IRA for tax-advantaged growth and professional storage. Augusta Precious Metals can help you start your silver journey the smart way.