How do you trust silver bars?

I only buy Silver Eagles and Maple Leafs. I feel very confident of their silver content to be what they say it is.

How do you trust all the silver bars being sold to be what they say they are?
Will others really trust it the way they do ASEs and Maple Leafs?

 

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I do believe silver bars are just as trust worthy. The silver institute said that investment bars doubled last year.

 

silver bars dont really lie to me. they have told some tall tales but thats about it.

 

I appreciate the response.
I guess it really just comes down to trust.

 

Tall tales are better because there is a lesson in there somewhere.

 

I have thought about buying some, but the appeal for a coin out weighs my desire to buy a bar. Plus coins are harder to fake than bars which makes it a better investment for me personally.

 

That is my thinking also.

 

The premium on bars can be smaller. I like to save money where I can. Plus they make wonderful projectiles in a home defense situation.

 

I trust the silver content because of where I buy them . Buy from a reputable seller . But I do like 90% silver coins and ASE the best .

 

I guess that depends on the bar , some are just as intricate as a coin . Then you have to look at the best counterfeit coins . Most can't tell the difference .

 

Yes, you are correct about the premiums being smaller usually.

 

this is why I left bullion and went back to coins.., return was better.

 

Know/trust your seller
Just like coins know your dimensions and designs.

 

I buy the engelhard old pour 10 oz bars. They are smaller bars so I feel less likely to counterfeit, they are struck with unique serial numbers, and there is a rough but consistent hand made feel to them that is vintage that I love.

But I do buy way more coins than I do bars.

 

I find that the larger the bar, the greater the chance of getting lead-filled chinese counterfeits. One ounce bars however are very safe and very liquid. I use my one ounce bars for bartering when I have to and keep my Silver Maples, Brittanias, and Philharmonics.

 

I appreciate the answers and conversation on this subject.

 

Well, you have to be careful to differentiate between what they would label bars. I would imagine their bars number includes a lot of bulk silver held for industrial inventory, not just small bars held by investors for long term appreciation. Without clarity of what this bars number is counting, I am not sure what conclusion you can draw from it.

 

lol. I conclude people buy bars just as much as coins. And I personally buy both.

 

The premium (spread) between bars and coins is usually the same.
My local dealer has a $3 spread on all silver.
For bars, he sells at $1.50 over spot and buys at $1.50 under spot.
For Silver Eagles, he sells for $3 over spot and buys at spot.
I don't know how other dealers may work their spreads.

 

I think buying coins is a little more safer with bars you just dont know whats
Inside, have heard some horror stories !!