For the commonly available silver coins, Provident Metals is the best place I have found, as pumpkinpie said. Their prices are good, their shipping is reasonable, their service is good and their selection is decent.
You might try your local coin store (LCS). Prices vary wildly between dealers, but you don't have to pay shipping or worry about shipping problems. My local coin store (LCS) sells American Silver Eagles (ASE) for $4.50 over spot. At that price, it takes about 8-10 for me to make up for the shipping cost of ordering online. To give you an idea of how prices vary, here's what three different dealers in Montana charge: Helena: $3 over spot Bozeman: $4.50 over spot Billings: $10 over spot
I agree Provident is top notch based on what I've heard from others around the way, but I haven't bought from them. I like Gainesville Coins a lot, and have gone through them before. They are pretty comparable on price. Another affordable place you might check is Goldmart, but I've heard they tack on charges with either shipping or credit cards, so you might want to verify that.
I would just buy locally, depending what your dealer charges. Around here, ASE are about spot plus $5. After shipping charges, any online savings would be eaten up.
Provident Metals shipping is cheaper than the sales tax here if I buy 5 or more, and with cheaper prices than my local dealer I'll be looking in them. Thanks for the link and info pumkinpie.
APMEX is selling ASE for $2.99 per spot right now. But no matter how many you buy you'll pay $12.95 s/h. Which is a bit much but I've had nothing but good transactions with them.
Mint Products, another very good company, has ASEs listed at $31.47. The good news is you get a free shipping code, if you take their survey.
Good point! I always forget about sales tax since we don't have it here in Montana. That can make quite a difference.
Just a note. Most of the online dealers list a cash price and that is the price if you're paying by check or money order. If you pay with a credit card they'll add up to 3% to the price of the items in your order. Provident adds it to the price of the item, Goldmart to the shipping. I placed my first order with Goldmart today and will let you know how it goes as far as shipping, quality and so forth. I have nothing but good things to say about Provident, so if you buy there you're in good hands, as every problem I've ever read about them having has been handled immediately and in a professional manner. I've also had good luck with mint products, just a little slower in the ship times.
Here in the "Land of 10,000 Taxes" we pay an extra $1 on every $15 spent. (about $2 per OZ silver, $115 per OZ gold.) Makes you want to order from out state.
