New to silver. I have already picked up some 2013 ASE. I would like to a tube of ASE and maybe Maples each year to just have that years coin. Now looking to get most ounces for lowest price for the remainder of 2013. Looking at 1oz and 10oz variety Talk to be about mining companies. I know Johnson Matthey and Engelhard seem to have the most name recognition. What about NTR (Texas based) OPM (Ohio based) Sunshine APMEX A-Mark Scottsdale Assume two situations 1. Economy goes down the drain and you need your silver to barter 2. Silver prices have a huge jump to record levels and you want to cash in. Are any of the above worth a premium? After JM and Engel is everyone else in the next tier?
Harder to get rid of bars - buyer is going to want to drill them to make sure it's not a silver plated lead bar. Assuming your scenario - in a barter situation, likely only very wealthy would be interested in bars or they'd be used for large purchases like land. I guess for number two see above - buyer will want to verify the bar is real. Less premium, less liquidity.
Scottsdale and Apmex carry a decent premium, but outside of that its mostly spot pricing or less people will be offering to you.
NTR gets above spot in the Metroplex because I think they are part of the same company that owns Gold & Silver Exchange.
I like the scottdale myself have never had any issue reselling them and they make some sharp looking rounds and bars.
I love Scottsdale. They really do hold there premiums on the secondary market and they have an amazing assortment to choose from. You should also check out Johnson Matthey.
I love my NTR bars. They're super inexpensive and look decent too. Not that looks should matter when it comes to bullion but we all know that it does. I get my NTR bars for spot + $1/oz
