I've never gotten into investing in bullion, and I would never do so by buying commemorative one ounce coins. Rather, I'd buy the plain silver bullion bars. I understand some companies are better than others. Why are they? More or less pure? Can someone provide a list of companies from whom to buy and to avoid?
I'm not really sure what you're trying to accomplish. If you're looking to buy cheap silver bars, small sizes, 1 to 10oz, then just buy from a reputable company and bars that are of a recognized manufacturer. OPM, NTR, NWTM, Silvertowne and others are recognized and cheap.
Ummm....yeah, the point being I don't know who is "reputable" or "recognized manufacturer," hence why I asked you to tell me.
Ok, I gave you a small list of recognized bars. As far as places to buy, Silvertowne, Provident, JMBullion seem to be on the lower end of total costs, cost plus shipping, for the generic items. You may want to go to their websites and check them out, do some comparison shopping and go from there. You could also go here, but there are some companies on there I don't buy from. https://comparesilverprices.com/ Lastly, if you're a savvy buyer and know the products, you could check out ebay and try for a "score". Using ebux, cash back credit cards and other purchase savings vehicles you might save a little money. Be very careful when buying off ebay, there are scams on there, so it might be best to stay away unless you're well versed in what you're buying...
Thanks for those. Next question: Why does it seem poured bars sell for slightly higher than minted ones?
It's more labor intensive. If you're looking to just buy silver at lowest cost, those 10oz bars at $.65 over with free shipping at Provident are the best deal going that I know of at the moment. Poured bars tend to be more of a collector type thing, if that's what you're looking for, there are plenty available, but I'm not really sure they're worth it. I have some of these, but I've paid up for them, mostly because I have plenty of ounces of cheap stuff. It's a friend of mine that owns this and be careful, they're addictive... http://www.yeagerspouredsilver.com/
Thanks. I collect coins for the collector value and the hobby aspect of it, but as for bullion, I'd just be after the investment. That's why in my original post I mentioned not going after bullion coins, "rounds," etc. You pay more for the artwork when I'm just after the intrinsic value.
