Silver

Properties

• •Chemical symbol Ag, atomic number 47
• •The most electrically and thermally conductive of all metals
• •Highly reflective, used in mirrors and optical coatings
• •Softer and more abundant than gold, making it more affordable per ounce

Uses

Silver's conductivity makes it essential in electronics, solar panels, and batteries. It is also used in medicine for its antimicrobial properties and historically in photography. Alongside its industrial role, silver has circulated as currency for thousands of years.

Why investors hold it

Silver offers a lower entry price than gold, appealing to investors who want precious metals exposure with a smaller initial outlay. Its dual role as an industrial and monetary metal means its price is influenced by both economic growth and safe haven demand, which can make it more volatile than gold.

Common bullion forms

• •Coins (American Silver Eagle, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, and others)
• •Bars from 1 ounce up to 100 ounce
• •Pre 1965 US junk silver coinage and privately minted rounds