When it comes to precious metals, silver (SI=F) is often overlooked. Compared to gold, it has a much lower price per ounce, so gold gets more attention. However, silver prices have surged over the past 10 years, driven by inflation worries, industrial demand, and economic uncertainty.
If you’re interested in investing in silver, understanding what investment options are available, the risks of investing in precious metals, and where to buy silver is key. Below is a complete guide on how to buy silver, including details you should know before you get started.
Silver prices rose from $14 per ounce in 2015 to over $72 per ounce by the end of 2025, an increase of 414%.
You can invest in silver by buying physical coins or bars, stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or by opening a silver individual retirement account (IRA).
Silver can serve as a hedge against inflation and a diversification tool, but prices can be volatile.
Silver prices fluctuate constantly based on global supply and demand. As with gold, silver is traded on commodity exchanges, and its price is quoted as price per troy ounce.
Silver’s price was steady for years, but has spiked over the past decade. Its performance in 2026 has continued to be impressive. As of March 16, 2026, silver’s price was $78.32, according to Kitco.
Silver’s price is based on several factors:
Inflation: Silver and the precious metals can act as a hedge against inflation. When the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar declines, investors typically allocate more money to other assets, such as silver, which can increase demand.
Industrial demand: Silver is widely used in manufacturing, particularly in the building of electronic, solar panels, medical equipment, and vehicles. As manufacturing activity increases, so does the demand for silver.
Economic uncertainty: During periods of economic uncertainty, such as stock market drops, higher rates of unemployment, or global conflicts, investors look to silver and other precious metals as safe haven investments, so silver’s price trends upward.
Consumer demand: Silver is popular for jewelry, collectible coins, and bullion purchases. Strong retail demand from consumers can tighten the available supply and raise prices
Learn more: What to know before buying gold, silver, or platinum from Costco
Because silver is used by the industrial, consumer, and investor sectors, its price tends to be more volatile than gold, with steeper price changes.
There are several ways to invest in silver, each with its own advantages and risks:
Physical silver coins and bars are a popular investment option. You can purchase these coins and bars through online sellers or local coin dealers, and you can physically hold your investment in your hand and store it at home.
When investing in physical silver, it’s a good idea to focus on standardized silver, meaning silver that meets the requirements for individual retirement accounts (IRAs)….
Source: finance.yahoo.com
