You can buy physical silver both online and locally; the best option depends on whether you want low premiums, convenience, or the ability to inspect items in person.

Main ways to buy silver

1. Online bullion dealers

These are usually the easiest way to buy bars and coins with clear pricing and shipping. Well‑known online dealers include:

  • JM Bullion (wide range of coins and bars, regularly updated catalog).
  • APMEX (very large selection, especially branded and collectible silver).
  • SD Bullion (often runs low‑premium and “deal” items).
  • Money Metals Exchange (focus on bullion, monthly buying programs, strong reputation for competitive pricing).
  • Silver.com and SilverTowne (long‑running dealers specializing in silver and gold bullion).

Typical process: you order online, lock in price, pay by bank transfer/card/check, and they ship insured to your address.

2. Local coin shops and pawn shops

Local coin shops are good if you want to see the silver in hand, pay cash, and avoid shipping risk.

People on precious‑metal forums often recommend first checking whether you have a reputable local coin store before going online.

Benefits:

  • You can visually inspect coins and bars before buying.
  • Easier to build a relationship, which can mean better pricing over time.
  • No waiting for shipping, useful if you want silver immediately.

3. Online marketplaces and forums

Some buyers use marketplaces and community forums, but you need to be more careful about trust and verification.

Common options mentioned in silver‑stacking communities:

  • Reddit precious‑metal subforums (for example, “pmsforsale”) where users buy and sell peer‑to‑peer.
  • eBay stores of established bullion dealers (e.g., JM Bullion, APMEX, and other high‑feedback sellers).
  • Facebook buying groups for silver and gold, where members trade under group rules.

If you use these, check seller feedback history carefully and stick to well‑known names recommended in community “trusted dealer” lists.

4. Big‑box and warehouse clubs

Some warehouse clubs and large retailers periodically sell silver bullion products (often popular government‑minted coins or bars), sometimes with quantity caps and limited selection.

Stackers mention these mostly as a convenience or occasional deal, not as a primary low‑premium source.

What kind of silver to start with

If you are new and just want simple, recognizable silver, seasoned buyers often suggest:

  • Government‑minted 1 oz coins (e.g., American Eagle, Maple Leaf, etc.) for easy recognition and resale.
  • Generic 1 oz rounds or 10 oz bars from reputable mints for lower premiums.
  • “Junk”/constitutional silver (older circulating coins with silver content) if you find good melt‑value deals.

An example beginner approach: buy a few 1 oz government coins for familiarity, then add lower‑premium rounds or bars once you’re comfortable with ordering and verifying your bullion.

Simple comparison table

Here’s a quick at‑a‑glance view of the main options.

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Where to buy Examples Main advantages Main drawbacks
Online bullion dealers JM Bullion, APMEX, SD Bullion, Money Metals, SilverTowne, Silver.com Large selection, transparent pricing, frequent deals, insured shipping.Shipping time, possible shipping loss issues, need to create account and share info.
Local coin shops Independent coin/bullion stores in your city Inspect in person, pay cash, instant possession, relationship with dealer.Selection and pricing vary, may have higher premiums in small markets.
Online forums & marketplaces Reddit “pmsforsale”, eBay dealer stores, Facebook groups Potentially lower prices, access to private collections and odd items.Higher scam risk, must vet sellers carefully, varying buyer protections.
Big‑box/warehouse clubs Large membership stores mentioned by stackers Convenient for members, simple online checkout, recognizable products.Limited selection, caps on quantity, not always best price per ounce.
If you tell me your country and whether you prefer coins, bars, or just the cheapest silver possible, I can narrow this down to a short, tailored list of dealers and what products to start with.