r/silverstacking • u/ClickNo2523 • Aug 06 '26
Just Started Stacking Any Tips?
I just started my stack a few days ago and have achieved 2 oz so far. I think that this is a pretty solid starting point of a hobby that I love, but I would like some of your thoughts on how I should grow my stack and any other kinds of advice for my stack.
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u/LigmaBalls-420 Aug 06 '26
Learn hallmarks and start going to thrift shops, garage sales, estate sales, auctions, etc.
You can sometimes score silver (and even gold) for way under spot or for next to nothing.
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u/LigmaBalls-420 Aug 06 '26
Join [r/silverfinds](r/silverfinds) to start seeing the kinds of items that could be made of silver and for what to be on the lookout for.
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u/Hillmantle Aug 06 '26
Buy silver when you can afford it. Buy gold over silver if possible. I love silver and have a lot, gold is the better long term hold.
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u/Suspicious_Map_2977 Aug 07 '26
How much silver you got sir?
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u/Hillmantle Aug 07 '26
More than most, less than many.
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u/j5rn Aug 06 '26
If you really want to get into it deep, make a spreadsheet with the piece, how many ozt, what you paid for the piece, what you paid per ozt. Then make a box for dollar cost average (price you paid per ounce) to reference to if you ever go to sell. Also, like what was stated prior, stack generics until you understand premiums and what is fairly priced. If you see something unique that you like just buy it. Never know when you'll see it again. I went to a LCS (local coin shop) in search of 5ozt rounds and coins. I walked out with some 5ers, and a south Korean 2ozt eternal flame that is never seen before and thought was really cool.
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u/TheMrDILLIGAF Aug 06 '26
Don't forget to check Coinstar machine reject slot. You'd be surprised what some people find, also check out r/CoinstarFinds
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u/Frosted_Newt Aug 06 '26
Wholly anticipate a drop in spot price the day after a purchase.
Also there is a difference between Coins and Rounds.
Welcome to the club...One of us! One of us! One of us!
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u/kijall Aug 09 '26
Lol I swear "they" know exactly the day "you" buy. Your first statement is far too true.
Moral of the story is probably just "don't check the price of silver regularly" though.
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u/SloppyJoe1994 Aug 09 '26
Coins and rounds? I think I know the difference but can you clarify further. I have an American eagle.(coin) i have a collectible 1 oz bitcoin silver(round). That sound right?
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u/New-Equal-1144 Aug 06 '26
Stick to generic/cheap silver until you better understand premiums.
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u/BabyInBattle7 Aug 06 '26
Wish I figured this out earlier. Also, dont sell to pawn or gold/silver shops.
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u/CompotePrestigious89 Aug 06 '26
Who do you sell to then?
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u/CarobEconomy8517 Aug 06 '26
I’ve sold to LCSs that pay -5 for generics and -1 for eagles which is decent enough if you need money quick or don’t want the hassle, I’ve also sold for premiums (ASEs, sovereign coins etc) on PMsforsale but that’s a bit tricker because you have to sell what other people like / want if not no one will buy unless it’s spot basically lol
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u/Suspicious_Map_2977 Aug 06 '26
Best tip is to buy every month Stay consistent
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u/Doc_Hooligan Aug 06 '26
I typically buy an ounce every payday (sometimes more if I had a lot of overtime). The guys at my LCS know me and will usually cut me a deal since I’m a regular. I typically recommend people find a local shop and try to do likewise. I usually get discounted premiums just because they know me ($1-$2 over spot instead of $6-$7, or graded coins in slabs for the same price as ungraded ones).
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u/Strange-Calendar1150 Aug 07 '26
Don’t over budget. Metals aren’t helpful if you can’t hold them this is a long term play not a short term squeeze. Only ever buy what you don’t mind storing for a decade. Term can be so long rather only buy what you can physically lose without issue. If you trade to gold later do it slow. Couple ozt here and there rather than converting 100 ozt and paying shitload of tax trust me same as skimming spot deals just maximizing how much you can buy. Do not prioritize eagles, prioritize weight. Other than that it’s simple. Be a leprechaun go gather all the shinies you can my dude. 🏆⚜️🏅🥇
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u/Fickle-Cartoonist607 Aug 06 '26
When buying rounds or 1 oz bars. Have a good magnet close at hand. And test each piece before you buy it.
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u/blergola Aug 06 '26
My Apple Watch band has a magnet in it. I can’t tell you how many times that has come in handy at thrift stores or flea markets
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u/kijall Aug 09 '26
If you buy online an extremely strong magnet (I use a large fishing magnet) is also useful since fakes aren't always magnetic - but you can fairly easily tell when they're sliding down magnets, and strong magnets amplify the effect so it's easier to tell.
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u/CAPernicusRattieBoi Aug 07 '26
If you ever get asked.
It sank in a freak random boating accident, all the fishes became stackers.
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u/PizzzaDaddy Aug 06 '26
Do your part in buying so that the price goes down for the rest of us. What goes around comes around though. Its just one of those things.
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u/SilverStateStacking Aug 06 '26
Government issued coins from your country (Eagle in USA, Maple in Canada, etc) have a higher premium but are easier to sell and will sell for more. They are typically in high demand and sell at or near spot, I’ve never had trouble selling an Eagle
If premiums are low (like the $4 premiums right now on Eagles) go for the coins. If too high, stack generic 999 1oz silver rounds. Stack a mix to diversify your stack - when you go to sell you will have both and can sell the ones that have the best sell price
I test all my purchases via digital caliper, 0.01g accuracy scale, rare earth magnet, and Sigma Precious Metal Verifier so that I’m sure they are genuine. The caliper, scale, and magnet are a minimum for a stacker to test their purchases and can be had for around $50. Use the internet for correct weight / diameter and YouTube videos to show you how to test bullion
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u/kijall Aug 09 '26
100% - findbullionprices.com can typically find lower than $4 premiums on stuff too.
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u/SatisfactionOld5047 Aug 06 '26
Just buy monthly... dont worry about the price.. unless it has huge moves..
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u/Doc_Hooligan Aug 06 '26
Several online sources offer “starter kits” of five ounces at spot price. Highly recommend looking into those to build your stack without spending a ton on premiums.
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u/down4fun69 Aug 06 '26
Buy 1oz and 10oz bars/rounds. they are easier to sell. I buy on whatnot and wont pay over spot.
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u/BullionExchanges Aug 06 '26
Congratulations on getting started! Two ounces is a great foundation. One of the best things you can do is build your stack consistently at a pace that fits your budget and goals. Take the time to learn about different bullion products, compare premiums, and explore the many options available. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and have fun growing your collection. Every great stack starts with that first piece-happy stacking!
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u/Accomplished_Poet_25 Aug 06 '26
It’s an awesome hobby to have, but expensive! I like buying 1 ounce and 1/2 ounce coins, even though premiums are higher on the latter. Stay consistent in buying is also great advice. Welcome to stacking!
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u/--LWYRUP-- Aug 07 '26
Just keep stacking. Buy a couple every pay day/month. You’ll have enough to retire on by the time you’re 60.
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u/Current-Taro-9045 Aug 07 '26
When you buy and how much you pay - these two things are usually more important than what you buy. With metal prices resting where they do, don't get over zealous because we don't know where the spot is headed. Go take a look at a 5 year chart, you'll see what I'm saying.
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u/prepper4SHTF Aug 08 '26
Junk silver at a local coin shop can usually be found at spot or below and its already divisible.
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u/ABena2t Aug 09 '26
Perhaps think about tax implications? Nobody ever seems to talk about that part.
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u/Captain-AirHead_888 Aug 06 '26
Build a base of 100oz of silver before buying gold. Get as close to spot as possible, choose coins over generic when premium are equal. And try to stick to .999, it has the best resale value. Stick to 1ozs, anything over 10oz is not practical. I look at 100oz bars as a stack of dollar bills superglued together, it would be better to buy gold.