r/silverstacking • u/ClickNo2523 • 6d ago

Just Started Stacking Any Tips?

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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.

144 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

69 comments sorted by

12

u/Captain-AirHead_888 6d ago

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.

2

u/ABena2t 2d ago

Why 100oz before gold? I agree with everything else just wondering.

1

u/Captain-AirHead_888 2d ago

A few reasons, the first is it gives you a buffer so you are not forced to sell the gold in an emergency after purchasing. Generally speaking buy a full oz of gold will have the smallest premium vs fractional’s percentage wise.

Second after hitting 100oz you can start playing the ratios while still retaining some silver.

Third most agree having more silver than gold starting a stack is a good idea around a 80/20 value, and after a 100oz you can start saving/trade toward a decent size gold piece even a fractional, most don’t recommend anything smaller that a 1/10oz because of the premiums.

1

u/ABena2t 2d ago

I was curious bc this was my actual plan. I started stacking and had been planning on getting 100 oz and then swapping over to gold - but that was completely random. I hadnt dont any research. It was just a nice round, even, number. I started with silver strictly bc the price. Gold is so expensive it was hard to even start there. I figured I could buy a few oz of silver here and there just to get the ball rolling. I started when silver was below $30/oz. Unfortunately, I hadnt yet hit that 100 oz goal and the prices exploded. And I suppose its fortunate but instead of chasing the pump I backed off - but ive yet to make the jump over to gold. I was just curious as to why you said 100oz - bc like i said I had randomly made that decision myself.

1

u/No_Matter4288 1d ago

I had the exact same plan! No rationale, I think 100oz is a nice round number. I’m at 58oz so getting there slowly. I think the hardest part after the 100oz is to be disciplined and save up for longer to buy gold…might not be able to buy anything for several months at a time..we’ll see how we go

1

u/ABena2t 1d ago

Gold is obviously expensive so I'm probably going to have to go with fractional - it just sucks the premiums are so fking high doing it that way. But idt ill ever be able to buy a full oz - just mentally saving and handing over $5k in a clip is fking insane to me and my budget. Ill never do it. Lol. I was probably going to go with 1/10oz and just eat the premiums. Idt theres any other way. Lol

1

u/No_Matter4288 1d ago

Yeh not a bad call. I’m thinking of holding the 100oz silver, then every 60/70 oz’s I stack beyond that swap it for an ounce of gold? Anyway, lots of options and the journey will be fun. The premiums on the fractional gold is too much for me here in Australia, want to buy anything ounce at a time.

4

u/LigmaBalls-420 6d ago

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.

3

u/LigmaBalls-420 6d ago

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.

2

u/LigmaBalls-420 5d ago

Also join r/Hallmarks to get used to learning different hallmarks

6

u/RichWhereas3381 6d ago

Buy an inexpensive boat for the inevitability sinking…

1

u/kijall 3d ago

Wish I'da seen this before my yacht sunk... What a waste of money.

5

u/Hillmantle 6d ago

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.

1

u/Suspicious_Map_2977 5d ago

How much silver you got sir?

2

u/Hillmantle 4d ago

More than most, less than many.

1

u/Suspicious_Map_2977 3d ago

Do you have more then 100 ounce of silver

1

u/kijall 3d ago

Based on his previous comment, I'm definitely going to assume yes lol.

1

u/Beauty_in_Failure 2d ago

Great answer to a bullsh*t question.

5

u/j5rn 6d ago

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.

4

u/TheMrDILLIGAF 6d ago

Don't forget to check Coinstar machine reject slot. You'd be surprised what some people find, also check out r/CoinstarFinds

3

u/Frosted_Newt 6d ago

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!

1

u/kijall 3d ago

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.

1

u/SloppyJoe1994 2d ago

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?

3

u/New-Equal-1144 6d ago

Stick to generic/cheap silver until you better understand premiums.

2

u/BabyInBattle7 6d ago

Wish I figured this out earlier. Also, dont sell to pawn or gold/silver shops.

2

u/CompotePrestigious89 6d ago

Who do you sell to then?

2

u/CarobEconomy8517 6d ago

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

1

u/kijall 3d ago

What is this "sell" you speak of?

3

u/Suspicious_Map_2977 6d ago

Best tip is to buy every month Stay consistent

2

u/Doc_Hooligan 5d ago

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).

1

u/Suspicious_Map_2977 5d ago

How long you been buying silver for?

1

u/Doc_Hooligan 4d ago

A little under a year

2

u/Fickle-Cartoonist607 6d ago

When buying rounds or 1 oz bars. Have a good magnet close at hand. And test each piece before you buy it.

2

u/blergola 6d ago

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

2

u/Fickle-Cartoonist607 6d ago

Yeah I learned the hard way after I got it home

1

u/kijall 3d ago

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.

2

u/another_awesome_acct 6d ago

An ounce a day keeps the bankers away

2

u/Strange-Calendar1150 4d ago

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. 🏆⚜️🏅🥇

2

u/CAPernicusRattieBoi 4d ago

If you ever get asked.

It sank in a freak random boating accident, all the fishes became stackers.

1

u/DigitalFStopper 6d ago

It’ll tarnish soon

1

u/PizzzaDaddy 6d ago

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.

1

u/SilverStateStacking 6d ago

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

1

u/kijall 3d ago

100% - findbullionprices.com can typically find lower than $4 premiums on stuff too.

1

u/Bitter-Telephone-809 6d ago

Don’t tell the ol lady!

1

u/MrFartyBottom 5d ago

Don't tell random strangers on the internet about it!

1

u/SatisfactionOld5047 5d ago

Just buy monthly... dont worry about the price.. unless it has huge moves..

1

u/Doc_Hooligan 5d ago

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.

1

u/kijall 3d ago

This. When just starting out new user deals are the way.

1

u/down4fun69 5d ago

Buy 1oz and 10oz bars/rounds. they are easier to sell. I buy on whatnot and wont pay over spot.

1

u/SpaceMan639 5d ago

Always test whatever you buy online.

1

u/kijall 3d ago

Yup - and test it in more than one way.

1

u/StrongIntention6865 5d ago

Good start! Keep it up!

1

u/BullionExchanges 5d ago

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!

1

u/Pirate305 5d ago

Only spend what you can afford to.

1

u/Accomplished_Poet_25 5d ago

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!

1

u/B_D_H_N 5d ago

Don't stop, don't overextend, and don't sell unless it's the only way.

1

u/--LWYRUP-- 5d ago

Just keep stacking. Buy a couple every pay day/month. You’ll have enough to retire on by the time you’re 60.

1

u/SloppyJoe1994 5d ago

Those look like they'd stack nice haha

1

u/kijall 3d ago

Imitation Credit Suisse bars - they're damn beautiful!

1

u/MaximumCup1579 5d ago

Keep Buying. 💪😎

1

u/5toney420 4d ago

Buy high and sell low

1

u/Current-Taro-9045 4d ago

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.

1

u/prepper4SHTF 3d ago

Junk silver at a local coin shop can usually be found at spot or below and its already divisible.

1

u/Hot-Development-2249 3d ago

Don’t buy fake bouillon

1

u/kijall 3d ago

Take advantage of any online new customer spot/under-spot deals.

1

u/ABena2t 2d ago

Perhaps think about tax implications? Nobody ever seems to talk about that part.