I don’t know why you’re so hung up on silver not being an investment. It is an investment. Yes ! Silver for solid start for investment and solid investment on long term.

The price of silver has been kept so low for such a long time, that silver is now an investment. Most of silver is being consumed in industry. Silver in now an investment of a life time.

By definition, Investment:
noun
“The investing of money or capital in order to gain profitable returns, as interest, income, or appreciation in value.”

So, by definition, the appreciation in value” part of silver most definitely makes it an investment. Anything you put money in, with the expectation of appreciation of that investment, or selling it down the line for a profit, is an investment.