I agree with Bix Weir, that silver is extremely undervalued and has huge potential to regain its rightful place history when the masses finally recognize the intrinsic value it holds. Given the supply destruction that has occurred over the last 6 year bear market which reduced the number of producers in the industry, I think silver is poised for a strong upward move to reach a supply/demand equilibreum. However, the (best) mining companies will be the greatest recipients of a higher silver price. I am investing in the miners/producers with the lowest AISC to leverage up my capital by a factor of 5x to 10x. First Majestic Silver is a personal favorite, and run by a dynamic CEO who's backed by the best resource investors on Earth. If you are stuck in a 401k or IRA (like me), and can't get your hands on the cash to purchase physical metals, then consider an alternative strategy of buying the mining companies that pull the metals out of the ground.