Markups, Supply Stress, and What Happens Next

For over a year, premiums were elevated across the board. Most investors overpaid—sometimes significantly—especially for coins and smaller denominations. Now that silver is finally moving higher, secondary supply is starting to come back, and with it, we’ll likely see:

  • Premium compression

  • Temporary price moderation

  • Then a potential reacceleration—especially if $30 is broken decisively

Silver has a tendency to catch markets off guard, especially during macro volatility.

What We’re Seeing in the 1,000-Ounce Bar Market

In the last few weeks, there’s been a noticeable price move in large bar silver markets—specifically 1,000-ounce bars.

Some of this may be seasonal logistics—holiday freight slowdowns are common—but other parts suggest more systemic issues:

  • Sovereign mints across Europe are struggling to source supply

  • Premiums are rising again in specific formats

Wholesale channels are quietly repositioning

The Psychology of the Western Metals Investor

Most Western buyers tend to enter the market after prices move, not before. This reactive behavior amplifies volatility and creates cycles where:

  1. Prices surge

  2. Retail buyers chase

  3. Inventory dries up

  4. Premiums spike again

We’ve seen this play out time and again—and 2024 may be setting up for a repeat.

The Smart Play: Secure Access, Know Your Source

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale up your holdings, the most important thing you can do now is:

  • Know your counterparty

  • Verify your storage structure (fully segregated is critical)

Avoid dealer-driven hype premiums when possible

Learn More from Bob Coleman

If you want deeper insight into how to protect your wealth with physical metals, explore our media archive—videos, podcasts, and more—featuring Bob’s full perspective on vaulting, market cycles, and real-world investing strategy.

Sitting in front of a computer screen, Bob Coleman meets with an investor

Meet the Author

Bob Coleman, with a successful career in investment and portfolio management since 1992, is the founder of Idaho Armored Vaults and Profits Plus Capital Management, dedicated to providing secure and comprehensive solutions for precious metal investment and storage, emphasizing transparency, risk mitigation, and client-focused service.

BOB COLEMAN
 President
(208) 468-3600
[email protected]

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