And in a long term situation, I understand that posessing precious metals could be a good investment - I don't doubt that. But I think you underestimate a dollar crash; I highly doubt it would be "business as usual" throughout the rest of the world if (when) our system takes a dump. Too many economies are tied to the U.S. economy, and if we fall, we'll pull many down with us. That's not arrogance - that's the way things were set up after WWII when we pushed for the dollar to be the world's reserve currency. There will be many that come out on the other side, but how long it takes for that "other side" to arrive would be anyone's guess. Nothing wrong with hedging and saving for the "other side" of the shat-storm, but my priority is making it through to the other side.
I sure won't trade a guy any silver coins for some beans when he doesn't have any food. That is if he was able to get close enough to me to ask.......
I intended to buy silver in 2008 and was lazy; now I'm pretty sure I've missed the boat, but wouldn't mind having a little around, even at these high prices. Had many ounces back around 1999-2000, but sold them off because the market just stayed static. Dumb move.
Youve still got the right idea! You havent missed the train yet.