Like everything else we do, some folks just take it too far. There is an interesting article over on survivalblog today...a fella details his method for stockpiling nickels in ammo cans.
I guess if one has everything else covered....food, water, hygiene, self defense, shelter etc...but stockpiling nickels for the silver content? Really?
Roth IRA should be an option I have one that has returned close to 50% through the last 7 years.