Silver

Silver offers a lower entry price than gold and can diversify a physical metals holding. It is bulkier to store and more affected by VAT, so product choice matters.

Unlike investment gold, silver is generally VATable in the UK. That can widen the gap between buying and selling, so many buyers focus on VAT-margin stock, recognisable coins, or best-value bars.

Silver coins are often easier to split and resell in smaller amounts. Silver bars can be better for metal weight, especially when premiums are tight.

VAT-margin silver is pre-owned qualifying stock where VAT is charged on the dealer margin rather than the full metal value. It can make a meaningful difference to the effective buy price.