Precious Metals in B.O Kit

[FortTom]

Really couldn't find a category to post this in, so I will try here.

How many folks recommend/do not recommend having at least some precious metals, particularly gold and silver, in their emergency bug out gear, and why, or why not?

FT[:D]

[Joelski]

Silver is the hot commodity. Probably because people will think twice before they attempt to kill you and take it. With gold, forget it. It's on as soon as you pull it out. I'd recommend either looking just like a really pissed-off incredible hulk, or a very intimidating sidearm as a deterrent to any such ideation.

[UWone77]

Unless you're talking about some Mad Max Fantasy, I see precious metals as a waste of time and resources. I'd rather spend that now on another bucket of dehydrated food, water, or other supplies.

Stock up on Liquor to trade. [:D]

[Tyrannosaur]

I bought bars of silver 8 years ago at about $25 an ounce... it's like $17 now and just remains low. Bad investment just like a CD at a bank. Seeds, ammo and Liquor like Uwone77 said

[FortTom]

I bought bars of silver 8 years ago at about $25 an ounce... it's like $17 now and just remains low. Bad investment just like a CD at a bank. Seeds, ammo and Liquor like Uwone77 said Silver, for the sake of investing is like anything else, Gold, also. It's boon or bust. In a must run situation, the value of silver will be determined between buyers and sellers, not market indexes. Cash could be totally worthless, who knows, but the value of Silver and Gold will never be "zero". So, if for some reason you lose, destroy or whatever some of the must haves such as food and liquor you'd probably be better, IMO with a little Silver to barter with than have to trade some of whatever supplies you've took with you, with precious metals.

I'm just spit balling here, but I'd say that if the U.S. fell into total anarchy, that $25 investment, that you can actually hold in your hand, will be the best money you ever spent. CD's, Savings accounts, and the Dow and Nasdaq won't be worth the paper they're printed on. As an investment, Gold, Silver will be all over the place, stuff like palladium, you'd want to stay away from, because I'd bet half the people you'd barter with won't have a clue what it is, pretty much the same for platinum.

I'm not in disagreement with what you said, but if you're buying and selling gold and silver to make a profit, not as a hedge over inflation or hyperinflation or what ever the hell total anarchy would bring on, you run the same risks as you do when you call your broker, or online investment to make a buy or sell. It's pretty much a buy and hold, unless again, your a market whiz....I bought silver at approx. $6.00 an ounce years ago, and have continued to buy it as it goes up and down. I then average the price over time. I'm still about even.

Back to question, I'm still unconvinced one way or another to carry some or not. Space and weight will also be a factor. However, I have some hid very well, that I can almost guarantee won't be found until after I'm dead and don't give a crap.

FT[:D]

[FortTom]

Unless you're talking about some Mad Max Fantasy, I see precious metals as a waste of time and resources. I'd rather spend that now on another bucket of dehydrated food, water, or other supplies.

Stock up on Liquor to trade. [:D]


Silver is the hot commodity. Probably because people will think twice before they attempt to kill you and take it. With gold, forget it. It's on as soon as you pull it out. I'd recommend either looking just like a really pissed-off incredible hulk, or a very intimidating sidearm as a deterrent to any such ideation.

UW, not Mad Max, but I see the resurgence of an early 1900's resurgence of the communist movement, with an emphasis of all the hallmarks of a dictatorship, such as propaganda, ending personal freedoms, and actually wanting to purge freedom of expression/speech (Antifa -no it's not a new movement, it's a second go around); when I see dumbass college students actually wanting freedom of speech and expression limited or controlled closely so as not to affect how they "feel", when I see terrorist groups like BLM shooting cops for target practice, and "peace lovers" beating a 70 something year old man with a club for wearing a MAGA hat, a little @#$K sucking fat commie dictator threatening to nuke Japan, Guam, and the U.S., while playing with hydrogen bombs that set off landslides and earthquakes in S. Korea, well, I don't see "anarchy" as far fetched as I used to.[:D]

Joelski - I'll trade you and UW an aimpoint T2 for 6 cases of my favorite hooch, and a couple of ounces of silver.[:D]

FT[:D]

[gatordev]

but I see the resurgence of an early 1900's resurgence of the communist movement,

I think that's the problem with precious metals... You may see that, and a small group of others may see that, but for the rest of us, it does nothing for us. If I have a case of water, and you need it, and the only thing you can offer is metal, that's not helpful to me. It just seems like this is a self-licking ice-cream cone and people who value various rare metals are counting on some large population that also values the same, said valuable metals. I'm just not buying that that's reality.

FT, you know I bear you no ill-will, just calling it the way I see it.

[FortTom]

I think that's the problem with precious metals... You may see that, and a small group of others may see that, but for the rest of us, it does nothing for us. If I have a case of water, and you need it, and the only thing you can offer is metal, that's not helpful to me. It just seems like this is a self-licking ice-cream cone and people who value various rare metals are counting on some large population that also values the same, said valuable metals. I'm just not buying that that's reality.

FT, you know I bear you no ill-will, just calling it the way I see it.

Well, maybe I should have been more specific about the quantity of gold/silver I had in my possession. Obviously, food and water will be most peoples immediate needs. Ammo, medicines, and everything else comes next. So, in my "anarchy" scenario, I'm not carrying a backpack full, just some just in case money. "Walking around money", would be a good description. Everything else would be stashed and tapped as needed, if needed.

I'm not sure there is a correct answer for everyone. But there is one thing that you have to factor in. It's inherent in many, many people. Greed! Some will see an end to the madness, and want to come out on top, with silver and gold, instead of looking for a place to plant corn. That's why I can't buy into the "if you can't eat it, it's worthless" scenario.

It's also easier to hide a little silver and gold, than your whole supply cache that evil people are going to be willing to fight you to the death for.

So eventually things will "normalize" into something close to civilization, manufacturing, etc will resume. People will get away from the bread-for-water scenario, and want to begin acquiring wealth again. Some forward thinkers will bet on this and accumulate it when it's feasible. Paper money will be trash, unless, like years ago, it's based on a standard, such as precious metals like the old "gold standard".

No ill-will taken, or I wouldn't have asked for other's opinions.[:D] Just to many scenario's to juggle. BTW? What's the gold content in your favorite Rolex? I'll swap you some mac 'n cheese for it....[:D]

FT[:D]

[Former11B]

In my get home bag, I keep four ounces of silver. It's small, light, and I figure it can't hurt.

I do have some silver and gold otherwise but not huge amounts. It gets heavy. I invest more in lead, friend

[ChattanoogaPhil]

If you're describing a societal collapse and looking for things that can be reasonably carried in a pack and of value for barter... Things like Bic lighters, hygiene and anti-bacterial products will be in demand. A piece of metal... not so much.

Now if you're wanting to maintain wealth on the backside of a society collapse, burry your treasure, don't carry it.

[UWone77]

Gonna go back to my Uncle's advise on this one. If you can't eat it, fuck it, or shoot it, it's worthless. [:D]

[fledge]

I think gold and silver only work once the anarchy has regained order and a currency emerges. Currency is just liquid trade item.

If I have ammo and you have corn, I may not want corn. I want carrots. You either go find a carrot guy who wants corn so you can trade for my ammo, or you give me gold so I can find a carrot guy who wants gold. Hard to carry a whole farm on your cart. Currency is easier.

How long anarchy becomes civilization again is hard to know. Ammo/liquor could be the currency for a long time. I may trade some 556 for your gold though so I can make some jewelry for the next anniversary. A pound of gold per 100rds. :)

[Joelski]

I'm stocking insulin. There's a shitload of diabetics and some of them are bound to be rich! Epi pens are another solid bet. When it comes to staying alive, many don't give much thought to medications.

[Joelski]

How long anarchy becomes civilization again is hard to know. Ammo/liquor could be the currency for a long time. I may trade some 556 for your gold though so I can make some jewelry for the next anniversary. A pound of gold per 100rds. :)

Lots of people will be dead from medical issues or bad luck before order is restored. Nursing homes? Granny's a write-off unless you want to hang with her in the afterlife. Shit gets harsh beyond 6 missed meals.

[Stone]

I am a huge fan of PM's but in a bug out bag $200 in smaller bills like tens will probably go further. Wont hurt to have a handful of ASE's if the person you are dealing with understands the value of them. When bartering with silver its spot plus 20% on your end. If you are going to do PM's in your BOB let it be silver. Trying to by some toilet paper or a loaf of toast with a gold coin will be hard since most wont have change for a $1350 coin...

[FortTom]

Stone, I think paper bills will be worth little to nothing, especially $200 worth. There would be no markets to set "spot" prices. It would just be a matter of who needed what the worse. A guy with a bunker full of supply's to last 6 months to a years worth of supplies would probably be willing to trade a case of beans for how much silver or gold he could possibly squeeze out of you.

In reality, though, I'm not talking about a thriving gold and silver market during anarchy, but just carrying a little on you for barter, with the rest stashed.

UW's position, "if you can't eat it, screw it" falls apart when someone does want "currency" for something he may desperately need. Since his premise places no value on metals of any kind, and I see where he's going with that, if he desperately needs some antibiotics, and someone will take silver or gold, and he has a little, then in reality he's getting a hell of a deal. He's getting his meds for something that has absolutely no value to him. UW wins..[:D]

FT[:D]

[UWone77]

Stone, I think paper bills will be worth little to nothing, especially $200 worth. There would be no markets to set "spot" prices. It would just be a matter of who needed what the worse. A guy with a bunker full of supply's to last 6 months to a years worth of supplies would probably be willing to trade a case of beans for how much silver or gold he could possibly squeeze out of you.

In reality, though, I'm not talking about a thriving gold and silver market during anarchy, but just carrying a little on you for barter, with the rest stashed.

UW's position, "if you can't eat it, screw it" falls apart when someone does want "currency" for something he may desperately need. Since his premise places no value on metals of any kind, and I see where he's going with that, if he desperately needs some antibiotics, and someone will take silver or gold, and he has a little, then in reality he's getting a hell of a deal. He's getting his meds for something that has absolutely no value to him. UW wins..[:D]

FT[:D]

In a world where were currency is worth nothing, I think you'll see guys with lead robbing those with gold and silver. Not saying that gold and silver guys won't shoot back, but currency being worth nothing, that's gonna be a tough world to live in.

[fledge]

Trying to by some toilet paper or a loaf of toast with a gold coin will be hard since most wont have change for a $1350 coin...

My jeweler stocks gold wire to clip off the right amount in such a situation.

If anybody wanted splinters of gold...

[UWone77]

Lots of people will be dead from medical issues or bad luck before order is restored. Nursing homes? Granny's a write-off unless you want to hang with her in the afterlife. Shit gets harsh beyond 6 missed meals.

I totally agree with you. Anyone that's advanced in age, very young, poor health, medical conditions that require life saving medication, they will quickly pass. You saw it in Houston where people called 911, and no one is coming.

The average American Home has 3 days worth of food, so we're always 9 meals away from chaos. After the 3rd day and your baby doesn't have formula, and your 5 year old is crying because he's hungry, you'll see parents doing whatever, robbing, looting, stealing, killing to feed their own. No one will give a shit about Precious Metals.

If you make it through all that, by all means, I believe in diversifying your portfolio. Investors have been pulling out of US stocks in droves. I'm not pulling all my money out, but I am halting, and putting money in EU and Asian funds.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/25/investors-pull-billions-from-us-stocks-in-longest-streak-since-2004.html

I believe we're looking at high inflation, lots of quantitative easing, and rocketing debt in the very near future. We are in an unsustainable situation and the house of cards is going to crash very soon. Now if for that reason you want to get into PO, I totally agree.

[UWone77]

Peter Schiff is a pretty brilliant dude. I've got his book the Real Crash. Great read.




https://youtu.be/-phSXvHq3Zk

[Stone]

[QUOTE=FortTom;155108]" Stone, I think paper bills will be worth little to nothing, especially $200 worth. There would be no markets to set "spot" prices. It would just be a matter of who needed what the worse. A guy with a bunker full of supply's to last 6 months to a years worth of supplies would probably be willing to trade a case of beans for how much silver or gold he could possibly squeeze out of you.
In reality, though, I'm not talking about a thriving gold and silver market during anarchy, but just carrying a little on you for barter, with the rest stashed."




Very possible, as of now paper money is debt based. I was more thinking along the lines of what just happened in Houston where the power at the stores was out and they were only accepting cash. So initially in a bad scenario it may come in handy. If it ends up worthless whether you have it in your pocket or in a bank really wont matter at that point. Remember silver and gold ARE money and have been for the last 6000 years. A lot of people seem to have forgotten that. Firearms, ammo ,food, shelter will be the basics and in that order.


@UW Yeah Im a fan of Schiff as well. My friend is a big stock market guy and I asked him the other day if he thought a serious correction was coming and he just shook his head yes. 40% or more in my estimation. Good time to shift your money to a safer haven. Silver at $18 an ounce is a bargain it was even better a year and a half ago when it bottomed out at $13.80.[:D] Watch the price and buy ON THE DIPS. TPTB are suppressing the price of silver to keep the dollar alive and in the mean time they are buying it by the truck load. Oldest story in the books, suppress the price of something and buy it all up then raise the price by 10X and open your doors for business. Once you have your other preps in place and the bills are paid, that's a good time to look at PM's. PM's are a long term play only. Buy it and put it away for a rainy day. "If you don't hold it you don't own it" That means that ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, take physical possession of the metals you bye. If anyone wants some leads on what and where to buy just shoot me a PM.

[FortTom]

In a world where were currency is worth nothing, I think you'll see guys with lead robbing those with gold and silver. Not saying that gold and silver guys won't shoot back, but currency being worth nothing, that's gonna be a tough world to live in.
I would argue that once Taco Bell and McDonalds runs out of food, people who have absolutely no concept of prepping at all, will use lead to attempt to rob folks over a couple of Slim Jims, much less gold or silver. Hell, how long did it take for people in Houston to start looting?

FT[:D]

[bzdog]

I don't see why gold or silver would retain much value if things got bad since it isn't particularly useful in your direct survival.

A thought... gasoline


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[FortTom]

I don't see why gold or silver would retain much value if things got bad since it isn't particularly useful in your direct survival.

A thought... gasoline


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Just a thought....how many ounces of gasoline are you going to carry in one of the pockets of your BDU pants, or backpack?[:D]

FT[:D]

[bzdog]

Just a thought....how many ounces of gasoline are you going to carry in one of the pockets of your BDU pants, or backpack?[:D]

FT[:D]

If I'm on foot, bartering isn't going to be high on my list. And I'm sure not going to use up my limited carrying capacity with gold!

-john

[FortTom]

If I'm on foot, bartering isn't going to be high on my list. And I'm sure not going to use up my limited carrying capacity with gold!

-john As far as your limited carrying capacity, this thread began with a few ounces of gold or silver. A one ounce round of gold is about the size of a quarter, a silver round, a little bigger. No one mentioned standard 25lb. bars, or big sacks of the stuff, so really don't know how to respond to your carrying capacity, but you could probably hide them under the insoles of your boots, if your pack is that maxed out.

You don't know if bartering is going to be high on your list or not, until things settle down. If you have a loved one injured, and are running out of antibiotics and you hear I have a lot of Cipro, and come to me to "barter", and don't have anything I need or want, and I didn't exactly feel charitable, I'd probably just smile, thank you for the offer of food or water or whatever, and part ways. If you have something that might put me ahead of the game financially, when the smoke cleared, a little silver or gold may go a long way towards giving you some life saving Cipro.

Some said yes, some said no. I guess we can put you in the "no" category....;)

FT[:D]

[Former11B]

Gold and silver has retained "value" as a barter item for many many MANY years. No reason to think otherwise. I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket though

[FortTom]

Gold and silver has retained "value" as a barter item for many many MANY years. No reason to think otherwise. I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket though

I agree, especially for an "economic meltdown". But really, this thread started with just packing a few ounces for barter. As usual, most forum threads devolve into something different than they started from, into a should I invest in PM's or should I just own a few ounces as a back up currency. Right now I'm feeling sick as one forum member pointed me to sources that point out that a couple of mints have been delisted from the Comex, and I own some of that silver. Later this evening, I'm going to have to start sorting out what's what, determine how much of it I have, and if I might have a problem selling it down the road. Uggghhh![bash]

[UWone77]

Stone gives good advise. If you invest in PM's make sure you physically have it in your hands.

[Joelski]

I totally agree with you. Anyone that's advanced in age, very young, poor health, medical conditions that require life saving medication, they will quickly pass. You saw it in Houston where people called 911, and no one is coming.

The average American Home has 3 days worth of food, so we're always 9 meals away from chaos. After the 3rd day and your baby doesn't have formula, and your 5 year old is crying because he's hungry, you'll see parents doing whatever, robbing, looting, stealing, killing to feed their own. No one will give a shit about Precious Metals.

If you make it through all that, by all means, I believe in diversifying your portfolio. Investors have been pulling out of US stocks in droves. I'm not pulling all my money out, but I am halting, and putting money in EU and Asian funds.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/25/investors-pull-billions-from-us-stocks-in-longest-streak-since-2004.html

I believe we're looking at high inflation, lots of quantitative easing, and rocketing debt in the very near future. We are in an unsustainable situation and the house of cards is going to crash very soon. Now if for that reason you want to get into PO, I totally agree.

Careful. You're backing the globalist push by backing the EU economy. More Brexit = ensured free commerce/no socialism.

[FortTom]

Stone gives good advise. If you invest in PM's make sure you physically have it in your hands. Absolutely. I've never trusted "paper" silver or gold, because you have to trust that they have enough on hand to cover all the paper they sell. And we all know that we can trust big investment firms, like Bernie Madoff[:D] I also just read (not verified) that one of the firms have just got caught doing just that. No matter what the purity of some of my 10oz. bars that are now in question, at least I have it. Could you imagine trying to get your non-physical bars in an economic disaster? Send me would = F#@K you! and not a damn thing you could do about it...