: Many dealers offer "Any Mint, Any Condition" deals for pre-owned silver at lower rates. 2. Select the Best Marketplace Cheapest way to buy silver: USA TODAY's guide for beginners

: Pre-1965 U.S. coins (dimes, quarters, half-dollars) contain 90% silver and are often sold close to their "melt value".

To maximize the amount of silver you get for your money, prioritize items with minimal manufacturing and collectible costs:

: Bars (10 oz, 1 kg, or 100 oz) typically have the lowest premiums because they are less labor-intensive to produce than coins.

Buying silver "cheap" means paying the lowest possible (the markup above the market "spot price"). For most investors, the cheapest way to acquire silver is through large silver bars or generic silver rounds purchased from reputable online dealers . 1. Choose the Right Product

: These look like coins but are issued by private mints. They lack "legal tender" status, which keeps their premiums significantly lower than government-issued coins.