Hi James,
I’ve been suspicious about the possibility of silver coins being faked ever since reading your links about tungsten “gold” and think I’ve come up with an answer. As long as you’re not looking for collectibles, just buy second-quality silver coins – modern ones like Liberty one-ounce silver rounds, not numismatics. You know, the coins that are scratched, dented, and discolored. They clean up just fine with a little Wright’s silver polish. Who the heck is going to counterfeit dents, scratches, worn spots and discoloration? Also, they’re [relatively] inexpensive. These are the “junk silver” version of (.999) silver coins [from governments mints].
I told my dealer why I wanted them. He thought it was pretty funny, and agreed they were a safe bet.
Regards, – Maquinus