Did you know about the services of the United States Gold Bureau, who can help you buy silver, gold or other precious metals and coins?  They can deliver the gold or silver to you or provide secure storage at an independent bank or depository. This is an excellent method of  investing in silver in coin or ingot form. Ingots are pure bullion, cast in a standard oblong and shape. Coins show a currency value or they are actually defined as ingots.
In addition, gold coins are an excellent investment vehicle for the novice precious metals investor.