If an investor had put $10,000 into silver roughly 45 years ago, the outcome today would be surprisingly modest. At the start of the 1980s, silver was trading near historic highs, driven by speculative excess and inflation fears. That investment would have bought around 200 ounces of silver.
Fast forward to today, with silver trading in the range of $60–65 per ounce, the same holdings would be worth only about $13,000. Over more than four decades, that represents minimal nominal growth and a significant loss in real terms once inflation is considered.
The example highlights the risks of buying commodities near peak prices and relying on them as long-term wealth builders. While silver can serve as a hedge or tactical asset, history shows it has struggled to compound wealth over long horizons.
