Silver and Gold have really risen since 2001.  I think that they have both topped out. Gold is supposed to be a great hedge against inflation, but we are in a recession, in my opinion and I think that the FED will try to buy our way out of it; which is not good for the dollar or gold and silver.  The market is going to continue to drop too, or so the key indicators suggest.  It is a confusing market in a difficult time for everyone.   There is a high demand for silver in industry, and gold is supposed to be the way to go when the dollar is low, but I think, in answer to your SILVER or GOLD question;  no thanks, neither and not right now.