Silver-Gold-Prices.com News and Information about Investing in Gold & Silver Bullion Coins and Precious Metals

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Silver Facts and Information People have known and used silver for thousands of years. In ancient times, silver was used for jewelry, ornaments, utensils, and as was bartered for other merchandise. This led to the use of silver as the basis for monetary systems including the Roman Empire and as a means of paying for international trade. The 18th and 19th century discoveries of large silver deposits in the Americas, however, resulted in the conversion of most monetary systems to the gold standard. Despite the loss of its status as the basis for the world's monetary systems, the belief in the value of silver remained. Silver was produced by at least 55 countries in 1990. Mexico was the largest silver producing country, followed by the United States, Peru, the former U.S.S.R., Canada, and Australia. In most silver producing countries, the primary source of silver is its recovery as a byproduct of the production of copper, gold, lead, or zinc. During the 1980's, domestic mining of silver increased to its highest level in nearly 50 years due to a number of factors. During the early years of the eighties, precious metal prices remained higher in constant dollars than they were during the seventies. Additionally, during 1979-80, silver and gold prices were unusually high, while the prices of other base metals were relatively low. Therefore, companies spent their exploration budgets in search of precious metals. Many of the discoveries were developed into producing mines. Later in the eighties, rising prices for metals such as copper, lead, and zinc indirectly contributed to increased domestic silver production. Silver has both decorative to utilitarian uses. An important use for silver is in the manufacture of photographic materials. Among the applications for silver are electronic products, including some types of batteries, dental and medical products, jewelry, sterlingware, electroplated ware, bearings, and mirrors. Spot Silver (Today's Current Price) Disclaimer: While Silver-Gold-Prices.com seeks to provide accurate information, it is provided without warranty or claim of reliability. Site visitors must agree that errors or omissions shall not be made the basis for any claim, demand or cause for action. The information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy. We offer information and links for informational purposes only and do not make recommendations regarding the purchase of gold bullion or other precious metals from any particular business or government entity. This site contains information and news from third party business and government web sites as well as links to advertisers. We make no claim of reliablity or accuracy in regard to these web sites.