Banks can still play a role in the precious metals market, but buying physical silver isn't always straightforward.

Silver just hit a new record high, but the spot price isn't what you'll pay for silver bars in the current market.

Both options offer exposure to the precious metal, but the premiums, liquidity and collecting value can differ.

Much like gold, silver has been making headlines for all the right reasons recently. The precious metal has experienced one of its most dramatic bull runs in history this year, climbing by over 150% ...