There seems to be quite a bit of concern or debate surrounding verifying the legitimacy of gold or silver. If you buy Eagles, they are made by the same group that prints paper money and is defended by the same secret service. So, I would trust a silver or gold eagle the same as I would trust a US $20 or $100 bill.

Personally, I don't see a bunch of use for metals in a short term survival situation unless you are talking about a rather large financial collapse. If that was the case, I wouldn't be worried that people would not know what silver is. We used silver prior to 1964 and people would figure it out quickly if we ever go back there again.

It is a store of value and if you want to use it to buy rice, maybe it is better to just buy rice now. Once you have your preparations made and need someplace to keep excess funds, it may be a good place.

Fact is that nobody knows what is going to happen. Between the deficit and unfunded liabilities, something has to give sooner or later.