the best way to buy gold or silver is cash of course unless you are a big buyer
if new i would suggest coins only because of the risk of counterfeits in bars etc
not many people are making fake silver dimes and quarters
if you just want silver, do not pay a big premium for "rare" coins
a coin shop locally is nice
can get to know them and they know you
gunshows around here usually have a couple coin dealers there too
most major online sellers have ebay sites , there is just so many people looking at ebay
they about have to
i have had good luck buying rolls of coins from private people on ebay
just don't buy the gold/ silver bars from china on there ha
that is why i like the coins, too many chinese bars around
bars from the mega online dealers i would not worry about
study weights and prices so the project returns you a store of value
not just an expensive lesson