Ken - I work most of the time with my coin/bullion dealer and get between 5 and 10 cents behind spot, I was just looking to see how good Northwest Territorial Mint was. If I had 1000 OZ. to sell today before 4P.M. my guy would pay me 25 cents over spot (more if it was all Englhart 100 oz. bars)but must have the silver delivered by that time.
In the last week there has been a huge shortage of sillver bullion because of the big buyer demand, this might last for the day or for a week or more only time will tell.
I also go along with some of the dealers who say its still a market that is going up and to hold your bullion for the time. My guy and a few others say we will see $1500 Gold and $25 Silver before mid 2010.
One thing for sure is the price of common strikes are worth melting if a person needs quick cash.
Walt