David; I would respectfully suggest that you go back and re-read my original post. It was not intended to generate a debate regarding collecting vs. investing or specuating; it was merely a "reality" statement of fact.

"As more and more silver strikes are destined for the scrap heap and melted down for silver ... the number of existing strikes available to strike collectors of tomorrow diminishes." ... Archie Black

Nowhere did I mention speculators or investors. In fact I specifically called attention to "strike collectors..." of which I am only one.