One of the major questions that presents itself when you’re considering precious metals investing is which type of metal to put your money into. Platinum is prohibitively expensive for many investors, which is why for most people, the choice is between gold and silver. You can get the exact same types of both of these metals. They’re both precious, and they’re both expected to rise in value over the next few months and years. Why, then, are some investors choosing silver or even switching to it over gold? Here are a few of the reasons.

One of the main reasons that many investors are choosing what seems like the less precious of these two precious metals is that it is in lower supply in the earth’s crust. Geologists are predicting at the moment that gold supplies will run out in three decades, but supplies of silver may actually run out in two. This means that in twenty years, all those bullion coins and bars you buy could be worth a whole lot more as the world keeps demanding this precious metal without having any way to replenish world supplies.

Also, this metal is in higher demand than its golden counterpart. Although there is currently a lot less gold to be had – hence the higher prices – the lesser metal is actually the more useful. It’s used as a super conductor and an antibacterial agent in clothing and hospital equipment. Of course, it’s used in jewelry, and it’s also used in old-fashioned photography that’s making a comeback in some circles. All these uses mean that the demand for this precious metal is never going to be low. In fact, the prices are expected to outperform those of gold within the next few months and years, giving you a better return for your money.

Finally, silver is the more affordable of the two metals, so this certainly doesn’t hurt. In a time when many people don’t have a lot of money left over for investments, frugality is key. Since you can get more for your money with the lesser precious metal, many investors are switching to it. They aren’t necessarily selling off supplies of gold to put money into this other metal instead. They are simply buying up silver bullion coins and bullion bars when they get the chance, rather than automatically turning to gold.