JP Morgan Holds Highest Amount Of Physical Silver In History (2024)

JP Morgan Holds Highest Amount Of Physical Silver In History

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JP Morgan Holds Highest Amount Of Physical Silver In History (1)

JP Morgan Holds Highest Amount Of Physical Silver In History (2)While everyone is focused on the massive outflows in COMEX registered gold inventories and the gold ETF, GLD, it seems that an important evolution in silver is passing unnoticed. In what follows,Ted Butler, precious metals analyst specialized in COT analysis, reveals a remarkable insight in the physical silver market.

Butler’s calculations show that JPMorgan (JPM) has piled up the largest holding of physical silver in modern world. Since the silver price peak in May 2011, the bank has accumulated between 100 and 200 million ounces of physical silver (if not more). The equivalent in metric tonnes is between 3,110 and 6,220 tonnes.

To put that number in perspective, it surpasses the amounts held by the Hunt Brothers or Warren Buffett (in his investment company Berkshire Hathaway).

On a yearly basis, some 100 million ounces of silver reach the investment market, which translates into 250 million ounces between May 2011 and December 2013. That has a value of approximately $5 billion. Given the size of the too-big-to-fail bank, that amount of silver, how large it may seem, is easily affordable:

  • JP Morgan’s quarterly profit is $5 billion (approximately 200 million ounces of silver).
  • In 2013, the closing of the gold short position, as well as the 20,000 contract reduction in the silver short position, netted JPM more than $3 billion.
  • In COMEX silver, JPM was the largest buyer in 2013.

These facts make it reasonable for JPM to be a big buyer in physical silver.

Methodology

JP Morgan knows the financial markets better than anyone else. It is no coincidence that the bank is (ab)using that knowledge to their own benefit. Evidence of that lies in the record number of penalties for which they have been accused because of market manipulation.

Butler explains that JPM was able to accumulate so much silver without being noticed through the big silver ETF, SLV. In his weekly commentaries to his premium subscribers, he has explained on numerous occasions that the physical silver holdings in SLV have been largely intact on a net basis, but there was a large “churn” in the holdings, which allows for a large buyer to go unnoticed. For instance, 60 million oz were liquidated in the two months after the price smash in May 2011; they were right away absorbed by a big buyer. The data are available on this sitehttp://about.ag/SLV/.

Furthermore, the conclusion that JPM has been the big buyer in physical silver is confirmed by the following facts:

  • The growth of metal in the JPM COMEX silver warehouse over the past three years was 45 million oz.
  • The recent delivery stopped by the bank in December/January COMEX deliveries was 15 million oz.

JPM, being a master in manipulating financial markets, has also (ab)used their ability to set the silver price in the leveraged paper COMEX market, while simultaneously benefiting from lower prices to accumulate the physical metal. In Butler’s own words:

“Causing the price of silver to be depressed via a concentrated short position on the COMEX along with the ability to crush prices in an HFT second, to then scooping up physical metal (and covering paper shorts) at the self-created depressed prices.

What this also highlights is the madness and illegality of having the paper price on the COMEX setting the price in the physical market. If JPM hadn’t been capable of rigging silver prices lower in 2013, it would never have been able to buy back 100 million ounces of short paper contracts and buy many tens of millions of physical silver as well.”

Motive

The underlying motive for JPM to accumulate such a large amount of silver is most likely related to the fact that the bank was on the wrong side of the market when the silver price exploded.
When silver went through its historic rally in March and April 2011, the weekly COT data indicated that speculators did not rush into COMEX futures, which means that the peak in the silver price was not driven by speculation in silver futures. On the other hand, there was buying in the big silver ETFs, including record short selling in SLV.

“So, if it was not highly leveraged speculative paper buying on the COMEX that drove silver prices to the peak, it had to be buying in the physical market (including the ETFs). Therein resides my conviction that we were on the cusp of the first wholesale physical silver shortage in history in April 2011. And clearly it was the investment side of silver’s unique dual physical demand (investment/industrial) that pushed prices higher, as there was no great rush by industrial users into physical silver.

JPM was on the wrong side of the silver market: neither the total commercial net short position nor the concentrated short position of the four largest shorts (including JPM) increased in any way and, in fact, both began to decline in April. This implies that speculators, particularly the technical funds, not only didn’t add to long positions, but reduced long positions on the $15 price jump from March 1, 2011.”

What does this indicate? The explanation that makes most sense is that JPM realized that it was on the wrong side of the trade, after having discovered how tight the physical silver market was. Consequently, the bank had to crush the silver price with their HFT tricks in order to reverse the trend. By doing so, JPM could regain control over the silver market.

Meantime, JPM has built the longest position in physical silver in recorded history. It holds its grip on the silver price through itsshort corner in COMEX silver.

Ted Butler has written time and time again that the extent to which JPM adds new short contracts on the next silver rally will determine the strength of the rally. Simply put – if JPM doesn’t add new short positions, themanipulation is over. Someday, JPM won’t add to silver short positions and they, more than anyone else, will be best positioned to realize massive gains.

Further reading

JP Morgan Holds 2 Corners In The Gold And Silver Market
JP Morgan’s Perfect Silver Manipulation Cannot Last Forever
Highest Concentrated Position In Silver In History
The Great Disconnect Between Paper & Physical Silver

This article is based on a previous commentary of Ted Butler’s premium service. Readers are highly recommended to subscribe to the service onwww.butlerresearch.comas it contains the highest quality of gold and silver market analysis. Ted Butler is specialized in precious metals markets analysis for 4 decades.

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JP Morgan Holds Highest Amount Of Physical Silver In History (2024)

FAQs

Does JP Morgan hold the highest amount of physical silver in history? ›

Butler's calculations show that JPMorgan (JPM) has piled up the largest holding of physical silver in modern world. Since the silver price peak in May 2011, the bank has accumulated between 100 and 200 million ounces of physical silver (if not more). The equivalent in metric tonnes is between 3,110 and 6,220 tonnes.

How much silver does JPMorgan Chase have? ›

JP Morgan has amassed a physical stockpile of silver of at least 600 million ounces by calculations at an average cost of around $20 an ounce, all while continuing to make hundreds of millions of dollars in manipulative COMEX short selling.

Who owns the most silver in the United States? ›

JP Morgan now holds 133.1 million ounces of physical silver and the world record for most silver held under one name. Today, it also owns 50% of the world's COMEX silver bullion.

How much will physical silver sell for? ›

Monex Live Silver Spot Prices
Silver Spot PricesTodayChange
Silver Prices Per Ounce$25.11-0.11
Silver Prices Per Gram$0.810.00
Silver Prices Per Kilo$807.29-3.54

How much is J.P. Morgan silver dollar worth? ›

Depending on the condition and scarcity of the coin in question, you can pay anywhere from as little as $10 to as much as $100 and more for a Morgan Silver Dollar. As expected, those coins that have been well-preserved over the years are the ones that will sell for the highest prices.

Who has the largest silver stockpile? ›

As of 2022, Peru had the world's largest silver reserves, at 98,000 metric tons. Silver is a soft, white lustrous metal and its precious metal status has established a growing silver market. In 2021, the average price of silver was 25.14 U.S. dollars per ounce.

Does Warren Buffett own silver? ›

Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 24 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who have contributed. Warren Buffett does not invest in gold. He has invested almost $1 billion in silver, so the reason for his aversion is not simply a dislike for precious metals.

What is the highest silver has ever reached? ›

The silver price record high was set on 18th January 1980 at $49.45 (£21.65) per troy ounce fuelled by Nelson Bunker Hunt's cornering of the market.
...
Highest Ever Silver Prices in US Dollars, Sterling and Euros.
CurrencySilver Price Per OunceDate
Pounds Sterling£29.2928th April 2011
2 more rows
Jul 24, 2019

Why are Morgan silver dollars worth so much? ›

Morgan, was the first silver dollar minted after the demonetization of silver set by Congress in the Coinage Act of 1873. Because of its size and silver content, the Morgan Silver Dollar is the most valuable silver coin minted in the United States in the late nineteenth century and early part of the twentieth century.

How many people own physical silver? ›

New Survey Reveals 10.8% of The American Population Owns Gold, While 11.6% Owns Silver.

Why collect Morgan silver dollars? ›

All Morgan silver dollars contain 90% silver content. These coins were designed by George T. Morgan. The value of these coins can range anywhere from the melt value of the coins, upwards of hundreds or even thousands of dollars, making them accessible to collectors with smaller budgets to high-end collectors.

Has silver ever reached $50 an ounce? ›

The highest price for silver was just under US$50 in the 1970s, and it came close to that level again in 2011.

Where is the richest silver deposit in the world? ›

Peñasquito Mine, Mexico

Peñasquito extracts gold, copper, and lead alongside silver. Peñasquito has the world's largest silver reserves, which are expected to be around 869.52 Moz.

Where is the richest source of silver in the world? ›

The number-one silver-producing country in the world is Mexico. The country produced 5,600 metric tons in 2021.

Will silver ever reach $100 an ounce? ›

Silver will reach $100 per ounce the quickest if inflation approaches double digits in 2022 and 2023. The inflation rate is expected to be around 5% in 2021. Since 2008, this has been the most remarkable rate of inflation. Inflation will probably climb, drawing more investors to precious metals as a haven.

Do you pay taxes on physical silver? ›

The capital gains tax on physical gold and silver is equal to an investor's marginal tax rate, up to a maximum of 28 percent, meaning those in higher tax brackets still only have to pay 28 percent on long-term gains from physical precious metals sales.

Is it better to own physical silver? ›

While silver can be volatile, the precious metal is also seen as a safe-haven asset, similar to its sister metal gold. Safe-haven investments can offer protection in times of uncertainty, and with tensions running high, they could be a good choice for those looking to preserve their wealth in difficult times.

What is the most desirable Morgan Silver Dollar? ›

1893‑S. The rare key-date 1893‑S Morgan is the showpiece most collectors need to complete a collection but is difficult to acquire! This rare 90% silver dollar is considered the most desirable Morgan ever struck at a branch mint.

How many Morgan silver dollars are left in the world? ›

Total mintage was near 657 million. About half of all the Morgan Dollars have been melted down as silver bullion since 1918. Even with that taken into account, there are still approximately 275 million such coins in existence, so in terms of supply, there definitely isn't a shortage.

Are Morgan silver dollars 100% silver? ›

It contained 412.5 grains of 90% pure silver (or 371.25 gr = 24.056 g = 0.7735 oz t of pure silver).
...
Morgan dollar.
Diameter38.1 mm (1.5 in)
Thickness2.4 mm (0.09 in)
EdgeReeded
Composition90.0% Silver 10.0% Copper (1878–1904, 1921) 99.9% Silver (2021–present)
Obverse
13 more rows

Will silver ever reach $1000? ›

A 9:1 ratio has never been the standard for the gold to silver ratio and we don't expect that to change. In short, it is highly unlikely that the price of Silver will reach $1,000 per ounce. Silver is used more industrially than Gold and its price does not react the same way to economic events.

How much silver did Warren Buffett just buy? ›

Warren Buffett Buys Silver | CMI Gold & Silver. Warren Buffett Buys 130 Million Ounces of Silver!

What is the highest silver has ever been per ounce? ›

related investing news

Spot silver prices notched a record high of $49.45 in 1980 against the backdrop of a 13.5% inflation rate, up from around $4 in 1976, when the rate of inflation was cooler at 5.7%. The precious metal last traded $24.02 per ounce, against the backdrop of an inflation rate of 6.5%.

Will we ever run out of silver? ›

Silver Supply Can't Be Predicted with Certainty

The world may eventually run out of silver at some point, but this is also true of other precious metals like gold and platinum. However, it's not possible to accurately predict when this could happen with any degree of certainty.

Is it better to buy silver rounds or silver coins? ›

Rounds are the best option if your main objective is to invest. The value of rounds is based on their precious metal content, making them more affordable than silver coins. Another factor to consider is the various designs of the rounds. If you intend to sell your silver quickly, coins are often the better choice.

What is the smartest way to buy silver? ›

You can purchase silver through local dealers and pawn shops or online dealers such as APMEX or JM Bullion. More specialized dealers allow you to purchase whole bars rather than just coins.

What is the purest silver ever? ›

However, the most common highest purity is . 999 or 99.9% or 0.999 - all three equals, just with different notation. The 99.9% purity is called fine silver, pure silver or actual silver. . 9999 silver is famously known as ultrafine silver.

What will happen to silver if the dollar collapses? ›

Silver's Value Could Increase

One reason is because there's a limited supply of silver, meaning as demand increases if the dollar collapses, the value of silver will actually go up, since there's not an indefinite amount of silver left.

How high will silver be in 10 years? ›

According to the latest long-term forecast, Silver price will hit $40 by the end of 2024 and then $50 by the end of 2025. Silver will rise to $60 within the year of 2028, $70 in 2030, $80 in 2031 and $90 in 2033.

Should you clean Morgan silver dollars? ›

Even though it's counterintuitive, you should never clean a coin, as it can significantly reduce its value. Even coins that have substantial dirt, tarnishing, or toning should be kept in their original condition.

Can you get silver dollars at a bank? ›

Can You Buy American Silver Eagle Coins at a Bank? Yes, you can buy American Silver Eagle coins at a bank.

Are there fake Morgan silver dollars? ›

Metal Composition of Morgan Silver Dollars

Another factor to consider is that the metal content of most fake Morgans differs from the 90% silver and 10% copper composition of authentic Morgan dollars. An easy way to detect if your coins is fake is to check to see if it's magnetic.

Is it hard to sell physical silver? ›

As a rule, it's difficult to resell silver jewelry for the original value. That's because most silver jewelry is an alloy, which means refiners have to melt it down before they can repurpose it for coins, bars, or even different jewelry. In translation, the value of jewelry is often subjective.

How rare is silver becoming? ›

To date, some 1.4 billion kg of silver has been mined throughout human history. However, silver corrodes, and just under half of that silver no longer exists as a metal. Of what has been mined, only 777 million kg still exists.

Is silver hard to sell? ›

Officially Minted Silver Coins Appeal to Buyers Worldwide

Silver coins are considered the easiest to sell, since it's fairly easy to quickly liquidate (i.e., get cash for) coins.

What is the difference between a Morgan silver dollar and a regular silver dollar? ›

A Comparison

Both are of the same thickness, diameter, and weight, minted with 90% silver and 10% copper (the 2021 proof coins of each are . 999 silver content). Only the Morgan Dollar was minted in larger quantities, about 650 million circulated for more than 27 years.

Why did silver Skyrocket in 1980? ›

The cause for a rise in silver prices from $6 per oz. in early 1979 to $50 per oz. in January 1980 was largely attributed to the actions of the Hunt brothers, W. Herbert Hunt and Nelson Bunker Hunt.

What will 1 oz of silver be worth in 10 years? ›

We can rely on these data to suggest that in ten years, Silver can grow to a minimum of $150 an ounce from the current price of $20.75 an ounce. On the upside, it could reach up to $750 an ounce if the conditions are right.

How much was 1 oz of silver 1 year ago? ›

Stats
Value from Last Month21.98
Value from 1 Year Ago24.54
Change from 1 Year Ago1.89%
FrequencyMonthly
UnitUSD per Troy Ounce
4 more rows

Where is the most silver found in the US? ›

Red Dog Mine

Located in Alaska, the Red Dog Mine is owned by Teck Resources. The surface mine produced an estimated 8,574 Thousand Ounces of silver in 2021. The mine will operate until 2032.

Who buys the most silver in the world? ›

Among countries around the world, the United States is the top consumer of silver.

Why are there so many Morgan silver dollars? ›

Morgan Dollars in General

The main reason is that the U.S. Mint produced hundreds of millions of Morgans during the 1800s than what was needed to meet the demands of commerce, so they sat in vaults for over 100 years.

How much does JP Morgan hold in assets? ›

US$3.67 trillion

How much physical gold does JP Morgan have? ›

And here is the point – in the beginning of May 2022 JPMorgan held 11.0 million ounces of gold, the largest gold stake ever.

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