Some investors prefer securities like ETFs and stocks, while others do not trust anything other than physically holding the metal themselves. Physical investors often turn to the American Silver Eagle coins to establish a position in the commodity, but there is another method for more serious investors willing to put their money where their mouth is: the Monster Box.

The American Silver Eagle Monster Box is one of the best allocations for those truly serious about silver exposure. The standard box contains 500 0.999 Fine 1 oz. American Silver Eagle coins (though others feature 500 ounces of silver with coins of varying sizes and weights). The coins are almost always uncirculated to ensure no damage, and boxes are made each year with the respective American Eagles. Better yet, they are also IRA approved for those wishing to hold onto them for an extended period of time (as most physical investors choose to do). Note that these boxes come with a hefty price tag and are not meant for the average investor looking to make his first silver buy [see also 25 Ways To Invest In Silver].

If the average investor should steer clear, who is the box meant for? Only the most serious silver investors who are not afraid of spending a fair amount of capital for the position. These boxes can cost upwards of $15,000 depending on the spot price of silver. Investors should also be aware that boxes sell the bullion at a premium, between $3.00 and $3.50 above spot, depending on the source [see also Ultimate Guide To Silver Investing].

Another factor that goes into actually purchasing the box is storage. There are a number of ways that investors like to hide their bullion, with the two most popular approaches burial and a home safe. Burying the asset ensures that it is out of your home and that nobody else knows the location other than you. But burying 500 silver coins can be a tall order, so others decide to utilize a home safe. When it comes to using a home safe, make sure that you install it yourself (so that only you know the location/combination) and most importantly, make sure that the safe is fixed to some kind of stationary object or wall. If the safe was brought in by hand, thieves can easily bring it out that very same way [see also What Are The Most Popular Silver Bullion Coins?].

For those who do decide to buy the box, shipping rates typically fall around $50 and multiple carriers can be used. Ensure that you are shipping it to a safe location and that you will be there to sign for it upon its arrival. Apartment buildings and other complexes are not recommended as there are too many variables considering fellow residents. Instead, have it shipped to a single family home where the package can be delivered and safely hidden away until you can retrieve it. And remember, for those who do decide to go the Monster Box route, rule #1 of ownership is that you do not talk about your monster box. Rule #2? You guessed it. Do not talk about your Monster Box!

There are a number of different websites that allow investors to purchase varying styles and years of Monster Boxes, it will simply be left to your discretion as to which seller you trust the most [see also Forget Gold, Why Your Portfolio Needs Silver].

• Provident Metals: This site sells standard boxes at $3.29 above spot and allows users to utilize the shipping companies of their choice. They also offer a cash discount of about 3%, saving you hundreds.

• APMEX: APMEX has a wide variety of boxes to choose from and also has varying price ranges, allowing users to identify the perfect year and price tag for them.

• Trusted Bullion: Offering a wide variety of years, this site typically ships its boxes in 48 hours, getting your precious metals to your doorstep in a timely manner.

• Northwest Territorial Mint: Along with monster boxes, investors can also purchase smaller quantities of silver from this website.

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Disclosure: No positions at time of writing.