In researching the pros and cons of copper, I became convinced that it would be a fine choice from an economic standpoint given that it has wide and growing commercial demand, and since about 2010, has begone to receive recognition by investors as a possible currency alternative similar to silver and gold.
Right now it is trading below $4/lb so would make acquiring large quantities relatively affordable compared to either silver or gold. It's status as a semi-precious metal would suggest that as the world's demand for copper grows, economies continue to shrink, and national debts continue to rise, copper could emerge as the poor mans inflation hedge and wealth preservative.
Then I looked into actualy buying the stuff. As of right now it is nearly impossible to find copper bullion, coins, rods, rounds, etc that is selling any where near the spot price of copper. The least marked up products I found were 3 times spot price in 1 pound bullion bars selling for just over $10. This would be like buying a 1oz gold coin for $4500, while gold is still at $1500 an oz.
I still plan on keeping an eye on copper, as things could change in the coming year as poverty rises while economies collapse and people in failing countries start scrambling to turn the not-yet-quite-worthless national currency into hard assets before their country succumbs to inevitable.
Such events would undoubtedly force the spot price and the bullion price much closer together, otherwise those selling their copper would be passed over for silver.
Next on my list to research will be silver.
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