Gold is generally considered a stronger investment, in terms of wealth preservation, than silver.  In 1970, before the Nixon Shock – taking the US entirely off the gold standard – an ounce of gold was $37.40 compared to $1.60 for silver.  During the inflationary 1970s, both gold and silver grew exponentially.  Gold to nearly $600 and silver to $15.50 in 1980.  Gold significantly outperformed silver in this era.  Silver has lost around 1/3 of its value since then, while gold continues to rally.  In 2008 it busted through $1,000 and currently sits above $900.