Why Patience Made Me Succeed in Gold & Silver
I had been stacking physical gold and silver since December 2011 until sometime in 2023–2024, when I completely stopped buying any more physical gold or silver for investment purposes (though I still occasionally pick up silver numismatics). Instead, I began channeling my monthly discretionary savings into Bitcoin.
It was only late last year that I started taking profits on the physical gold and silver I'd accumulated over more than a decade, using those proceeds to buy Bitcoin. From the Bitcoin acquired, I exchanged a significant portion into other cryptocurrencies like XRP, XLM, and ONDO, as I've detailed in my other posts.
The current price of silver is about US$78.50 per ounce, meaning the silver I purchased years ago and still hold represents substantial unrealized profit. Since I hold a substantial amount of silver, I can't liquidate everything at once—I do so gradually (a topic I cover in my post “Buying Gold/Silver? What is Your Exit Strategy?”). Whenever I sell, I use the proceeds to buy Bitcoin, so I monitor the XAG/BTC chart daily to gauge if I'm selling at an optimal price (see my post “Technical Analysis for Trading Silver for Bitcoin”).
At my current selling pace, I estimate it could take months (or perhaps a few years) to liquidate most of my holdings. That said, I plan to keep a small amount as “insurance” against the remote, highly unlikely scenario that cryptocurrencies suddenly become worthless. Overall, though, my investment strategy for the coming months centers on taking profits from physical gold and silver to accumulate more Bitcoin and select cryptocurrencies.
Interestingly, a couple of recent mass-media articles seem to validate my approach. I'm referring to the Straits Times piece from February 19, 2026, titled “Gold and silver emerge as top choice for first-time investors at OCBC,” and the Barron’s article from around February 16, 2026, titled “No Haven, Crypto Falls Back to Earth.” According to the Straits Times, gold and silver have become the top picks for first-time investors at OCBC Bank, surpassing stocks and unit trusts. I don't consider myself a strict contrarian, but I believe that when the masses start FOMOing into an asset, it's often a good time for holders to take profits. Conversely, when fear dominates (as with cryptocurrencies in the Barron’s piece), it can present an opportunity for patient investors with conviction to accumulate—provided the asset has strong long-term prospects.
I'm not suggesting it's a bad time to invest in gold or silver—given ongoing fiat currency devaluation, holding precious metals is far preferable to cash in many ways. However, with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies having undergone a major recent correction, I see greater long-term upside in accumulating them now rather than adding more to gold or silver positions. Of course, anyone investing in Bitcoin or crypto must genuinely believe in their future—and I do. My thesis is that humanity is transitioning to a new financial system, with Bitcoin and major cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and XRP serving as the foundational rails.
Having realized solid profits from my physical gold and silver investments, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment. When people ask if I'd reinvest those gains into silver amid its recent dip, my answer is no. As I explained in “Silver: Am I Buying the Dip?,” gold and silver price cycles can span years, so I view my precious metals journey—started in my 40s—as a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor.
In other words, I've come full circle in physical gold and silver investing. Amid the euphoria of these profits, in quieter moments I've reflected on questions like: “Given that many people fail at investing, why did I succeed?” and “What lessons from this can I apply to future investments for continued success?”
One clear insight is the critical role of patience and a long-term perspective. I began buying in December 2011 and only started taking serious profits late last year—over a decade of waiting for maturity.
We live in an age of instant gratification, where social media has conditioned many—especially younger generations—to favor short-term emotional reactions over sustained thinking.
Yet patience and the ability to hold long-term (in this case, years) is precisely why I succeeded with physical gold and silver. When people seek my investment advice, their questions often boil down to “If I buy X now, will I profit nicely by year-end?” In contrast, I've grown comfortable waiting months or years.
I now apply the same mindset to Bitcoin and my other crypto holdings. Prices may continue dipping for now, but I'm content to wait it out. Having held gold and silver through a decade-plus cycle, I believe I can sit tight on cryptocurrencies without anxiety.
Disclaimer: This post shares my personal experiences, reflections, and current investment strategy—it is not financial, investment, or tax advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor, and nothing here should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any asset, including gold, silver, Bitcoin, or other cryptocurrencies. Investing in precious metals, cryptocurrencies, or any speculative assets involves significant risk, including the potential for total loss of capital. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, risk tolerance, and consult qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.
Reflecting on my investment journey, I realize how vital patience truly is, especially when it comes to assets like gold and silver. Many novice investors are drawn to these metals due to their historical role as safe havens amid economic uncertainties, as highlighted in recent reports like the Straits Times (2026). Precious metals have indeed gained popularity among first-time investors, often surpassing traditional stocks and unit trusts in appeal. However, the key isn’t just buying but knowing when and how to take profits gradually. Selling in stages, rather than all at once, helped me avoid market timing risks and maximize returns, particularly by monitoring price ratios such as XAG/BTC to decide optimal moments for exchanging silver proceeds into Bitcoin. The evolving financial landscape also informed my strategy shift from metals to cryptocurrencies. Despite cryptocurrencies facing recent corrections and skepticism—as noted by Barron’s 2026 analysis pointing out crypto’s speculative nature and challenges compared to gold’s neutrality—I believe crypto holds significant long-term potential. It’s important to understand that digital assets require conviction and tolerance for volatility, much like physical assets need patience over multi-year cycles. Another insight I found valuable is recognizing market sentiment shifts. When gold and silver experiences sudden popularity surges driven by fear-of-missing-out among retail investors, it may be a prudent time for seasoned holders to realize profits. Conversely, crypto market downturns fueled by widespread fear can offer opportunities for confident, patient investors willing to accumulate gradually. For anyone considering a similar path, I’d recommend starting with small, consistent investments while preparing mentally for a long-term hold. It’s not about quick gains but building wealth steadily, acknowledging that precious metals and cryptocurrencies each serve distinct roles in a diversified portfolio. Gold and silver can cushion against fiat currency inflation, while Bitcoin and select cryptocurrencies can provide growth aligned with the transition to digital finance. Lastly, always approach investing with careful research, risk awareness, and readiness to consult professionals. No strategy guarantees success, but embracing patience, long-term vision, and informed adaptability can significantly improve your journey toward financial goals.
