Silver just did the unthinkable. For the first time in history, the white metal has smashed through the $90 barrier. If you've been checking your phone every five minutes to see what's the price of 1 oz of silver today, you probably saw the charts go vertical this morning.
As of January 14, 2026, the live spot price for 1 ounce of silver is hovering right around $90.81 USD.
It’s up over 3.8% just since the market opened. Honestly, it’s a bit of a circus out there. We aren't just talking about a "good day" for precious metals; we are witnessing a complete structural shift in how the world values this stuff. While gold usually gets all the headlines, silver is currently outrunning its big brother like it’s got something to prove.
Why the $90 Milestone Matters Right Now
Most people get the silver market wrong because they think it's just about jewelry or old coins in a basement. It isn't. Not anymore. Today’s price action is being driven by a perfect storm of "boring" economics and terrifying geopolitics.
Earlier this morning, fresh U.S. inflation data hit the tape, and it was... well, it was messy. The numbers suggest the Fed might have to keep cutting rates even as prices stay sticky. When that happens, the dollar starts looking a little shaky, and investors run straight for hard assets.
But there is a weirder story unfolding too.
Rumors are swirling about a potential criminal indictment against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. You read that right. Whether it's political theater or something serious, the mere whisper of it has sent the markets into a defensive crouch. When people lose faith in the people printing the money, they buy the stuff they can hold in their hands.
The Industrial Hunger
Beyond the drama in D.C., there is a literal physical shortage.
- Solar energy is eating up silver at a record pace.
- AI data centers need it for precision contacts.
- EV batteries use about an ounce or two per car.
Basically, we are using silver faster than we can dig it out of the ground. Mexico and Russia—two of the biggest producers—are facing major supply hurdles. Mexico has new mining regulations that have basically put a leash on production, and Russia is, well, still Russia.
What’s the Price of 1 oz of Silver Today at the Dealer?
Here is the thing no one tells you: you can't actually buy silver for $90.81.
That’s the "spot price," which is basically a paper price for huge industrial contracts. If you walk into a local coin shop or go to a site like JM Bullion or SD Bullion, you're going to pay a "premium."
Robert Kiyosaki, the Rich Dad Poor Dad guy, was just posting about this on X. He’s been a silver bug since the 60s when it was a buck an ounce. He noted today that while spot is around $90, physical American Silver Eagles are commanding closer to **$104 per coin**.
That’s a $14 spread. It sounds crazy, but when demand is this high, dealers can charge whatever they want because they can't keep the shelves full. If you're looking to buy today, expect to pay anywhere from 5% to 15% over the spot price depending on what you're getting.
Is This a Bubble or the New Normal?
I get asked this constantly. "Is it too late to buy?"
Some analysts, like those over at HSBC, actually warned that we might see a correction soon. They originally projected silver would top out around $88 this year. Well, we blew past that before lunch today.
Others, like the folks at GoldSilver, are looking at $100 as the next logical stop. They argue that we’ve had five straight years of supply deficits. You can only ignore that math for so long before the price explodes.
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The "Paper" vs. "Physical" War
There’s also some technical drama happening at the CME Group (the guys who run the big commodity exchanges). They just switched to a new margin system. Basically, they're making it more expensive for traders to bet on silver because the volatility is so high.
In the past, the COMEX has used these "margin hikes" to intentionally cool off a rally. They've done it before, and they'll do it again. If you see the price suddenly drop $5 in an hour, don't panic—it’s usually just the exchange trying to keep the wheels from falling off the bus.
Actionable Steps for Today's Market
If you’re sitting on silver or thinking about jumping in, here is how you should handle this $90 environment.
Check the Spread
Don't just look at the spot price. Call your local dealer and ask for their "sell price" on generic rounds versus government coins. If the premium is over 20%, you're getting ripped off.
Watch the Gold-Silver Ratio
Historically, this ratio sits around 60:1 or 80:1. Right now, it’s tightening toward 50:1. This means silver is gaining value faster than gold. If that ratio keeps dropping, it's a sign that silver is the "alpha" in the precious metals world right now.
Don't FOMO Into One Buy
The price is at an all-time high. It feels like it’s going to $200, but markets move in waves. If you must buy today, maybe buy half of what you planned. Keep some cash back in case the CME hikes margins again and triggers a "flash crash" toward $82.
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Inventory Your Stash
If you bought silver back when it was $25 or $30, you are up nearly 200%. It might be a good time to sell a few ounces just to cover your original investment. There’s no shame in taking a little profit when the world is going slightly mad.
Silver is no longer the "poor man's gold." At $90 an ounce, it’s a strategic asset that the high-tech world literally cannot function without. Keep an eye on those margin requirements and the news out of Mexico; those will be the real triggers for what happens next.