A typical precious metals investor who bought silver 15 years ago is now celebrating a 30% gain on their position. While the return might seem modest at first glance—less than 2% annually—it reflects the steady, low-volatility nature of traditional commodity investments. Compare this to the explosive volatility of digital assets or equities over the same period, and you get a clearer picture of different risk-return profiles. For long-term holders, patience in any asset class eventually pays off, whether it's silver sitting in a vault or crypto holdings through multiple market cycles. The lesson? Time in the market often beats timing the market.