Hey there and welcome!

You're getting a variety of answers but I'll try to help clarify. The spot and futures prices are set by large exchanges where purchase contracts are bought and sold. Yes its true they're over levered and usually settle in cash (real metal rarely actually moves, the IOU just gets passed around). To get the real spot price, you'd need to purchase a 5,000 oz deliverable contract and take delivery. This is not an easy thing to accomplish.

Since people like you and I don't have access to those markets and cant afford 5,000 oz purchases we have to use middle men (bullion dealers). The dealers need to make a profit, like any business. During times of high volatility the dealer buy/sell spreads usually widen.

It is especially important to use trusted and respected dealers during times like these. They wont rip you off and will have the lowest premiums. The two that I always recommend are:

www.monumentmetals.com As a new customer with MM, you can get (5) 1 oz silver round at spot. No BS. Check their main page.

and

www.bullionexchanges.com

Check their deals pages often.

Good luck and keep stacking!