"Can anyone explain?" I want to try.

Buy your bullion from outside sources to the US, Canadian mint perhaps.
But more important store it out of reach (i.e. knowledge) of your government institutions - that means also banks.
I am a Canadain and most of my wealth is now outside of Canada which I hope has slightly better standing/history than US of A.
Cyprus tells us that fiat is no safety so keep is at a minimum.
so buy your bullion in one place ( or have it done for you) but store it in completley different one ( jurisdiction if need be?).
( They will confiscate your gold and silver and if paying you for it, it will be at current prices instead of what it will be worth at that time. Same with paper, a percentage off from the top in form of tax or fee because you gambled with the banksters.)

Cheers.