What to actually do with the Silver?

Years ago, at $14 an ounce, I was investing in physical silver. A friend at work talked me into it. Then I got the "silverbug". My wife would ask, "What are you going to do with all that? It's only an expensive paperweight. Especially if poop hits the fan and our current currency is no longer in use". My wife is ready for a total fall-out to happen and thinks all our investments are just a digital number on a computer, which will be hacked and will say "$0" for everyone. So....if total fall-out/Armageddon did happen, is silver really going to be good for trade and barter? Really, when poop hits the fan, what good really is it. Someone help me out here.

Yes, I understand the other option of selling when I'm older and reap the benefits of the investment. But I'm talking about prepping wise for disasters. Do people really think it would be used?