Not even so much bullets and firepower. Most people are good people. I always go back to that book we talked about a few months ago, the guy in Yugoslavia.
Sure there will be a need to defend what you have, but after that initial "mess", things will calm down. If you make it past the city people doing what they always do, you will be pretty good. Silver will be of no value, a can of spam will be of great value. You can't eat the silver. You can't drink the gold. If everyone is in that same boat, and all the gold and silver is not really worth anything.
Lets say it is cold wet and rainy. Would you rather have that silver coin or a bic disposable lighter.
Even "us" people that live out in the country what do we do? Who do you let into your circle. That is a really hard question. You say that is easy family. Ok just what is that. My kid and his wife. What about her family. You going to turn them away. Some of them bring nothing to the table, not even muscle to do basic jobs. Say ok you can come but you can't. You let the dad in but not the mom.....yea let me know how that all works.
And if you think you are going to weather this all alone with your dog, or few dogs. You are an idiot. Sure you might be able to keep 10-20 of the unwashed masses away, but for how long. You are going to need to sleep sooner or later. And unless you have a bunker they will get in. And if you are locked in there, just how much can you keep in your "storm shelter". If they want you out those unwashed masses might just go Dirty Dozen on your in your hole.
I do agree with you however, silver will be worthless. If people are hungry he will not be able to buy that can of spam with a pocket of silver.