While gold dropped by Rs 330 to Rs 26,370 per 10 grams, matching its price on August 10, 2011, silver prices plunged by Rs 1,530 to Rs 42,170 per kg, a level last seen on November 26, 2010.
Selling pressure gathered momentum as precious metals in in global markets extended their longest slump in four years as investment holdings contracted and stocks rallied and dollar surged against other currencies.
In global markets, which normally sets the price trend on the domestic front, silver tumbled 7 per cent to USD 20.69 an ounce, gold by 1.5 per cent to USD 1,338.85 an ounce.
Besides, fall in demand due to off marriage season and retail customers expecting more correction in the bullion prices was another dampening factor, they added.
On the domestic front, silver ready dropped by Rs 1,530 to Rs 42,170 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 1,485 to Rs 41,170 per kg. Silver coins nosedived by Rs 3,000 to Rs 72,000 for buying and Rs 73,000 for selling of 100 pieces.
Similarly, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity tumbled by Rs 330 each to Rs 26,370 and Rs 26,170 per 10 grams, respectively. Sovereigns, too, plunged by Rs 200 to Rs 23,500 per piece of eight grams.