Investing in silver coins offers an excellent combination of tangibility, intrinsic value and collectibility. But with such an extensive selection to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which silver coins to buy.
To help you out, we've compiled the best silver coins for investment. The coins on this list have wide recognition, high liquidity and strong return potential, making them an attractive option for both new and seasoned investors. We include a description of each coin, detailing its historical significance, design and the main reasons why you would want to invest.
American Silver Eagle
*Mint: The U.S. Mint.
*Weight: 1 troy oz.
*Hardness: 999/1000
*Diameter: 40.6 mm
*Thickness: 2.98 mm
Face value: 1 U.S. dollar (although its market value is much higher)
History: As the U.S. Mint's flagship bullion coin, the American Silver Eagle has been an international success since its release in 1986. It is one of the few silver bullion coins guaranteed by the U.S. government for weight, content and purity. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for the 1 ounce American Eagle silver bullion coins with widespread interest in Asian markets.
Design: The obverse features the famous "Walking Liberty" design by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, showing Lady Liberty draped in the U.S. flag with a sun in the background. The reverse used to show the iconic heraldic eagle with shield designed by John Mercanti. In 2021, this design was updated to celebrate 35 years of the coin and now shows a lone eagle with an oak branch in its talons.
Investment Potential:
*Universal recognition.
*High liquidity
*Iconic design
*Strong market in North America and Asia.
Silver Krugerrand
*Mint: Rand Refinery South Africa
*Weight: 1 troy oz.
*Hardness: 999/1000
*Diameter: 38.7 mm
*Thickness: 3 mm
*Nominal value: 1 Rand (although its market value is much higher)
History: The Silver Krugerrand was first released in 2017 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gold Krugerrand. Thanks to its infamous predecessor, which was the first gold bullion coin produced, the coin was met with immediate global respect and recognition. Its name is a combination of Paul Kruger, the first Boer president of the South African Republic, and rand, the country's currency.
Design: The Krugerrand Silver coin features the same design as its gold counterpart. The reverse shows a moving springbok antelope, the national animal of South Africa. The word 'Krugerrand' appears in micro text in the mountains behind the antelope, offering a degree of authenticity. At the bottom are the coin's weight and grade along with the words 'FYNSILWER 1 OZ FINE SILVER R1'. The obverse features a portrait of Paul Kruger with the words Suid Africa and South Africa.
Investment Potential:
*As one of the most recognized and respected bullion coins in the world, the Silver Krugerrand is an excellent investment for those seeking:
*Globally recognized currency.
*Relatively inexpensive silver investment
*Easy liquidity
*Security against counterfeiting.
*Canadian Maple Leaf Silver
Mint: Royal Canadian Mint *Mint: Royal Canadian Mint
*Weight: 1 troy oz.
*Coin Hardness: 999.9/1000
*Diameter: 38 mm
*Thickness: 3.15 mm
Face value: 5 Canadian dollars (although its market value is much higher) *Posted value: 5 Canadian dollars (although its market value is much higher)
History: First produced in 1988, the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is the purest silver coin produced by a government mint, making it extremely popular with investors. Thanks to its unmatched purity, the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is in high demand and ranks second only to the American Eagle in popularity. Part of the Maple Leaf series (which includes the Gold Maple Leaf and Platinum Maple Leaf), the Silver Maple Leaf is globally recognized and has high liquidity, especially in the North American market.
Design: The Silver Maple Leaf features the same design as the infamous Gold Maple Leaf, with a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. This will soon be replaced by a portrait of King Charles III. The reverse features Canada's national emblem, the iconic maple leaf. The coin design features radial lines on both sides that create a light diffraction pattern that adds additional security and prevents counterfeiting. Newer coins also feature MintShield, a surface protector that prevents white spots. On some coins, the reverse also features a laser micro-engraved textured maple leaf for added security.
Investment Potential: There are many reasons why the Silver Maple Leaf is an excellent choice for silver investors, including:
Silver Britannia.
*Mint: The Royal Mint
*Weight: 1 troy ounce
*Coin Hardness: 999.9/1000
*Diameter: 38.61 mm
*Thickness: 3 mm
*Face value: 2 pounds sterling (although its market value is much higher).
History: First released in 1987, the Britannia was Europe's first silver investment coin. Inspired by the success of its predecessors, the Silver Maple Leaf and the Silver American Eagle, it was clear that Britain needed its own silver coin. Thus the Silver Britannia was born. With 99.9% purity guaranteed by the Royal Mint, this coin is backed by the British government and has become a highly respected investment choice.
Design: The obverse of the Silver Britannia features a portrait of the figure of Britannia, symbol of Great Britain, with his helmet, shield and spear. This design has changed several times, but has always been a strong representation of British sovereignty. The reverse features the royal coat of arms, the date of issue and the face value of the coin.
Investment Potential:
*Silver Britannia is highly respected among investors and collectors due to:
Its purity
*Its global recognition
*Its strong design
*Its security against counterfeiting.
Other Options
Other silver coins to consider are the Silver Kookaburra from Australia, the Silver Koala and the Silver Lunar, as well as the Silver Panda from China. These coins also have a strong presence in the market and offer different designs and features that might interest you.
By StoneX Bullion