What are the Best Silver Coins to Buy around the world?
Silver coins can be a great way to invest in precious metals, both for their intrinsic value and as an alternative to Gold. The trouble is that there are so many to choose from. Naturally, we asked what are the best Silver coins to buy? That can be a hard question to answer because it really depends on what kind of investment you are looking for.
Silver coins can be traced back to the ancients. The ancient Greeks, for example, used both silver coins and hallmarked silver ingots for trade.
The history of silver is too long for this article, but it can help us delineate some of the best Silver coins to buy. Principally, there is big difference between ancient silver coins that were meant for circulation and modern ones. There is an even bigger difference with bullion silver coins. We will mention a few great ways to expose yourself to silver in the former cases, and then focus on what bullion coins are the best silver coins to buy.
So what gets a coin on the list of the best silver coins to buy?
As we mentioned in the best gold coins to buy, factors such as premium over spot, melt value, perception of the manufacturing mint, numismatic value, and much more come into play. Our research stayed away from expensive Post Office Coins and royal Canadian Mint Sets, both of which are less than ideal as investments.
As we go through the coins below, be sure to read up on the histories of the countries that made them. A powerful historic tradition and large collecting community will only add value when other factors are controlled. A downside is that you may often end up paying a higher premium over the coin’s silver melt value.
So let’s get on with it. Below are the Top 10 best Silver coins, at least in our opinion. Keep in mind that everyone is going to have a different opinion, especially given the aesthetic value many of these pieces have.
The Top 10 Silver Coins to Buy:
The best Silver coins to buy for their classic bullion design:
The below coins are arranged in alphabetical order. Each is minted of 99.99% + fine Silver and IRA as well as TFSA, and RRSP eligible due to COMEX and LBMA certification.
1. United States: United States Mint – 1 oz. Silver Eagle
First struck in 1986, the one ounce Silver Eagle coin has been produced Philadelphia, San Francisco, and West Point. On the obverse it features Adolph Weinman's famous Walking Liberty Design, and on the reverse John Mercanti's Heraldic Eagle, Shield, and five-pointed star. As one of the hallmarks of the precious metals investment world, these coins regularly sell in the tens of millions to American and international customers.
2. Austria: Austrian Mint – 1 oz. Silver Philharmonic Coin
In 2008, the Austrian mint took Thomas Pesendorfer's famous Philharmonic design and began producing Silver Philharmonics. This classic entry on the list of best Silver coins to buy features the Great Organ of Vienna’s Concert Hall (the Musikverein) on the obverse and an assortment of orchestral instrument on the reverse. The coin has a face value of 1.50 Euro and hit a production high in 2011 when nearly 18 million were sold.We recommend purchasing a Monster Box of Philharmonic coins when you can - as this will bring the price per oz down.
3. Canada: Royal Canadian Mint – 1 oz. Silver Maple Leaf Coin
One of Canada’s most famous exports is the Silver Maple Leaf coin. It has such an appealing aesthetic that it’s no wonder Canadians are proud of their national symbol. Another reason for their popularity is the fact that they are 0.9999 fine silver, while most others are 0.999.
Much like the above Philharmonics, we always recommend purchasing coins in bulk to bring down the premium per oz. Take a look at the Monster Box of Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins here.
4. Australia: Perth Mint – 1 oz. Silver Kangaroo
The 1oz. Silver Kangaroo coin has been a staple of the Royal Australian Mint since Horst Hahne designed it in 1993. The coin has extensive global recognition these legendary Silver Kangaroo coins hold their own in craftsmanship with any commonwealth nation's . Available for sale in regular and high relief, it is currently minted with a face value of 1 Australian dollar. The reverse depicts Australia's national symbol, the Kangaroo, and the obverse, Queen Elizabeth II.
5. Mexico: Mexican Mint – 1 oz. Silver Libertad
The Mexican Mint makes one of the highest premium and most beautiful 0.999 silver coins. As one of the major silver producing countries in the world, the Mexican government wisely jumped on exporting some their exported precious metals.
The 1 oz Silver Libertad coin depicts two volcanoes - Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl - with a winged Victoria of Mexican Independance on the obverse. On the reverse is the new Mexican coat of arms sorrounded by the old design. Consider investing while the price of silver remains relatively low.
6. United Kingdom: The Royal Mint - 1 oz. Silver Britannia
For two decades, Great Britain's Royal Mint has produced the inspiring 1 oz Silver Britannia Coin. Over the years the coin has evolved in detail and complexity, with a radiating design most recently added for both design and security authentication. A symbol and pride of Great Britain, the 1 oz Silver Britannia Coin shows Lady Britannia temperance and strength. Created by Philip Nathan in 1987, the design was meant to evolve as an icon. A beautiful silver coin and a great investment for any bullion stacker!
7. South Africa: RAND Mint - 1 oz. Silver Krugerrand
The Krugerrand coin was only available as a gold coin for over 50 years. However, the South African mint issued its first ever 1 Oz Silver Krugerrand Coin which was a massive success in 2017 . Due to the popularity, the Rand Refinery decided to offer a new silver bullion krugerrand. These beautiful coins come in a tube of 25 coins and a monster box containing 500 coins. The coin holds a denomination of 1 Rand and a diameter of 38mm.
8. Mixed Origin: Junk Silver (10% to 92.5%)
People love to find cheap junk silver. Canadian, British, Australian and United States dollars, fifty-cent pieces, quarters and dimes were at points made with .925, .800, and .400 silver. This holds true for most countries. These coins still hold value for their silver and can be a much cheaper way to invest in precious metals. They are also a great way to build a diverse historic collection taking advantage of their liquidity.
Another honorable mention would be the 1 Oz Silver Kanagaroo from the Perth Mint in Australia - a very popular and well known silver coin in the world of bullion.
The best Silver coins to buy when you want to buy ancient Silver coins.
Note: these coins tend to be much more expensive and are considered collectible numismatics rather than bullion..
Seleucid Empire: Antiochus VII
The silver coin with the bust of Antiochus VII is quite fascinating. A crease in the silver mold runs diagonally across the upper check of the king’s face, giving the impression he has a terrible scar. It signifies his infamous status as the last Seleucid king of any import, and adds some existential hubris to the bare silver coin. On the other side is a bust of Athena. Perhaps the best things about this coin is its price: roughly USD $450.
Egypt: King Ptolemy VI Coins
The face of King Ptolemy VI is memorialized on these coins dating to approximately 150 BC. These are relatively small coins by come packed with so much history you will not know whether to hide it away or display it in your office. Here is a little bit of historical fun to go along with it: Ptolemy VI was king of Egypt, and he married his sister with whom he had four kids!
The best fractional Silver coin to buy:
United States: Sunshine Mint 1/2 oz Silver Round
One thing you don't see every day is minted silver under 1 oz. The Sunshine Mint 1/2 oz. Silver Round is made with the same expertise and .999 fine silver as the Mint's famous 1 oz. round. Pieces of fractional Silver costs more to make and therefore holds a higher premium above spot, per oz, than your average 1 oz bar or round.
Concluding thoughts on the best Silver coins to buy:
Having looked at the foundations of the best Silver coins to buy, remember to ask which you would rather own for the long term. While cut and finishing quality have immense impact on the short-term premium of the coin, commodity value takes precedence in the long run.
So regardless of whether you are buying a Christmas gift or an investment, be sure to understand why you are buying a coin.
Quite frankly, if you are just looking at the best silver to buy for their Silver value, you might want to have a look at the lower premium over spot options, like assorted fine Silver bars, coins and rounds! While these items may not be in perfect condition, or have remarkable design - they still hold the same value in silver as any other 1 oz coin option.
If you are looking to bring your premiums down even further, then we recommend buying larger pieces. For example, the same assorted products exist in 5 oz, Kilogram (32.15 troy oz) or even the 100 oz silver bar!