Are you searching for the best silver coins to buy for investment but aren’t sure where to start?
Generally speaking, coins can be one of the most affordable and smartest ways to begin building your physical silver bullion portfolio. They have standardized weight, purity, and government backing that makes them a great option for new and experienced investors.
But with so many choices available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and not sure about what to buy. That’s why we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to help you get started.
Learn about the best physical silver bullion coins to buy for investment and what makes them a smart addition to your overall investment portfolio.
Government-issued silver bullion coins
We’ll start with five government-issued coins:
1. Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
Origin year: 1988
Legal tender value: 5 Canadian dollars
Silver content: 1 troy ounce (99.99% pure silver)
Manufacturer: Royal Canadian Mint
Canadian Silver Maple Leafs are what we’d call a “perfectionist’s coin.” While most government mints are okay with 99.9% purity, the Royal Canadian Mint pushes it to 99.99%. This makes it one of the purest silver bullion coins you can get. Also, you can sell Maple Leafs pretty much anywhere in the world since most investors and dealers recognize them.
The challenge is that given the high purity, you’ll need to handle these coins carefully. Older coins, especially those minted before 2018, can develop milk spots or scratches if you don’t treat them gently.
Since 2014, the Royal Canadian Mint has added advanced anti-counterfeiting features. These include a micro-engraved Maple Leaf that’s only visible under magnification. This makes the Maple Leaf one of the most secure silver coins in the world. That’s a big deal when you’re building a solid precious metals investment portfolio.
2. American Silver Eagle
Origin year: 1986
Legal tender value: $1 USD
Silver content: 99.9% pure silver (one troy ounce)
Manufacturer: United States Mint
The American Silver Eagle is a top choice for new investors. You can think of American Silver Eagles as the “U.S. dollars” of silver. Any dealer across the U.S. will buy them easily, often at better prices than other coins. Also, during market downturns, like in 2008 or 2020, eagles held their value better than most competitors.
When buying eagles, pay attention to the mintage years. Some years, like 1996 and 2015, had lower mintages and now sell for much more than their silver content. Even uncirculated versions of these dates sell for multiples of their silver value. That’s why smart investors check dates when buying “random year” eagles at lower premiums—you might just find a hidden gem.
However, because American silver eagles are so popular, they also attract counterfeiters. Always buy from a reputable dealer like Swiss America to protect yourself from scams.
3. Australian Silver Kangaroo
Origin year: 1993
Legal tender value: $1 AUD
Silver content: 99.99% pure silver
Manufacturer: Royal Australian Mint
The Australian Silver Kangaroos have an iconic design that highlights the country’s symbol — the kangaroo. This gives the coins a cultural significance which can attract both collectors and investors around the world.
Another appealing aspect of the Australian Silver Kangaroo coin is the design. The reverse side usually features a lively image of a kangaroo in motion, and this design changes slightly each year. These changes keep the coins new and collectible. The obverse side shows a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which highlights its legal tender status in Australia and boosts its recognition worldwide.
4. Austrian Silver Philharmonics
Origin year: 2008
Legal tender value: 1.50 euros
Silver content: 1 oz (0.999 fine silver)
Manufacturer: Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich)
The Austrian Silver Philharmonic is one of the best-selling silver bullion coins globally, particularly in Europe. The coin shows Austria’s musical heritage. It features the Great Pipe Organ on one side and various orchestral instruments on the other. These details add a sentimental value to its investment status.
Interestingly, it was Europe’s first dedicated silver bullion coin after the success of the gold version introduced in 1989. Many investors prefer the Austrian Silver Philharmonics for their lower costs compared to other coins like eagles or maples. So, it’s a favorite among most value-conscious European investors.
5. British Silver Britannia Coins
Origin year: 1997
Legal tender value: £2
Silver content: 1 oz (0.999 fine silver)
Manufacturer: Royal Mint
The British Silver Britannia Coins are a perfect picture of British history and have an interesting story as sovereign silver coins. They started with 95.8% silver purity in 1997. But in 2013, the Royal Mint upgraded them to 99.9% pure silver to meet today’s standards for silver investment.
As of 2021, the Royal Mint gave these coins a security boost. These include:
A latent image that shifts from a padlock to Britannia’s trident.
Waves that animate when you move the coin.
Micro-text circling the design.
A shield with the Union flag and decorative lines.
These features make the Britannia coins tough to counterfeit. They usually have lower premiums than eagles but higher than generic rounds, making them a smart way to invest in silver.
Semi-numismatic bullion coins
These coins are different from government-issued coins because of limited mintage and added collectible value.
6. Chinese Silver Panda
Origin year: 1983
Legal tender value: 10 Yuan
Silver content: 30 g (0.999 fine silver)
Manufacturer: Shenzhen Guobao Mint
The Chinese Silver Panda coins are quite different because they change designs every year. They initially had 90% silver purity before upgrading to 99.9% pure silver in 1987. But what really sets them apart is their transition from the standard one-ounce format to 30 grams in 2016 to match Chinese measurement systems.
Pandas have higher premiums than most government-minted bullions. That’s mainly because of their unique designs and lower mintages. Older versions can have even higher prices beyond their silver value due to a strong collector base in China. For silver investors, Pandas offer a mix of bullion and numismatics.
If you’re just getting into silver investing, keep in mind that current-year pandas are usually the most affordable way to start. While they might seem pricey upfront, their historical appreciation makes them a compelling choice.
7. British Royal Mint Queen’s Beasts
Origin year: 2016
Legal tender value: £5
Silver content: 2 oz (0.999 fine silver)
Manufacturer: Royal Mint
The Queen’s Beasts series from the Royal Mint celebrates the heraldic beasts that represented Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation. The collection started in 2016 and includes both gold and silver coins.
Investors find these coins appealing due to their larger 2oz size and the series’ defined end date. Once it wraps up, that’s it. This creates a “set premium” effect, where completing the collection often leads to higher premiums than buying individual pieces.
Each coin shows one of the ten heraldic creatures that stood guard at the coronation. The series wraps up with a special Completer Coin that features all ten beasts together. Since they are exempt from capital gains tax in the UK, these coins are a good option for anyone looking to invest in precious metals while enjoying some collector appeal in that region.
8. Australian Lunar Series
Origin year: 1996
Legal tender value: $1 (for 1 oz coins)
Silver content: 1 oz (0.9999 fine silver)
Manufacturer: Perth Mint
The Australian Lunar series is a popular collection of coins that celebrates the animals of the Chinese zodiac. It started with Lunar I in 1996, followed by Lunar II in 2008, and now we have Lunar III, which began in 2020.
Each coin features a different zodiac animal, and you can expect to see each one represented every 12 years. So, collecting them is fun and engaging. The designs are not just beautiful. Instead, they also reflect rich cultural traditions.
Many collectors love the artistry and craftsmanship that the Perth Mint puts into each coin. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, these coins offer a unique way to enjoy both silver investment and cultural heritage. Plus, they make for great conversation starters!
Limited production coins
9. Mexican Silver Libertad
Origin year: 1982
Legal tender value: Not assigned a face value
Silver content: 99.9% pure silver
Manufacturer: Mexican Mint (Casa de Moneda de México)
The Mexican Silver Libertad coin is a favorite among collectors and investors alike. These coins celebrate Mexico’s rich heritage and stunning design. Each coin shows the iconic Angel of Independence on one side and the national coat of arms on the other.
These coins are available in various sizes, from 1 oz to 1 kg, giving you plenty of options for your silver investment.
What makes them even more appealing is their limited mintage in some years, which can lead to higher premiums for older coins.
10. Junk silver coins
Origin year: Pre-1965
Legal tender value: Varies by coin
Silver content: 90% silver
Manufacturer: U.S. Mint
Don’t let the name ‘junk silver coins’ mislead you. These coins are often highly sought after by investors and some collectors. They usually come from older U.S. currency, like dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted before 1965. Their level of silver is often 90%. So, they are a great way to get your hands on some real precious metal without breaking the bank.
We said the name shouldn’t bother you, but still, why are they called “junk?” The term refers to their lower numismatic value compared to collectible coins. However, many people love them for their silver content and historical charm. You can often find these coins in bags or rolls at local coin shops or online.
11. South African Silver Krugerrand
Origin Year: 2017
Legal Tender Value: 1 Rand
Silver Content: 1 oz (0.999 fine silver)
Manufacturer: South African Mint
The South African Silver Krugerrand is a striking coin that has captured the hearts of collectors and investors. It boasts a beautiful design featuring Paul Kruger on one side and the iconic springbok antelope on the other.
The coin quickly gained popularity since its introduction and offered a more affordable option for those interested in precious metals. You can find it packaged individually or in larger quantities, making it easy to buy and sell.
With its rich history and globally recognized name, owning a Silver Krugerrand feels like holding a piece of South Africa’s heritage.
Buying and storing silver coins
Now that you’re in the know on the best silver coins for investment, let’s look at how you can go ahead to buy and store them.
How to buy silver coins
There are a few factors you should think about when choosing silver coins for investment.
Purity and weight: Your initial considerations should be the purity and weight of the silver bullion coins. Generally, those with high purity levels at 99.9% silver tend to hold more value.
Dealer reputation: Next, consider the reputation of the precious metals dealer. You want to buy from someone trustworthy to avoid counterfeits. Read reviews online and do your due diligence to work with a reputable company like Swiss America.
Cultural or historical significance: Also, look for coins with cultural or historical significance. Silver coins with sentimental value attract more interest and can command higher premiums.
Limited mintage: Limited mintage can also boost a coin’s value. It’s because scarcity often drives demand. So, coins produced in smaller quantities can be more desirable.
Security features: Look for coins with advanced security features, such as radial lines and micro-engraved laser marks. If you learn to detect authentic coins through their unique security features, you’ll easily spot counterfeits.
Liquidity: Finally, think about liquidity. Some coins sell more easily than others, so choosing well-known brands can help you sell when needed. With these points in mind, you can navigate the silver coin market with confidence and make smart choices for your investment.
Preserving your silver coins
To resell the coins in the silver coin market at a good rate, you’ll need to keep them in great shape. In short, maintain their value.
Here are some simple tips to help you care for your collection:
Store them properly: Use soft, acid-free holders or capsules to protect your coins from scratches and tarnish.
Keep them clean: Avoid cleaning coins with harsh chemicals. If you need to clean them, use a soft cloth designed for coins.
Handle with care: When you pick up your coins, hold them by the edges. This simple practice prevents fingerprints and oils from damaging the surface.
Avoid exposure to air: Sealing your coins in airtight containers and using silica gel packets to absorb moisture can help keep them safe from tarnish.
Buying silver coins from Swiss America
If you are thinking about owning physical silver coins, consider Swiss America for your precious metals purchases. We’ve worked with thousands of happy customers for over 40 years. We’re not a fly-by-night company, and we’re focused on your success.
Our team of experts is here to support you with educational resources like our in-depth guides, regular podcasts, and daily news updates. We’ll also provide guidance on storage, insurance, and options to leverage your retirement funds to invest in silver through an IRA.
Customers appreciate our transparent pricing, high-quality metals, and commitment to customer support. You’ll also benefit from our online customer portal where you can see the market value of your investments in real time.
Final thoughts on the best silver coins to buy
Investing in a mix of silver coins can help diversify your portfolio to reduce risk and increase potential returns.
If you’re ready to diversify your portfolio with the best silver coins? Connect with the Swiss America team today!
Best silver coins to buy for investment: FAQs
Are 1oz silver coins a good investment?
Yes, 1oz silver coins are generally a good investment due to their liquidity and recognition in the market.
Which silver coins hold the most value?
The 1oz Silver Maple Coin, 1oz Silver Britannia Coin, and 1oz Silver Eagle Coin are among the silver coins that hold the most value due to their high purity and demand.
What form of silver is best to buy?
Bullion bars are ideally best for large-scale investors who want cost-effective pricing and lower premiums over spot prices. Silver coins are best for collectors and investors seeking liquidity and potential numismatic value. They carry higher premiums but are easily recognizable and tradable.
Note: The information in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult with your own tax professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on this information.
