Why Start Investing in Silver Coins
Silver bullion is in high demand right now and it’s even become more popular than gold. People buy silver as an investment with the intention of selling a portion of their position when silver prices are high, or as a hedge against inflation, maintaining consistent levels of silver in their portfolios to offset inflation or riskier investments on the stock market. Silver bullion coins are an easy way to start investing in silver.
A Brief History of Silver Coins
For thousands of years, silver coins were synonymous with money. As one of the oldest forms of currency, silver coins were the foundation of trade in the ancient world. First used in Greece, Persia, Rome, India, and China, silver coins helped standardize trade across civilizations and they were used in circulation until late in the 20th century. The face value of modern coins that contain silver is now much lower than the value of the silver bullion contained in the coin. However, rare silver coins still have numismatic value, meaning collectors are willing to pay more for the rarity of the coin.
Silver was used in circulating currency in the United States up until 1964, while in Canada it was used in circulating silver quarters until 1968. In 1986, the United States government mints first began minting official silver bullion coins and silver rounds for investors, though commemorative silver coins had been produced since silver went out of circulation in currency. Today, silver has grown in profile as an investment, partly thanks to high profile silver investments made by the likes of Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, and partly because of a long bull run on silver that started after the turn of the century.
Collectible Silver Coins
While silver coins make reliable investments, silver bars often have lower premiums. Silver coins are favoured by silver coin collectors and there are tons of collectible silver coins available from Silver Gold Bull. These include sovereign mint collectibles like RCM Collectible silver coins and Perth mint collectible silver coins, as well as collections like the Superheroes series, the Looney Tunes series, and Disney Princess series.
Silver Bullion Coins
Silver coins are produced by sovereign mints around the world. Much of the world’s investment-grade silver coins come from the United States and the Royal Canadian Mint, but there are also options such as the Mexican Silver Libertad, Chinese Silver Panda, Austrian Silver Philharmonics, British Silver Coins, and the Perth Mint Kookaburra Series silver coin.
American Eagle Coins
American Silver Eagles are the world’s most popular silver coin, minted since 1986 in the United States. In addition to a silver bullion coin, each year a collectible proof American Silver Eagle is also minted. American Silver Eagles are only minted as 1 oz silver coins at 99.9% pure silver.
Silver Maple Leaf
The Royal Canadian Mint’s Silver Maple Leaf is another popular coin for people who want to invest in silver. The RCM mints tens of millions of silver coins every year that are purchased by investors and collectors around the world.
Silver Krugerrand
Launched in 2017, South Africa’s Silver Krugerrand is a 1 oz silver coin that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Gold Krugerrand, which in its heyday was the most popular gold bullion coin available in the world. The Silver Krugerrand is a rare opportunity for collectors.
While these coins have face values, silver coins are priced according to the spot price of silver bullion. In addition to the spot price, you pay a small premium that covers the cost of refining, minting and transporting the metal. Ask about buying silver at a discount to reduce your premiums.