What kind of silver should you buy?

As our economy becomes more and more shaky people are looking to safe investments to protect themselves from the fiscal irresponsibility which has lead to these large problems in our economy.

 There are many types of Silver bullion to invest in. I recommend starting with simple silver coins issued by governments and slowly building up a small reserve. In the mean time, while building up your reserve do lots of research and learn about what types of silver best meet your needs. Below I highlighted some government produced coins which are common, easy to exchange and  generally well regarded. 

American Silver Eagles

The American Silver Eagles (ASE) are some of the most common silver coins you will find in the USA and therefore make a very common investment.   

Originally the ASE was released in the mid 1980s into circulation to create an abundance of silver in the population. As the United State Mint released more silver coins, the price of silver dropped. In 2000 production was increased again.

The Silver Eagle is very iconic design and easily recognizable. Known as the "Walking Liberty" a woman's figure under the word "LIBERTY" is shown on the obverse side of the coin. "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the year of minting is shown near her feet. The design was created by Adolph Weinman.

The reverse side of the coin depicts a eagle with wings spread up. Above the eagle there are 13 stars representing the original 13 colonies of the United States. The text on the reverse side includes “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “1 OZ FINE SILVER,” and “ONE DOLLAR” curved around the perimeter of the coin. 

 The ASE comes in two versions, bullion and proof:

• Proof coins are more expensive. They are much rarer and are primarily intended for coin collectors because they tend to have higher quality images, more polish and finer detail. I would not recommend buying proof coins for basic silver investment or preserving value.

• Bullion coins are much cheaper then proof coins. They tend to be produced in large quantities and therefore much more common. This would be a great starting point for Individuals who are primarily concerned with building up a reserve of silver. These coins are also sometimes advertised as "Brilliant Uncirculated".

In general American Silver Eagles are a very standard silver coin so its easy to buy and sell. Its plentiful so there's always a coin shop nearby where you can pick one up. Also, they're easily recognized so it's convenient for a trades or private sales!  However be careful as many independent mints have used it as a model for their own generic coin designs. So, make sure you examine any coins you purchase closely.

Face Value: $1.00 U.S. Dollar
Mass: 31.103 g (1.00 Troy Ounce)
Diameter: 40.6 mm (1.598 inches)
Thickness: 2.98 mm (0.1173 inches)
Purity:  .999 Silver

Canadian Silver Maple Leaf

The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf (CSM) are some of the most common silver coins you will find in Canada and therefore another very common investment in Canada as well as USA. It is issued by the Government of Canada and produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. Throughout the years, the Royal Canadian Mint has produced many special editions of the famous Maple Leaf, all in great detail and quality.  Some of the special issues have had colored designs, commemorative coins, anniversary coins, and animal series.

The obverse of the Maple Leaf  depicts Queen Elizabeth II, the monarch of Canada. Over the years there have been variations of Queen Elizabeth's portrait including young, middle-aged, and older depictions. The obverse also includes the  $5 Canadian value of the coin and year of issue. 

On the reverse side of the Maple Leaf is an illustration of its most recognizable feature, large Maple Leaf in great detail. The word "CANADA" hovers over the maple leaf image. Underneath, information about the composition of the coin appear in both English and French. The words "9999 FINE SILVER 1 OZ ARGENT PUR 9999" curve around the bottom perimeter.

The CSM is highly sought after because of its 99.99% pure silver content where as most other mints only offer 99.9% purity. The 99.99% silver content makes the CSM among the finest official bullion coins in the whole world. This coin would be a great investment for
preserving value and a great starting point for Individuals who are want to build up a reserve of silver. 

Face Value: $5.00 Canadian Dollars
Mass: 31.1035 g (1.00 Troy Ounce)
Diameter: 37.97 mm (1.4948 inches)
Thickness: 3.29 mm (0.1295 inches)
Purity:  .9999 Silver

Mexican Silver Libertad

The Mexican Silver Libertad (MSL) is not as popular as the ASE or CSM but offer lots of flexibility for an individual looking to diversify his reserve. They are produced in 1/20, 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 troy ounce weights as well as larger 2 and 5 ounce weights. The largest weight the Libertad is offered in is 1 kilo. 

The obverse of the coin depicts the winged Victoria, a symbolic figure of liberty, who is standing on top of the Mexican Independence Column of Victory. It was built in 1910 to commemorate Mexico’s War of Independence from Spain. In the background are two volcanoes which have an important place in Mexican folk lore.

The reverse side of the standard 1 ounce coin is stamped with the coat of arms of Mexico in the center. Newer issues of the coin include the 10 historical coats of arms surrounding the current Mexican coat of arms in a ring.

The Libertad is a great coin to diversify a silver reserve because of its wide range of weights. However, it would be hard to find some of the smaller units and they might end up costing quite a bit because of the higher production costs associated with smaller units.

Face Value: None
Mass: 31.10 g (1.00 Troy Ounce)
Diameter: 40.00 mm (1.574 inches)
Thickness: 3.00 mm (0.118 inches)
Purity:  .999 Silver

Austrian Silver Philharmonic

The Austrian Silver Philharmonic (ASP) is minted by the Austrain Mint in Europe. Since its begining in 2008 it has become the most popular bullion coin in the EU.  

The obverse of the ASP shows a organ in the Golden Concert Hall of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Also on the obverse are the inscriptions of coin. At the top it reads "REPUBLIK OSTERREICH" and underneath it reads "1 UNZE FEINSILBER" the year of mint, and a face value of "1,50 EURO".

The reverse of the coin features a design of musical instruments representing the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the text "WIENER PHILHARMONIKER", which translates to "Vienna Philharmonic".

The ASP is a good coin to diversify a silver reserve because of its wide usage in many European countries.

 


Face Value:  €1.50 Euros
Mass: 31.103 g (1.00 Troy Ounce)
Diameter: 37.00 mm (1.456 inches)
Thickness: 3.2 mm (0.125 inches)
Purity: .999 Silver

British Silver Britannia

The British Silver Britannia (BSB) is a beautiful coin with lots of history. Produced by the British Royal Mint. The mint has expanded the units of Silver Britannia since 2013 and now offers 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 ounces as well as a 5 ounce unit. .

The obverse of the coin depicts the face of Queen Elizabeth II with the face value of "2 POUNDS" and the inscription "ELIZABETH II D.G. REG. F. D." curving around the perimeter of the coin.

Since the Silver Britannias began production in 1997 there have been a variety of desings on the reverse. Most of them depict Britannia, a symbolic representation of Britain, in some way. 


The Britannia is a great coin to diversify a silver reserve because of its wide range of weights. However, it would be hard to find some of the smaller units and they might end up costing quite a bit because of the higher production costs associated with smaller units. Also, the various designs on the reverse will require the investor to do a bit of research. Lastly, the composition of the coins have changed over time as well so this is a important factor to consider when investing for long term value.


Face Value: £2 British Pounds Sterling
Mass: 31.21 g (1.00 Troy Ounce)
Diameter: 37.97 mm (1.4948 inches)
Thickness: 3.29 mm (0.1295 inches)
Purity: .999 Silver (since 2013 - 2017)
           .958 Silver (since 1997 - 2012)
                     

Problems with our economy

Has anyone ever told you to invest in gold or silver because the economy is going to collapse? Did you think these people were crazy Doomsday preppers who wear tinfoil hats? But ask yourself in all honesty and seriousness “Is there any immediate or potential danger that I should take precautions for?”

To answer this we need to take a step back and take a quick look at the evolution of money. Gold and silver, often known as precious metals, were used as currencies because of their highly prized characteristics. They didn’t rust, had a bright luster, could be shaped easily, could be used in jewelry, etc. etc. Just like food or tools they served a purpose and provided a real tangible benefit to people.

Over time though they were replaced by paper promissory notes, or I.O.Us because it was hard to carry around heavy coins all the time. The promissory notes were still worth something though because they represented a payment of tangible gold or silver. If somebody paid you in a bank’s promissory note you could take the note to the particular bank and exchange it for gold or silver coins. These notes further evolved and were centralized by governments who regulated the notes and deposits of precious metals. This gave birth to paper currencies like the US Dollar, Great Britain Pound, Japanese Yen, etc. etc. Eventually the governments stopped maintaining deposits of gold and silver which these currencies used to represent. So as of today the vast majority of these currencies represent nothing other than the economy of the government that issues them. They are no longer backed or supported by a deposit of gold, silver or any other food or tool which serves a purpose or provide a real tangible benefit to people. These paper currencies are just slips of paper which have some value because a group of people say they do.

 
This is a very big problem because today far too many governments have far too much debt. Fiscal irresponsibility has lead to large international loans which are becoming impossible to pay back anymore. Also, reckless governments have been printing more and more paper money in attempts to pay off loans which has been driving up inflation. Currencies all over the world, which have become closely interconnected through globalization are all losing value. Banks, which have been the architects of this reckless systems need massive amounts of government loans to thrive. Fractional Reserve Banking has wreaked havoc on our economy. However, governments don’t want you to think about these problems. They keep printing money, playing games with currency reserves and toying with interest rates to keep the ship afloat.

But you should think about your financial future. The facts are right in front of your eyes and you live through this problem every day. Ask yourself “What did I used to pay for a full tank at the gas station 10 years ago? 5 years ago? 1 year ago?” Then ask yourself “What do I pay for a full tank of gas today?” Do the same exercise or for daily staples like milk, eggs, and bread in the grocery store.

Prices for these goods shouldn’t be skyrocketing because their supply is still the same. Oil producing nations haven’t shut down all of their wells.  Cows and chickens haven’t magically disappeared. Wheat fields haven’t been destroyed by Biblical locusts.

Inflation, interest rates, and fractional reserve banking has destroyed the purchasing value of our Dollar. Since the Federal Reserve was created in 1913 our dollar has lost approximately 95% of its value. We are at the edge of the cliff and any further devaluation of our currency could lead us into a crisis much worse than the Great Depression of 1929.

I ask all of you to take some time out and think about these issues.  Ask yourself  are there any possible benefits to owning gold and silver? 

Sound Money Bill in Tennessee

On 2 FEB 2017  the Tennessee House and Senate filled Bills which would exempt gold and silver bullion and coins from sales tax. This would in hopefully encouraging their use and help limit the Federal Reserve’s corrupt monopoly on money.

Senator Frank Nicely, a Republican, introduced Senate Bill 350 (SB350)  and Representative Bud Hulsey, Republican, introduced a similar bill (HB342) in the House.

Sound Money Bill in Arizona

The Arizona house legislature just passed a bill on 13 FEB 2017, that would eliminate state capital gains taxes on gold and silver specie, and encourage its use as currency. However the senate still needs to approve it. If passed this could help limit the Federal Reserve’s corrupt monopoly on money.

Representative  Mark Finchem, a republican introduced House Bill 2014 (HB2014) on 9 JAN 2017. The bill would eliminate state capital gains taxes on income “derived from the exchange of one kind of legal tender for another kind of legal tender.” The bill further defines legal tender as “a medium of exchange, including specie, that is authorized by the United States Constitution or Congress for the payment of debts, public charges, taxes and dues.” 

State Gold and Silver Bill in Utah

The the Utah legislature is discussing a bill that would build on the state’s Legal Tender Act this would create a foundation to further encourage the use of gold and silver as money. Many see this as another blow toward the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money.

Representative Ken Ivory a Republican introduced House Bill 224 (HB224) on Jan. 27. 2017.  The bill would add provisions to another state law which is in place to encourage the use of gold and silver as legal tender. Hopefully this will set the stage for extending gold repositories in the state and authorizing more sound money policies for the benefit of all.