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)