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Definition of Silver Coins
Silver coins are flat, rounded coinage made of pure silver content or a silver-based alloy. They have been widely used as coinage since ancient times.
The Lydian Lion is widely accepted as the world's oldest coin, minted sometime around 600 BC. || Source
Modern silver coins, in turn, usually contain 99.99% pure silver and are struck by sovereign mints that give the silver bullion coins guaranteed weight and purity, not to mention legal tender status within the country of emission and, generally, a face value.
In this article, I will examine the value of coins from an investment perspective, focusing on the factors that influence their worth. We will explore key aspects of the precious metals market, the benefits of investing in silver, and what investors should consider when purchasing silver coins.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Silver Coins
If you are new to the precious metals market, you might feel overwhelmed by how to buy silver coins.
Below I listed some factors to consider before choosing which ones to invest in.
Purity: Silver coins can be found in different purity levels and silver alloys. The composition of the coin will impact how durable and resistant it will be to wear. And it will also affect its price, which will change according to the silver spot price.
Design: Coin designs play an essential part when choosing a coin since they mainly represent historical figures or icons. These can be special series or represent classical designs.
Availability: Sometimes, the coin's mintage will also reflect on its price since a rare coin will make collectors more willing to pay more.
Authenticity: Not all bullion coins have an authenticity certificate, but sovereign mint silver coins will have their authenticity backed by the institution itself. Each institution adds its anti-counterfeiting measures to its coins. For instance, the Royal Canadian Mint is famous for its Bullion DNA technology, which individually identifies each coin they release.
Types of Silver Coins
Investment Silver Bullion Coins
Silver Bullion coins are produced for investment. They are often designed at face value, making them considered legal tender, and some can even be used in Individual Retirement Accounts. Besides, they are charged a price above the silver spot due to manufacturing costs.
American Silver Eagle Silver Coin
On the other hand, the proof coins have a higher level of detail and are usually minted in smaller quantities for collectors. They undergo a more complex minting process that includes burnishing the blanks and especially polishing the dies to create a cameo effect.
The design elements receive a frosted look, and the background of the proof silver coins has a mirror-like luster.
Silver Rounds
Silver rounds are privately minted, non-legal tender, silver bullion coin-like pieces of .999 fine silver. They are available in varied sizes and designs. Because they are not government-guaranteed, silver rounds usually carry lower premiums than sovereign silver coins.
Junk Silver Coins
Junk silver refers to lower-quality coins with a relatively little numismatic appeal to coin collectors but are rather valued within the silver market for their silver composition. Junk silver coins can be bought at low markup levels and come in different denominations, like silver dimes, quarters, and half dollars.
12 Best Silver Coins to Buy In 2025
All things considered, we have developed a list of the best silver coins to buy for investment in 2025.
12. Snake Silver Coin
2025 1 oz Year of the Snake Silver Coin - Lunar Series III
Composition: .999 fine silver (99,9%)
Weight: 1 troy ounce (31,1 grams) and 5 troy ounces
Face Value: A$1 (1 Australian Dollar)
Australia’s Perth Mint, located in Australia, one of the countries that accommodates a significant Chinese immigrant population, released 1996 a coin series inspired by the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Since then, the design features one of the twelve Zodiac animals each year, enhancing the series' collectible appeal.
The reverse depicts a snake coiled around itself, along with a Chinese character and its translation, “SNAKE,” the year “2025,” and a discreet “P” mint mark for the Perth Mint.
The obverse features King Charles III’s left-profile bust by Dan Thorne, surrounded by the inscriptions “CHARLES III,” “AUSTRALIA,” “1 oz 9999 Ag,” and “1 DOLLAR,” denoting the coin’s weight, purity, metal, and face value.
This makes the coins valuable not only as a silver investment but also for numismatic collectors, as they offer enthusiasts the opportunity to collect various designs.
11. Krugerrand Silver Coins
1 oz SA Silver Krugerrand Coin
Composition: .999 fine silver (99,9%)
Weight: 1 troy ounce (31,1 grams)
Face Value: R1 (1 South African Rand)
Many African silver coins, including the Somalian Silver Elephants from the African Wildlife coin series, are worth collecting. However, the South African Silver Krugerrand is the one that takes the cake in the continent, having been minted in silver since 2017 and gold since 1967.
The reverse shows a springbok, the South African national animal. On the obverse, there is an effigy of Paul Kruger. The name of the coin comes from a mix of the words "Kruger", the last name of the South African Republic's former Boer president, Paul Kruger, and the word "rand", the official unit of currency in South Africa.
10. 90% Silver ” Junk”
90% US Silver Coins
Composition: .900 fine silver (90% silver and 10 % copper)
Weight: 0715 troy ounces of fine silver (total weight of 2.5 grams)
Face Value: it varies according to each coins denomination, from dollars to US cents.
As I previously explained, “Junk silver” refers to pre-1965 U.S. dimes, quarters, and half-dollars with 90% silver content. While still legal tender, their silver value far exceeds their legal tender value.
Silver tends to retain its value over the long term, so these are suitable for collectors and investors who want to save a portion of their wealth in private, tangible, and legal tender silver coins.
9. Australian Silver Kookaburras
2025 1 oz Australian Silver Kookaburra Coin
These coins suit investors looking for IRA-approved coins and highly numismatic collectibles. They also come in four different sizes.
One troy ounce: Face Value AUD$1
Two troy ounces: Face Value AUD$2
Ten troy ounces: Face Value AUD$10
One kilogram: Face Value AUD$30
Composition: .9999 pure silver (99.99%).
Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.1035g)
Face Value: A$1 (1 Australian Dollar)
Every year since 1990, the Australian Perth Mint releases a new depiction of the Kookaburra bird, native to Australia. This is the oldest-running silver coin program from the Mint, the oldest facility in operation installed by the Royal Mint in the country.
The new monarch (replacing Queen Elizabeth II), King Charles III bust, features the obverse. The reverse side showcases the Kookaburra, a native bird of Australia.
8. Chinese Silver Pandas
2024 30 Gram Chinese Silver Panda Coin
Composition: .999 fine silver (99.9%)
Weight: 0.965 troy oz (30 grams)
Face Value: ¥10 (10 Chinese Yuan)
A product from the Chinese Mint since 1983, it is one of the oldest silver coins ever produced, and they are IRA-approved.
The obverse of the Chinese Silver Panda coins displays the giant pandas in their natural habitat, and the imagery changes every year, which makes them a lovely collection. The coin's weight, metal content, and fineness description - “30 gr Au .999” - are aside, and the face value of 10 Yuan is usually above the image.
The reverse stamps the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Chinese characters, meaning “The People's Republic of China,” arches over the temple, and the year of mintage is on the bottom.
7. Australian Silver Kangaroos
2025 1 oz Australian Silver Kangaroo Coin
Composition: .9999 fine silver (99,99%)
Weight: 1 Troy Ounce (31.10 grams)
Face Value: A$1 (1 Australian Dollar)
Launched in 2016, the Australian Silver Kangaroos bullion version contains 99.99% purity levels. This makes the Australian Silver Kangaroo the first silver coin by the Perth Mint with such high levels of silver in regular annual editions and one of the world's most popular silver bullion coins.
Since Australia is a nation of the British Commonwealth, this sovereign coin's obverse depicts Charles III. The reverse features a hopping Kangaroo, and the design is based on Stuart Devlin's original idea for the Australian Copper Penny.
An option for those looking for high-purity silver coins with beautiful designs, the coin features an authentication feature in the form of a laser-engraved privy mark. This feature is designed to make counterfeiting much more difficult.
6. Austrian Silver Philharmonics
1 oz Austrian Silver Philharmonic Coin
Composition: 0.999 fine silver (99,9%)
Weight: 1 Troy Ounce (31,10 grams)
Face Value: €1.50 (1.50 Euros)
The Austrian Silver Philharmonics is one of the most beautiful top silver coins you will ever come across. This masterpiece of European coins, launched in 2008, features the same award-winning Thomas Pesendorfer design in gold and silver versions.
Considered legal tender within Austria, this popular silver coin is fully backed by the Austrian Mint, which has a long history dating back to 1194 and is one of the world's most renowned and longest-running institutions. It is also the only silver coin on this list that is denominated in euros.
The obverse depicts the Musikverein, the Great Organ of the Golden Hall in Viennas's concert hall. The reverse of the philharmonic silver coin shows an array of concert musical instruments: the cello, violin, harp, french horn, and bassoon.
5. Morgan Silver Dollars
Pre-1921 Morgan Silver Dollar - BU
Composition: .999 silver (99.9% pure silver)
Weight: 0.77344 troy ounces of silver (gross weight of 26.73 grams)
Face Value: $1 (1 US Dollar)
The Morgan Silver Dollars feature two important symbols of American pride: the Bald Eagle and Lady Liberty.
The Morgan silver dollar is undoubtedly one of the most famous and highly collected U.S. coins ever. Also Known as the "King of America's coins," it was massively produced in 90% silver from 1878 until 1904 and in 1921, then once more in 2021 (but with a 99.9% silver purity intended as a collectible item).
Morgan silver dollars are the right silver coins for those looking for a coin that honors an essential piece of America's monetary history. The design was replaced in 1921 for the Peace Silver Dollars.
4. Mexican Silver Libertads
2024 1 oz Mexican Silver Libertad Coin
Composition: .999 fine Silver (99.9% silver)
Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.11 grams)
Face Value: despite not displaying face value, Silver Libertads are legal tender based on the silver spot price.
The “Casa de Moneda” or Central Bank of Mexico fully guarantees the Mexican Libertad silver coin for its .999 fine content.
Legal tender and IRA-approved, the Mexican silver Libertad is typically available in bullion and proof versions.
The obverse version displays the current seal in the center, surrounded by the ten previous seals. They all feature an Eagle in battle position, defending the nation against foreign domination.
The reverse design features the Angel of Victory, the Monument of Freedom located in Mexico City. The angel is a feminine figure of the nation with arms and wings open, with two folk mountains, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, in the background.
3. British Silver Britannia
2025 1 oz Silver Britannia Coin
Composition: .999 fine silver (99.9%)
Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.10 grams)
Face Value: £2 (2 British Pounds)
Besides being a symbol of the British realm, Silver Britannia Coins are the official silver bullion coin of Great Britain and hold great historical significance as they bear two of the nation's most iconic symbols.
The reverse design features Britannia holding the Union Jack Shield and a trident referring to Great Britain's naval history.
The new obverse design depicts his majesty King Charles III, a Martin Jennings' creation. The Latin inscription at the borders read “CHARLES III - D - G - REX - F - D - 2 POUNDS,” which translates to ‘Charles III, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith.'
2. Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coins
2025 1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coin
Composition: .9999 fine Silver (99.99% silver)
Weight: 1 troy ounce. (31.11 grams)
Face Value: C$5 (5 Canadian Dollars)
The Canadian Maple Leaf coin has some of the most advanced security features in the bullion industry and is fully insured by the Canadian government.
Like all the other coins from nations of the British Commonwealth, the Silver Maple Leafs display the nation's monarch on the obverse, King Charles III's effigy, which consists of a left-profile bust.
The reverse features the iconic Canadian silver maple leaf, a national symbol. “CANADA” arches on top, and the coin's information is in English and French, the official languages: “9999,” “FINE SILVER,” “1 OZ,” “ARGENT PUR,” and “9999.”
Silver Maple Leafs are also eligible for IRAs and display some of the most detailed designs in the market, a testament to the high expertise of the Royal Canadian Mint.
1. Silver American Eagle
2025 1 oz American Silver Eagle Coin
Composition: .999 fine Silver (99.9% silver)
Weight: 1 Troy ounce (31.103 grams)
Face Value: $1 (1 US Dollar)
The U.S. Mint launched the American Eagles Program in 1986 with silver and gold counterparts. The American Silver Eagle coin is one of the world's most recognized silver bullion coins, and the United States government backs its authenticity.
Since its release, these best-selling silver coins have symbolized excellence in craftsmanship and design. Both verses of Silver Eagles embody the American Spirit by representing some of the country's most important ideals.
The famous Walking Liberty design present in the Silver Eagle series was created by Adolph A. Weinman for the Walking Liberty half dollar in 1916. From 1986 to 2021, the reverse design was by John Mercanti and portrayed a heraldic eagle behind a shield, the eagle grasping an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left talon. The reverse changed in 2021, but the obverse remains the same.
The obverse depicts Lady Liberty covered by the flag, with the word LIBERTY surrounding her figure.
This is the official silver bullion coin of the United States Mint, one of the few silver bullion coins guaranteed for weight, content, and purity by the U.S. government. Besides being IRA-approved, the advantage of purchasing an American eagle lies in its popularity and prestige, which made it the most popular American bullion coin.
Benefits of Investing in Silver Coins
Hedge against inflation
Silver, like gold, has long been a form of currency and wealth preservation. Unlike fiat money, which relies on government authority, silver's value is tied to its intrinsic worth as a physical commodity, backed by a long time of use in technology, jewelry, and financial security.
Therefore, silver can be a valid option for diversifying their investment portfolio.
Liquidity
Popular silver coins are recognized and respected globally and are acceptable to most investors. They can come in different sizes, making it possible for silver collectors to buy and sell to liquidate their assets according to their needs.
Numismatic value
Numismatic value is the value one attributes to a collectible coin. It is determined by the coin's quality, rarity, and demand. Because of this, high-quality coins usually gain more value as they age, becoming numismatic coins. The designs themselves are a work of art.
Thus, some silver coins enjoy at least a semi-numismatic value. That is why sovereign silver coins usually carry higher premiums than bars of silver, for instance.
Final Words
In this article, I present the best silver coins for investment in the market. From an investor's perspective, silver coins can be an effective way of diversifying one's portfolio. Like physical gold, physical silver can be used as wealth protection against eventual economic downturns.
The decision to buy silver coins should align with your financial objectives, considering that every investment avenue has advantages and associated risks.
What to Look for When Buying and Selling Silver Coins?
Some of the standards when purchasing silver coins should be the coin's authenticity, whether it has its quality backed by an official mint; on this same line, the coin's reputation should also make it desirable and valuable to a buyer. Also, consider its purity in silver, how much precious metal content is in it, and the current silver spot price.What is the most reliable silver coin?
The most popular and prestigious silver bullion coin within the silver market is the American Silver Eagles series. The U.S. government fully backs their purity, weight, and silver content, making it an excellent option for diversifying one's investment portfolio.
Are 1 oz silver coins a good investment?
Silver coins are often used as a portfolio diversifier and can be used, just as any other precious metal item, as a form of wealth preservation in times of uncertainty. Some silver coins possess legal tender status and can also be used to fund IRAs.
Should I buy Silver Rounds or Eagles?
It depends on your investment goals: silver rounds tend to be more affordable to silver investors since their price is mainly based on their precious metal content. Silver Eagles tend to have slightly higher premiums because of their high popularity in the market, making them one of the most liquid options for silver investments and one of the best silver coins to buy.
Is it worth buying 90% silver coins?
Regarding coins, the premium and numismatic value always add up to the actual silver content. 90% silver coins, on the other hand, will usually not have any collectible value, so they tend to carry lower premiums over the silver spot. Thus, depending on your investment goals, acquiring 90% junk silver coins can be a sensible way to diversify your investment portfolio. Bullion silver coins, on the other hand, are products made primarily for investment in silver and tend to accumulate numismatic significance over time, so they can also be a great option for diversifying one's holdings in silver assets.
