While gold is mainly prized for its aesthetic value, the utility of silver has made it a sought-after precious metal for centuries. Silver has a wide variety of industrial applications. Silver is essential to the electrical and medical fields as a strong conductor with anti-bacterial properties. Over half of all silver mined is destined for industrial use, giving it both a practical and ornamental value. Since silver has a lower buy-in than gold, it’s also an accessible alternative for precious metal collectors and investors.
Silver Bullion
Silver has become a popular investment vehicle in recent years, with prices outpacing gold by a significant margin. As the rise in silver values is predicted to continue, silver bullion remains a popular investment vehicle.
Silver Bullion Coins
Silver bullion coins offer a safe and steady investment with the potential for higher returns than other investments. Silver bullion comes at a higher premium but a lower transactional cost than its other forms, making it a good option for short-term investment strategies. Popular silver bullion coins include the American Silver Eagle, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, and Australian Koala.
Silver Bars and Ingots
Silver bars and ingots are offered at a lower premium than bullion coins and are available in various sizes and weights. The most common investments include one-ounce rounds, five or 10 troy ounce bars, 100-ounce silver bars, and 1,000-ounce silver bars.
Junk Silver
Junk silver is the industry term for bags of silver that are sold purely for their base metal value. Bags of junk silver won’t contain any valuable numismatic coins, so you don’t have to worry about numismatic value or premiums. Junk silver is priced as bullion and no longer minted, meaning there is a finite amount available. As the supply dwindles and silver values rise, the value of these bags increases as well.
Junk silver is typically sold in $500 bags or $1,000 bags. Larger bags contain about 715 ounces of pure silver and weigh about 55 pounds. However, smaller bags are more popular because they’re more portable and easier to store.
Silver Numismatic Coins
Silver has existed as the currency of many nations for centuries. Silver numismatics tend to be produced in larger quantities, making various collectible silver coins available for veteran and novice numismatists.
Commemorative Coins
Commemorative silver coins have a collectible value that makes them worth more than their base silver value. Examples of silver commemorative coins include the 2008 Beijing Olympic Silver Coin, the 1892 - 1893 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar, the 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar, and the 1946 - 1951 Booker T. Washington Half Dollar.
Collectible Coins
Any silver coin may be considered collectible if it has a rare or desirable quality. The value of collectible coins will depend on the grading and scarcity of the product as well as its historical context. Well-known collectible silver coins include the Franklin Half Dollar, Peace Dollars, Trade Dollars, Morgan Silver Dollars, Seated Liberty Dollars, and Early Silver Dollars.
Learn More From Our Expert Precious Metals Advisors
Investing in silver doesn’t have to be confusing. Our team of precious metals advisors is always on hand to discuss product options and ways to expand your portfolio. Contact us online or call 877-795-9585 to get started.