Best Silver Coins to Buy
Not all silver coins are created equal. The right choice depends on your goals: maximum liquidity, lowest premiums, or IRA eligibility. Here's what to buy based on decades of precious metals experience.
Our Top Pick
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf - The best all-around silver coin. Highest purity (.9999), reasonable premiums (15-25%), globally recognized, and IRA-eligible. If you buy one silver coin, make it a Maple Leaf.
Top Silver Coins for Investors
Sovereign mint coins offer the best combination of liquidity, recognition, and security. All coins below are IRA-eligible.
American Silver Eagle
United States
Pros:
- Most recognized silver coin worldwide
- Highest liquidity - sell anywhere
Best For: Maximum liquidity and recognition
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
Canada
Pros:
- Highest purity (.9999)
- Lower premiums than Eagles
Best For: Best value for purity and recognition
Austrian Silver Philharmonic
Austria
Pros:
- Lowest premiums of major coins
- Euro legal tender
Best For: Budget-conscious investors seeking low premiums
British Silver Britannia
United Kingdom
Pros:
- Royal Mint quality
- Four security features
Best For: Security-conscious investors, British market exposure
Australian Silver Kangaroo
Australia
Pros:
- Perth Mint quality
- .9999 purity
Best For: Collectors who want variety, Perth Mint fans
South African Silver Krugerrand
South Africa
Pros:
- Iconic Krugerrand name
- First silver Krugerrand (2017)
Best For: Krugerrand collectors, diversifying sovereign holdings
Beginner's Guide to First Purchases
Start with 10-20 oz of Sovereign Coins
Begin with Canadian Maple Leafs or American Eagles. Pay the premium for liquidity and recognition. This is your foundation - don't cheap out here.
Add Lower-Premium Coins (20-50 oz)
Expand with Philharmonics or Britannias at lower premiums. Still sovereign, still liquid, but more ounces per dollar.
Consider Bars (50+ oz)
Once you have a coin foundation, add 10 oz or kilo bars for lowest premiums. Your coin stack provides liquidity; bars maximize total ounces.
Pro Tip
If you're planning a Silver IRA, stick exclusively to IRA-eligible coins from the start. This makes future rollovers seamless and ensures all your silver can be part of your retirement strategy.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Lower premiums, but trade-offs in liquidity and IRA eligibility.
Generic Silver Rounds
5-10% premium
Private mint rounds - pure bullion value only. Best for maximum ounces per dollar.
Constitutional/Junk Silver
5-15% premium
Pre-1965 US coins (90% silver). Recognizable, divisible, but not IRA-eligible.
Sunshine Mint Rounds
8-12% premium
Private mint with MintMark SI security feature. Good middle ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best silver coin to buy for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend Canadian Silver Maple Leafs. They offer the best balance of purity (.9999 fine), reasonable premiums (15-25%), and global recognition. American Silver Eagles are also excellent but carry higher premiums (25-40%). Start with sovereign coins for maximum liquidity and resale value.
Which silver coins have the lowest premiums?
Austrian Silver Philharmonics typically have the lowest premiums among major sovereign coins (12-18% over spot). For even lower premiums, consider generic silver rounds from private mints (5-10% over spot), though these aren't IRA-eligible and may be harder to sell.
Are American Silver Eagles worth the premium?
Yes, for most investors. American Silver Eagles command 25-40% premiums but offer unmatched liquidity and recognition. When you sell, you'll typically recover most of that premium. If your priority is maximum ounces per dollar and you don't mind less liquidity, consider Maple Leafs or Philharmonics instead.
What silver coins are IRA-eligible?
IRA-eligible silver coins must be .999 fine or higher and from sovereign mints. Eligible coins include: American Silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, Austrian Philharmonics, Australian Kangaroos/Kookaburras, British Britannias, and Mexican Libertads. Generic rounds and constitutional silver are NOT IRA-eligible.
Should I buy silver coins or bars?
Coins are better for beginners and liquidity. Bars offer lower premiums but reduced flexibility. A common strategy: build a foundation of sovereign coins (first 50-100 oz), then add bars to reduce premiums on larger purchases. See our Silver Coins vs Bars guide for detailed comparison.
Ready to Buy Silver for Your IRA?
Augusta Precious Metals offers IRA-eligible silver coins at competitive premiums. Get expert guidance on building a silver portfolio that fits your retirement goals.