What's the Difference Between Silver Coins and Silver Bullion? (2024)

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There are several factors that make silver a wise investment. It can serve as a reliable hedge against both inflation and economic downturns. Once you’ve decided to invest in silver, the next step is choosing between silver coins and silver bullion. Our guide can help you understand which option is better suited to your goals and investment strategy.

What Is Silver Bullion?

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Generally speaking, silver bullion is privately produced silver fabricated in the form of silver rounds or bars.

Silver bullion can typically be acquired at lower premiums than silver coins and has a value that closely tracks the spot price of silver. This means that as long as you properly store silver bullion, you can reliably track changes in its value by checking the current price of silver.

Silver Coins

Silver coins differ from silver bullion in that they’re government-issued, have a face value, are legal tender, and are guaranteed by the country of issuance. Silver coins that trade at lower premiums are occasionally referred to as silver bullion coins. In other words, most of the value of these coins is derived from their silver content. Some examples of silver bullion coins are American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coins, Austrian Silver Philharmonics, Australian Silver Kangaroos, and junk silver coins.

Numismatic Silver Coins

Another category of silver coins is numismatic silver coins. These are coins that sell at a premium above the underlying silver content. Some coins sell at a significant premium over the underlying silver content, and others are at a lower premium. For example, the value of a 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar has little to do with the spot price of silver, as most of its value is derived from its collectible or numismatic value. On the other hand, coins such as Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars and Proof Silver American Eagles are considered light or semi-numismatic coins in that their value is based in part on their silver content.

What Makes a Better Investment: Silver Coins or Silver Bullion?

Because the value of silver bullion is based almost entirely on its weight and silver content, you can typically sell it to a range of buyers for a reliable price. The value of silver coins can vary depending on the condition of the coin, its mintage, and other factors. When you sell silver coins, you’ll probably get different offers from various coin dealers. However, the additional numismatic value of silver coins means they can be sold at a premium to the right collector or coin dealer. The “right” investment will be different for everyone—whatever your investment decision is, you should always work with a reputable, reliable coin and bullion dealer.

At Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers, we can help you buy or sell silver coins and bullion. We post our buying rates online to take the guesswork out of selling your silver coins and bullion. We have two secure locations in the Atlanta area, and if you’re out of state, we can accept coins with our online and mail-in appraisal services. Schedule an appointment with our staff today by Give us a call today at 404-236-9744or filling out our online form.

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Tony Davis

Tony Davis is the owner of Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers, a full service Atlanta based coin and bullion dealer specializing in buying, selling and appraising coins and coin collections of all types and sizes.Tony frequently writes on various economic and numismatic related topics affecting the coin and bullion markets and has been published on some of the industry’s leading websites, including Coin Week, the American Numismatic Association, Coin Collector, Coinflation, and Coin Auctions Help, just to name a few.Visit Atlanta Gold & Coin’s website at atlantagoldandcoin.com to obtain additional information on the products, services and educational resources offered by his company. Tony can be reached at sales@atlantagoldandcoin.com or at 404-236-9744

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When it comes to silver investments, my expertise runs deep. I've extensively studied the dynamics of precious metal markets, including silver's role as a hedge against inflation and economic fluctuations. The distinction between silver coins and bullion is clear in my mind, and I can guide you through their differences and implications for your investment strategy.

Silver bullion represents privately produced silver in forms like bars or rounds. Its value closely aligns with the spot price of silver and usually comes with lower premiums compared to silver coins. The tracking of its value relies significantly on the current silver price, making it a reliable investment when properly stored.

On the other hand, silver coins are government-issued, possessing face value and legal tender status. They're backed by the country of issuance, with some, like American Silver Eagles or Canadian Silver Maple Leafs, considered bullion coins due to their primary value derived from silver content. Others, like numismatic silver coins, carry a premium above their silver content. Examples include coins like the 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, whose value lies more in its collectible or numismatic worth rather than its silver content alone.

The debate between investing in silver coins versus bullion centers on their resale values. Silver bullion's value is primarily tied to its weight and silver content, ensuring a more consistent sale price across various buyers. However, silver coins' value can fluctuate due to factors such as condition, mintage, and collector demand. Selling coins might fetch different offers from various dealers due to their added numismatic value, which can attract premiums from the right collectors or dealers.

In the article, Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers offer expertise in navigating these complexities, providing insights into buying or selling silver coins and bullion. They emphasize the importance of working with reputable dealers and offer secure locations for transactions, along with online and mail-in appraisal services.

The author, Tony Davis, is an experienced figure in the numismatic and economic realms. His writings across industry-leading platforms like Coin Week, the American Numismatic Association, and Coin Collector showcase his in-depth knowledge and authority in the field. His company, Atlanta Gold & Coin, offers educational resources and services for coin enthusiasts and investors alike.

As for the additional topics mentioned in the article titles—investing in platinum and gold, along with coin appraisals—they delve deeper into different aspects of the precious metals market and the appraisal processes. If you're considering investing in platinum or assessing the potential spike in gold prices in 2024, these articles could provide valuable insights.

Investing in precious metals demands a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, and it seems like Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers, alongside Tony Davis, offer a wealth of information and services to guide individuals through these investments.

What's the Difference Between Silver Coins and Silver Bullion? (2024)
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