Silver coins are highly valued by both collectors and dealers, not just for their silver content but also for their rarity. Some of these coins can be worth millions of dollars, but even the less valuable ones can still turn a good profit.
Due to their rarity, it can be tough to find silver coins in everyday circulation. This is largely because of a law passed in 1965, called the Coinage Act, which removed most silver coins from circulation. Before this, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars were often made with silver. However, after 1970, no more U.S. coins were made with silver for general use.
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Still, silver coins are popular in the collectibles market, and they can be a great addition to your investment portfolio. As the price of silver rises, you might be able to sell these coins for a profit, especially if you bought them at a lower cost.
If you’re looking to start investing in silver coins, here are four popular types:
1. 90% ‘Junk’ Silver Coins
These are coins minted before 1965 that are made of 90% silver. Even though they are called “junk” silver, they can still be valuable because of their silver content. Most coins from this period don’t have much value to collectors, but you can buy them in bulk at lower prices and hold onto them as a silver investment.
2. American Silver Eagle Coins
First made in 1986, the American Silver Eagle is one of the most trusted silver coins. It’s a great investment, and it’s even approved for use in retirement accounts (IRA). There are three types:
- Bullion Silver Eagles – the cheapest and best for silver investors.
- Burnished Silver Eagles – the rarest type.
- Proof Silver Eagles – the most expensive due to their higher quality.
3. British Silver Britannia Coins
These coins, first minted in 1997, are known worldwide for their beauty and value. From 1998 to 2012, they were made of 0.958 pure silver, and since 2013, they contain 0.999 fine silver. The older coins feature Queen Elizabeth II, while newer ones show King Charles III.
4. Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coins
The Silver Maple Leaf is one of the purest silver coins, made with 0.9999 fine silver. These coins are minted every year by the Royal Canadian Mint, and much like the Britannia coins, they have been updated from featuring Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III following her passing.
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Adding silver coins to your collection or investment portfolio is a smart way to diversify and protect yourself from inflation. If you’re careful about when and how you buy, you can enjoy long-term growth and profit with these rare treasures.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.