| |
|
|
Silver Bullion, Coins, and Bars |
|
Silver has historically been one of the most affordable precious metals. The silver market offers investors a variety of products. Although there are several categories of silver bullion to choose from, we recommend you consider these popularly traded silver coins and bars.
1 Oz. American Silver Eagles
Silver Eagles are dated from their early inception in 1986 through currently minted 2000. They are minted at West Point, New York and are .999 fine silver.
Silver Eagles normally sell for modest premiums above their melt value. However in late 1999, early 2000, the coins were hyped as \"collectibles\" and \"the last silver dollars of the 20th century\" which is true. Many of these coins were even painted red, white and blue to justify prices as high as $39.95 ea. The promotions were and have been successful, consequently causing the premiums on Silver Eagles to climb above their normal level of premium. Although the Silver Eagles are a popular \"bullion\" coin, experience tells us that the current high premiums on such coins will not last forever. When the promotion is over...it\'s over and the premiums will collapse back to normal levels. In fact, investors who have purchased Silver Eagles should call us to consider selling their coins at a profit or swapping to another form of silver thereby increasing their total number of ounces.
1 Oz. Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
Silver Maple Leaf coins, sold in a 1 oz. size, are made of fine 99.99% pure silver. The Silver Maple is one of the most widely traded silver bullion coins in the market today. If you are considering purchasing a bullion coin minted currently by a government, this would be an excellent choice.
Silver Bars
Although the popularity of silver bars has fallen considerably and wholesale markets consider them to be unfavorable, there continues to be those that ask about silver bars. Johnson-Matthey and Engelhard are two of the world\'s largest precious metals firms with operations around the world. When considering silver bars, investors should ask for either of these two hallmarks.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Silver Bullion Rounds |
|
Silver bullion rounds are a popular way to invest in silver bullion because one-ounce silver rounds offer the better of two worlds. Silver rounds are .999 fine silver, making them a pure silver investment. And, being one ounce, silver rounds could easily be used as money in a worst-case scenario.
Engelhard One-ounce Silver Rounds
By far, the preferred one-ounce silver rounds are the Engelhard Silver Prospectors. Because Engelhard has not made Silver Prospectors since 1988, they are available only when they show up in the secondary market.
Other Popular One-ounce Silver Rounds
Wall Street Mint and Sunshine Minting produce popular one-ounce silver rounds. The WSM silver rounds are designed after the classic Buffalo/Indian Head nickel. The Sunshine Minting silver rounds depict an eagle flying through the sun and are called Silver Eagles.
Sunshine Silver Eagles are not to be confused with American Silver Eagles, which are legal tender $1 silver coins minted by the U.S. Mint.
Generic Silver Rounds
Included in the category of generic silver rounds are all the silver rounds produced over the last thirty years by firms that are no longer in business. Also included are one-ounce silver rounds marketed by small firms that are still in business but are not well known.
Generic silver rounds usually do not display the manufacturing mint's hallmark or name, and they come in a myriad of designs. Sometimes generic rounds are loose in a bag, like pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver coins. Sometimes generic silver rounds are packaged in tubes.
Generic silver rounds sell at smaller markups than Engelhard Silver Prospectors or Wall Street Mint and Sunshine Minting silver rounds. |
|
|
