What are the Top Silver Coins for Investment?

Investing in silver coins offers an excellent blend of tangibility, intrinsic value, and collectibility. But with such an extensive selection to choose from it can be difficult to decide which silver coins to buy.

To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best silver coins for investment. The coins on this list have widespread recognition, high liquidity, and strong potential returns, making them an attractive choice for both new and seasoned investors. We’ve included a description of each coin, outlining its historical significance, design, and top reasons why you’d want to invest.

See: Gold vs Silver Investments: Which is Better?

American Silver Eagle

• Mint: The US Mint
• Weight: 1 troy oz
• Purity: 999/1000
• Diameter: 40.6 mm
• Thickness: 2.98 mm
• Face value: 1 US Dollar (although its market value is much more than that)

History: As the signature bullion coin of the United State Mint, the American Silver Eagle has been an international success since its launch in 1986. It’s one of the few silver bullion coins guaranteed by the US government for weight, content, and purity. In recent years, there’s been increasing demand for American Eagle 1oz silver bullion coins with widespread interest from Asian markets.

Design: The obverse bears sculptor Adolph A. Weinman’s famous “Walking Liberty” design featuring Lady Liberty draped in the US flag with a sun in the background. The reverse used to feature the iconic heraldic eagle with shield design by John Mercanti. In 2021, this was updated in celebration of 35 years of the coin and now displays a single eagle with an oak branch in its talons.

Investment Potential:

Being one of the most popular silver bullion coins, the American Eagle offers:

• Universal recognition
• High liquidity
• Iconic design
• Strong North American and Asian market.

Silver Krugerrand

Mint: Rand Refinery South Africa

Weight: 1 troy oz

Purity: 999/1000

Diameter: 38.7 mm

Thickness: 3 mm

Face value: 1 Rand (although its market value is much more than that)

History: The Silver Krugerrand was first released in 2017 in celebration of the Gold Krugerrand’s 50th anniversary. Thanks to its infamous predecessor, which was the first gold bullion coin produced, the coin was received with immediate global respect and recognition. Its name is a portmanteau of Paul Kruger, the first Boer president of the South African Republic, and rand, the country’s currency.

Design: The Silver Krugerrand coin carries the same design as its gold counterpart. The reverse features a springbok antelope in motion, South Africa’s national animal. The word 'Krugerrand' appears in micro text in the mountains behind the antelope, offering a degree of authenticity. On the bottom is the coin's weight and rating along with the words 'FYNSILWER 1 OZ FINE SILVER R1'. The obverse features a portrait of Paul Kruger with the words Suid Africa and South Africa.

Investment Potential:

As one of the world’s most recognized and respected bullion coins, the Silver Krugerrand is an excellent investment for anyone wanting:

• Globally recognized coin
• Relatively cost-effective silver investment
• Easy liquidity
• Security against counterfeiting.

Silver Canadian Maple Leaf

Mint: Royal Canadian Mint

Weight: 1 troy oz

Purity: 999.9/1000

Diameter: 38 mm

Thickness: 3.15 mm

Face value: 5 Canadian Dollars (although its market value is much more than that)

History: First produced in 1988, the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is the purest silver coin produced by a government mint, making it extremely popular amongst investors. Thanks to its unmatched purity, the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is in high demand and sits as the second-most popular silver bullion coin after the American Eagle. Part of the Maple Leaf series (which includes the Gold Maple Leaf and Platinum Maple Leaf), the Silver Maple Leaf is globally recognized and has high liquidity, especially in the North American market.

Design: The Silver Maple Leaf features the same design as the infamous Gold Maple Leaf, with a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. This will soon be replaced by a portrait of King Charles III. On the reverse is Canada’s national emblem, the iconic maple leaf. The coin’s design features radial lines on both sides that create a light-diffraction pattern that adds extra security and prevents counterfeiting. Newer coins also feature MintShield, a surface protectant that prevents white spots. On some coins, the reverse also features a laser micro-engraved textured maple leaf for added security.

Investment Potential:

There are many reasons why the Silver Maple Leaf is a top choice for silver investors, including:

• High purity
• Great liquidity
• Recognizable design
• Advanced security features.

Read more: How to Tell the Difference Between Real and Fake Silver

Silver Britannia

Mint: The Royal Mint

Weight: 1 troy oz

Purity: 999.9/1000

Diameter: 38.61 mm

Thickness: 3 mm

Face value: 2 British Pounds (although its market value is much more than that)

History: First released in 1987, the Britannia was Europe's first silver investment coin. Inspired by the success of its predecessors, the Silver Maple Leaf and Silver American Eagle, it was obvious that Britain needed its own silver coin. And thus the Silver Britannia was born.

The first coins were released with a fineness of 958 and in 2013, purity was upgraded to 999.9, making the Britannia amongst the purest silver coins in the world. This coin is part of the Britannia series, which includes the Gold Britannia and Platinum Britannia.

Note: While sovereign silver coins exist on the market, they aren’t official products of The Royal Mint like the Britannia is.

Design: The Silver Britannia’s original design featured a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side. Newer coins feature King Charles III. The reverse displays the Britannia warrior, a personification of Britain, carrying a trident and shield. Silver Britannia coins include advanced security features, such as surface animation, that helps prevent counterfeiting.

Investment Potential:

The Britannia is a striking silver coin for investors attracted to:

• High purity
• Relatively low cost
• Security features
• Free of Capital Gains Tax in the UK.

Somalia Silver Elephants

Mint: Bavarian State Mint

Weight: 1 troy oz

Purity: 999.9/1000

Diameter: 39 mm

Thickness: 3 mm

Face value: 2000 Somali Shilling (although its market value is much more than that)

History: The Somalia Silver Elephant is part of the African Wildlife Series, however it isn’t actually an African coin. All coins in the series are produced in Germany by the Bavarian State Mint. Originally released in 1999 as the Zambian Elephant, these coins were rebranded in 2004 to be the Somalia Elephant.

While first struck from 999 pure silver, the newer coins have a fineness of 999.9. In 2017, a range of fractional silver coins were introduced to include various sizes for any budget or collection, including 1/10 oz, 1/4oz, 10oz, and 1 kg. The Somali Silver Elephant’s unusual pedigree, combined with limited mintages and an annually changing reverse design makes these intriguing coins highly valued by both collectors and investors.

Design: The obverse design of the coin always features an elephant, however the image changes each year to depict a new scene. Above the image are the words 'AFRICAN WILDLIFE' indicating it's part of the African Wildlife series. The reverse of the coin shows the Somalian Coat of Arms, a star displayed on a shield that's held up by leopards standing on spears.

Investment Potential:

The Somali Elephant is a beautiful coin that offers many investment benefits, including:

• Collectible value
• High purity
• Uniqueness.

Vienna Silver Philharmonic

Mint: Austrian Mint

Weight: 1 troy oz

Purity: 999/1000

Diameter: 37 mm

Thickness: 3.2 mm

Face value: 1.5 Euro (although its market value is much more than that)

History: Undoubtedly one of the world's most popular coins for investors, the Silver Vienna Philharmonic is a bestselling coin that regularly appears on top five lists. Its name refers to the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Austria’s national treasure. First minted in 2007, the Austrian Silver Philharmonic is Europe’s most recognized silver bullion coin following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Gold Vienna Philharmonic.

Design: The Silver Vienna Philharmonic carries the same design as its gold counterpart. The obverse features Vienna’s Golden Hall, where the Philharmonic orchestra plays its annual New Year’s Day concert. The reverse features the orchestra’s various musical instruments.

Investment Potential:

Its intricate beauty coupled with widespread European demand makes the Vienna Silver Philharmonic an excellent choice for investors after a coin with:

• Wide recognition in European markets
• Reasonable premiums
• High liquidity.

Related: What are the Best Gold Coins to Buy and Why?

Australian Silver Kangaroos

Mint: The Perth Mint

Weight: 1 troy oz

Purity: 999.9/1000

Diameter: 40.6 mm

Thickness: 3.255 mm

Face value: 1 Australian Dollar (although its market value is much more than that)

History: Produced by the prestigious Perth Mint, known for iconic bullion coins like the world-famous Gold Nugget Kangaroo, the Silver Kangaroos were first released in 1993 in response to growing market demand for fine silver. Each coin is struck from 999.9 pure silver, making it a firm favorite with investors from around the world.

Design: The reverse of each coin features an image of the red kangaroo, Australia's largest marsupial, mid-jump in front of a stylized sunburst design. On the obverse of the coin is a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II, although new coins feature King Charles III. In 2018, a unique authentication detail was added in the form of a micro-engraved A concealed within the third A in Australia.

Investment Potential:

The Australian Silver Kangaroo is a recognizable coin that’s ideal for investors seeking coins with:

• Collectibility
• Liquidity
• Notable mintage history
• Security features.

Silver Tudor Beasts

Mint: The Royal Mint

Weight: 1 troy oz

Purity: 999/1000

Diameter: 38.61 mm

Thickness: 3 mm

Face value: 2 British Pounds (although its market value is much more than that)

History: The Tudor Beasts series is a commemoration of the ten heraldic beasts lining the Moat Bridge of Hampton Court Palace and celebrating a fascinating period of British history. This series includes various coins, such as the beautiful Silver Bull of Clarence, Silver Yale of Beaufort, and Silver Seymour Unicorn coin.

Design: Each coin of the Tudor Beasts series features a unique design on the reverse that represents a heraldic beast, including the Tudor Dragon, Yale of Beaufort, Seymour Unicorn, and Bull of Clarence. On the obverse is a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II, with newer coins from 2023 featuring King Charles III.

Investment Potential:

The Tudor Beasts series offers a beautiful range of striking silver coins that are carry great:

• Collectible value
• Capital Gains Tax exemption in the UK
• Historical significance.

Crown your silver coin collection

With a better understanding of the historical significance and collectible nature of silver coins, it’s easy to see why buying silver bullion coins is such a great investment. Investing in silver isn’t just about buying an asset but also investing in a rare piece of history and art. This offers added value way beyond the current silver spot price.

If you’re ready to invest in silver, this list was just the beginning of the different possibilities available! Browse our collection of and buy silver coins that hold value and significance to you while also meeting your budget and investment requirements. If you’re interested in a different kind of silver investment, we also have an extensive range of beautiful silver bars.

Silver is just one of the many precious metals that offers strong investment potential. You’ll also find amongst our collection a range of rare gold coins, platinum coins, and even palladium coins from some of the world’s best mints. Browse our range and enter now!