4 Best Silver Coin Types To Invest In or Buy To Flip

Silver coins fascinate me not just for their precious metal content, but for their increasing scarcity compared to common copper or nickel alternatives. While we dream about finding those legendary valuable specimens, the reality is that most of us are hunting in a depleted field.

I’ve always found it frustrating that the 1965 Coinage Act essentially killed the circulation of 90% silver coins in America. LBJ’s signature on that bill wiped out silver dimes and quarters from our pockets, and by 1970, silver disappeared entirely from U.S. circulating currency. Talk about government intervention ruining a good thing!

If you’re like me and want to add silver to your portfolio, here are four types worth considering:

90% ‘Junk’ Silver Coins

The industry’s name for these pre-1965 coins feels almost insulting. “Junk silver” - really? These 90% silver pieces might lack collector appeal due to wear or commonality, but their metal content makes them valuable regardless.

I’ve found buying these in bulk offers an affordable entry point to silver investing. The establishment might call them worthless to collectors, but I see them as accessible wealth preservation that the average person can still afford.

American Silver Eagle Coin

Started in 1986 when the government wanted to offload excess silver (typical!), these 0.999 fine silver coins come in three varieties: standard bullion (cheapest), burnished (rarest), and proof (most expensive).

What I appreciate is their IRA eligibility - at least the government allows us this small financial freedom. Their widespread recognition makes them relatively easy to liquidate when needed.

British Silver Britannia Coin

Created in 1997 following their gold counterpart’s success, these coins initially contained 0.958 pure silver, upgrading to 0.999 purity from 2013 onward.

The monarchy transition is evident here - Queen Elizabeth II dominated the designs until 2023 when King Charles III took over. I find it fascinating how these coins literally track the changing face of power.

Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coins

With an impressive 0.9999 fine silver content, these annual releases from the Royal Canadian Mint feature similar monarchical imagery as the Britannias.

I’ve noticed these tend to develop “milk spots” over time - a quality control issue the mint hasn’t fully addressed despite charging premium prices. Still, their purity makes them attractive despite this flaw.

When the market eventually turns (and it always does), having a stack of silver with a low average cost basis could prove quite profitable. Just don’t expect your financial advisor to recommend this strategy - they’re too busy pushing paper assets that generate them fees.