For first-time gold buyers, the variety of gold coins available for purchase may seem overwhelming. The same holds true for first-time silver buyers. But with a little extra information, anyone can find the right silver coin for their precious metals portfolio and budget.
Here are five great silver coins for first-time silver buyers.
1 oz. Silver American Eagle Coin
Among silver coins, the 1 oz. Silver American Eagle Coin is a classic. It’s the most popular silver bullion coin in the world and a smart choice for shoppers who appreciate U.S. history and genuine American iconography.
The Silver American Eagle is produced by the U.S. Mint and guaranteed by the U.S. government for weight and purity. Each coin contains 1 troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver.
The obverse, or “heads” side of the coin, is based on Adolph A. Weinman’s timeless and beautiful Walking Liberty half-dollar design, minted from 1916 to 1947.
In 2021, the U.S. Mint celebrated the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program by updating the coin’s design. Now, the new “Type 2” reverse, or “tails” side of the coin, depicts an eagle swooping in for a landing, carrying an oak branch as if to add it to a nest. In addition, the coin has enhanced security features.
For 1 oz. Silver American Eagle Coins minted from 1986 to 2021, the “Type 1” reverse design side features a heraldic eagle with a shield, the eagle clenching an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in the other talon.
1-oz. Proof Silver American Eagle Coin
The 1 oz. Proof Silver American Eagle Coin features the same design, weight, and purity as the 1 oz. Silver American Eagle Coin but has a number of key differences.
To start, the Silver American Eagle is a proof coin, the finest-quality coin made by the U.S. Mint. Proof coins feature frosted details and mirrored surfaces.
As the U.S. Mint explains, proof blanks are specially treated, hand-polished, and cleaned to ensure high-quality strikes. The blanks are then fed into presses fitted with specially polished dies and struck at least twice. Finally, the coins are carefully packaged to show off and preserve their topnotch finish.
How can you be sure the Silver Eagle you’re looking at is a proof coin? Here are a few standout features to note:
- A frosted, sculpted foreground for a glamorous shine.
- A defined, intricate design.
- A mirror-like background.
- An official certificate of authenticity.
- Encasement in a protective capsule
Another important difference between bullion and proof American Silver Eagle coins is that proof coins are struck in far fewer numbers, which may result in increased demand—especially when certified in top grades by third-party coin grading services like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
1 oz. Iwo Jima Silver Bullion Coin
The 1 oz. Iwo Jima Silver Bullion Coin is an exclusive release from U.S. Money Reserve.
The coin pays tribute to the 75th anniversary of World War II’s epic Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, pitting ultimately victorious U.S. troops against Japanese troops. Each government-issued coin is authorized as official legal tender.
2 oz. Iwo Jima Proof Silver Piedfort Coin
Like its 1 oz. cousin, the 2 oz. Iwo Jima Proof Silver Piedfort Coin pays tribute to the Battle of Iwo Jima—but is a double-thick Piedfort coin. Both Iwo Jima silver coins are well-suited for shoppers who appreciate tangible assets and America’s rich history.
This limited-quantity, government-issued coin contains 2 oz. of 99.9% pure silver and is authorized legal tender. It features:
- A unique mirror-like proof finish
- Twice the weight and thickness of a typical 1 oz. silver coin
- Guaranteed silver weight, content, and purity
2021 3-Coin Silver American Eagle Reagan Legacy Set
Another U.S. Money Reserve exclusive, the 2021 3-Coin Silver American Eagle Reagan Legacy Set honors President Ronald Reagan’s legacy as the father of the Silver American Eagle Program.
The set features coins produced by the U.S. Mint’s West Point, San Francisco, and Philadelphia facilities, and John Mercanti’s iconic “Type 1” eagle design graces the “tails” side of each coin. 2021 marked the final release of the Type 1 reverse design.
Each coin is certified as “Museum-Quality MS-70 First Day of Issue” by PCGS. Also, each coin has a special “Type 1” designation and includes a unique label hand-signed by an esteemed member of the Reagan family as part of U.S. Money Reserve’s exclusive Reagan Legacy Signature Series.
Call U.S. Money Reserve today for special access to and pricing for our silver coin inventory.