Investing in Silver

As a precious metal, silver has a great balance between beauty and utility. Silver is used today as an industrial commodity. Industrial demand for silver has grown because of silvers strength, malleability, and ductility. Silver also has great electrical and thermal conductivity.

Silver Bars:
Like Gold, silver is traded in the several forms. Silver bars are a standard method of owning silver. The standard purity of silver bars is .999 pure. Bars are available in 1000 ounce bars (which can vary in weight because they are poured bars) and 100 ounce bars.

Over the years millions of 1 ounce silver bars have been produced. These are often called 'art bars' because the bars are impressed with many different subjects and often have a proof finish instead of the uglier commercial bullion bars. Art bars are available from coin dealers, online auctions, etc. If you know the going price for silver you can occasionally snag a bargain.

Silver Bullion Coins:

One of the most popular ways to own silver is in the form of coins. The bullion value of the silver used in coins long ago passed the face value of the coin itself.

90% Silver Coins

Up until 1964 US coins were made of an alloy containing 90% silver. These coins have all but disappeared from circulation, although you will still run across one occasionally if you keep your eyes open. Silver coins are most often handled in bags containing coins with a $1000 face value. Smaller quantities are also available, although you will probably pay a higher premium in smaller quantities.

40% silver coins

Beginning in 1965 and ending in 1970 the US mint made Kennedy half dollars that were a 'clad' coin containing an alloy containing 40% silver. These are also traded in $1000 face value bags. In total, each coin was made up of 40% silver and 60% copper. They were the last regularly-circulated U.S. coins containing any silver.

Silver American Eagle Coins

In 1986 the US Mint began producing a silver bullion coin containing 1 Troy ounce of .999 fine silver - the American Eagle. These legal tender coins have a face value of $1 (US), but since they have an ounce of silver they are not available at that price. The coins are widely recognized, and easy to buy, sell, transport and store. The US Mint makes these coins available to collectors in several forms, including proof coins. Visit the Mint web site for information.