Buying Silver Coins: Tips and Considerations

Key Takeaways

• It’s important to understand the basics of silver coins, including purity, weight, and the reputation of the mint, as these factors affect value and liquidity.
• Silver coins are a flexible investment option, offering recognisability and ease of resale, making them ideal for beginners, while bullion bars are better for those buying in bulk.
• Starting with widely recognised coins like the Australian Kangaroo or American Eagle is a smart choice for new investors, as they have strong resale value and market demand.
• Purchasing from reputable dealers like Gold Stackers ensures that you’re getting authentic coins, fair pricing, and expert support to help guide your investment decisions

Where Can I Buy Silver Coins, and What Do I Need to Consider?

Interest in silver coins as an investment has grown rapidly, fueled by the rising demand for physical assets and concerns around inflation and economic instability. Silver is often seen as a more affordable entry point than gold while still offering long-term value and the potential to balance a more diverse investment portfolio. Rather than investing in stocks, something so volatile, people are turning to investing in physical assets such as precious metals. But buying silver comes with a few things to think about—like weight, purity, market pricing and storage options. It’s important to understand what you’re buying before diving in.

Gold Stackers are Australia’s Leading Gold and Silver Bullion Supplier and Dealer. With years of experience in the precious metals market, Gold Stackers offers trusted advice and a wide range of silver coin options suited to both first-time buyers and experienced investors. From choosing the right products to keeping track of the market, we help make the process clear and straightforward. If you’re looking to build or protect your wealth, silver coins are a wise place to start.

Invest in Silver Coins with Gold Stackers

High-purity, limited-edition, and backed by trusted experts. Explore silver pieces designed for lasting value.

Browse our silver collection

In this post…

• What to Look for When Buying Silver Coins
• Which Silver Coins Hold the Most Value?
• Is It Better to Buy Silver Coins or Silver Bullion?
• Best Silver Coins for Beginners
• Are Junk Silver Coins Worth Buying?
• Does the Year Matter When Buying Silver Coins?
• Begin Your Precious Metals Journey with Silver Coins
• Explore our Silver Coin Collection & Secure Your Future

What to Look for When Buying Silver Coins

When buying silver coins, there are a few things to look out for to help you make a confident choice.

Purity and Weight

Genuine silver coins should be marked as .999 fine silver, meaning they’re 99.9% pure. A simple magnet test can help—silver isn’t magnetic, so if the coin sticks, it likely contains other metals. Most bullion coins weigh one troy ounce, which aligns with how silver prices are measured on the global market.

Mint and Brand

The mint behind the coin matters. Trusted names like the Perth Mint and ABC Bullion are well-regarded in the Australian market. Their stamps add confidence, making it easier to sell or trade down the track. Coins from unknown sources may be harder to move or verify.

Condition and Appearance

The cleaner and more intact the coin, the better its resale potential. Scratches, dents or noticeable wear can reduce both collector interest and market value. However, tarnishing is generally not a concern—unless the coin is a commemorative or proof issue. For standard bullion coins, tarnish doesn’t affect the silver content, so they remain just as valuable based on weight and purity.

Authentication and Certification

Look for coins that come with an assay certificate or tamper-proof packaging, especially for higher-value purchases. Holograms, serial numbers and official seals can all help confirm the coin’s origin and purity. Buying from a trusted dealer makes this process much simpler.

Which Silver Coins Hold the Most Value?

The most valuable silver coins are typically those that balance historical significance, rarity, and collector demand. Older, historical coins often hold greater long-term value due to their limited availability and the stories they carry. In contrast, modern silver coins, while generally more accessible, tend to reflect the current market price of silver unless they’re part of a special or limited edition.

Value retention often comes down to rarity and demand. A coin that is scarce and highly sought after—whether due to a low mintage, unique design, or historical context—will usually command a premium over its melt value. Collectors drive this demand, creating competition that raises prices over time.

Is It Better to Buy Silver Coins or Silver Bullion?

Choosing between buying silver bullion products or coins depends on your investment priorities. Coins offer greater liquidity and flexibility, making them easier to trade or sell in smaller quantities. They are widely recognised, often backed by governments, and generally easier to authenticate, but they usually carry higher premiums over the spot price of silver.

Silver bullion bars are more cost-effective when bought in bulk. They typically have lower premiums per ounce, making them ideal for investors focused on accumulating silver at the best possible value. However, both silver bars can be harder to sell in small portions and may require additional verification when resold.

Bars are compact and stack efficiently, making them ideal for storing large quantities. Coins, while more durable and easier to handle in smaller amounts, may require more space and careful organisation in larger collections. For extensive holdings of silver, gold bullion, coins, and precious jewellery, it’s recommended to store them in a high-security, fully custodial vaulting service, such as the one offered by Gold Stackers. This is a popular choice among self-managed super funds, trustees, and investors seeking asset security.

Market conditions can also influence your decision. In times of economic uncertainty, demand for more recognisable and easily traded silver forms often increases. In more stable markets, lower-cost bullion may be more attractive. A combination of both coins and bars can offer a balanced approach to flexibility, liquidity, and long-term value.

Best Silver Coins for Beginners

For those new to investing in silver, starting with well-known, widely traded coins is a smart move. Popular options like national mint coins, such as the Australian Kangaroo or American Eagle, are ideal due to their global recognition and trusted purity. These coins are produced to high standards and are valued at competitive prices, making them easy to buy, sell, and verify.

Affordability is key for beginners. Lower-cost coins with minimal premiums over the silver spot price allow new investors to enter the market without overcommitting. These coins also tend to hold their value well and offer an accessible way to gradually build a portfolio. A great example would be the Untamed Landscape Series, a budget-friendly option that combines fine silver content with an appealing design, making it both an investment and a collectible.

Ease of resale is another important factor. Coins with strong market demand are more liquid, meaning they can be sold quickly and easily when needed. Trusted, widely circulated coins are always in demand, making them a practical choice for first-time buyers looking for both flexibility and peace of mind in their investments.

Are Junk Silver Coins Worth Buying?

Junk silver coins are circulated coins with little to no numismatic value, prized primarily for their silver content. In the U.S., these include pre-1965 dimes, quarters and half dollars made of 90% silver. In Australia, junk silver covers three main types: pre-1946 coins (92.5% pure silver), post-1946 issues (50% silver), and the 1966 round 50-cent coin (80% silver).

These coins attract budget-conscious investors and silver stackers seeking an affordable way to accumulate precious metals. Unlike bullion, junk silver offers smaller denominations and recognisable government minting, making them ideal for quick sales, as they don’t need to be extensively evaluated.

While primarily valued for melt content, some junk silver coins still hold appeal for collectors, especially in higher grades or rarer mint years. For those wanting both historical charm and tangible value, junk silver offers a unique blend of affordability, liquidity and enduring demand in the precious metals market.

Does the Year Matter When Buying Silver Coins?

When buying silver coins, the year can matter—depending on what you’re looking for. For collectible or numismatic coins, the mint year plays a big role in value. Older or limited-release coins can carry a higher price due to rarity, historical interest or demand among collectors. In these cases, the year can greatly influence resale value.

For bullion coins bought purely for their silver content, like the Australian Kangaroo we mentioned earlier, the year has little impact on value. These coins are typically priced based on weight and current silver prices, not age.

That said, there are times when the year does make a difference, even for bullion coins. The 1995 American Silver Eagle, for example, had a lower mintage and often commands a higher price than other years—sometimes even more per ounce than the most common Gold Eagle. Likewise, early releases from the Perth Mint’s Lunar Series have become highly sought after and can trade well above their silver content. So, while the year might not always affect value, it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Begin Your Precious Metals Journey with Silver Coins

Buying silver coins is a practical and rewarding way to invest in physical assets, especially for those seeking long-term value, affordability, and portfolio diversification. Key considerations include understanding purity, coin weight, market premiums, and the credibility of the mint. Beginners may prefer lower-cost, highly recognisable coins, while experienced buyers might explore limited-edition or historically significant pieces.

At Gold Stackers, we’re committed to helping you make informed investment decisions. Whether you’re just starting your coin collection or looking to buy gold, silver and platinum bullion, we’re a trusted Australian bullion company ready to help you expand your holdings.

Explore our Silver Coin Collection & Secure Your Future

Ready to explore the value of silver coins? Browse our collection online or contact Gold Stackers for expert support and personalised service. We’re here to help you invest with confidence.

Browse our silver collection