

Although silver coins and ingots handled by primary distributors and established coin dealers have almost no problems with selling counterfeit products, there is a growing problem of products purchased online or in non-standard venues such as flea markets that turn out to be counterfeit. Mint, which have unquestioned quality control during production. 90 percent silver coins are coins struck by the U.S. Those who are purchasing physical silver for potential barter use should avoid the less durable (though not extremely less) pure products such as ingots, silver Eagles, Canada Silver Maple Leafs, and the like. 90 percent silver coins also contain 10 percent copper content to give them durability. Alloyed coins: Pure silver and gold are not as durable for use in commerce as alloyed products.Ingots, on the other hand, are almost always subject to import duties. This is especially important if transporting silver across international borders where coins are exempt from import duties almost everywhere. 90 percent silver coins are legal tender.

They are often referred to as “junk silver.” Here’s why: 90 percent silver coins, the dimes, quarters, and half dollars struck for circulation circa 1892-1964 represent the best value. Among those factors is: 1) whether the item is legal tender, 2) pure metal or alloy, 3) exact even troy or gram weights (or not), 4) coins versus ingots, 5) liquidity, 6) divisibility, 7) lower premium to metal value, 8) country of origin, 9) ease of storage, and 10) government regulation considerations.įor gold issues, there is no single product that fits the optimum parameters of every purchaser, so the “best” choice could be any of a number of products.Īmong silver options, for most people, I judge that the U.S. There are a number of factors that can influence what would be the best answer for each buyer’s circumstances. 90 Percent Silver Coins: Best Silver ValueĪ common question we hear from people contemplating a first-time purchase of physical gold and silver, once they realize there are multiple coin and ingot options, is which forms we would recommend.
