For centuries, silver has been a symbol of wealth and stability, cherished for its intrinsic value and beauty. Today, silver bars and coins are popular investment assets for individuals who value stable growth.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the world of precious metals, this guide is designed to help you find the most popular silver bars and coins, connect with reputable sellers, and understand why silver remains a smart and enduring investment.
Most Popular Coins
American Silver Eagle
Australian Silver Kangaroo
British Silver Britannia
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
Chinese Silver Panda
Mexican Silver Libertad
Most Popular Bars
Credit Suisse Silver Bars
Perth Mint Silver Bars
Heraeus Silver Bars
Valcambi Silver Bars
PAMP Suisse Silver Bars
The Best Silver Companies to Buy Silver Online
Browse top-rated silver coins and bars dealers below and start investing in precious metals with confidence:
American Hartford Gold is a privately held gold dealer founded in 2015 and based in Los Angeles, CA.
Products:
The company sells various silver coins, including American Eagles, South African Krugerrands, Canadian Maples Leafs, and Austrian Philharmonics.
Shipping:
All orders include free shipping, insurance, and tracking.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers and checks.
Other Services:
American Hartford Gold offers a price-match guarantee and a buyback program. Investors can also get up to $2,500 in free silver on qualifying purchases.
Augusta Precious Metals is a family-owned business in Tarzana, CA, that has been in operation for over 50 years.
Products:
The company offers common and premium silver coins from American, Austrian, South African, Australian, and Canadian mints. Some popular silver coins for sale include the half-ounce Canadian Eagle, Morgan Dollar, and one-ounce Austrian Philharmonic.
Shipping:
The company offers free insured shipping.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers for any amount and personal checks for up to $50,000.
Other Services:
All clients meet with a Harvard-educated economist. All purchases and products come with price protection. Also, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee within seven days of purchase for new customers who buy premium precious metals.
Birch Gold Group is a precious metal dealer founded in 2003 and based in Burbank, CA.
Products:
The company offers silver assets – some options include America the Beautiful, American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Australian Florin, and Morgan Dollar coins.
Shipping:
The company offers free shipping for cash purchases over $10,000.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers.
Other Services:
Birch Gold Group offers a 20-page "Investment Kit" that explains how to get started in precious metal investing.
Goldco is a privately held precious metal dealer that was founded in 2006 and is based in Woodland Hills, CA.
Products:
Some investment options include silver American Eagle, Australian Spotted Eagle Ray, and Australian Striped Marlin coins.
Shipping:
The company does not charge for shipping.
Payment Options:
Goldco accepts checks, cashier’s checks, and wire transfers.
Other Services:
Goldco offers financial articles and resources to educate investors about precious metals and IRAs. Their website provides free educational resources in blogs, eBooks, videos, and a live price tracker. Also, fees are waived for the first year, and new investors receive 10% back in silver coins. Finally, the yearly storage cost is reimbursed in like-value silver when investors make a $25,000 minimum purchase.
Goldline is a precious metal dealer that was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.
Products:
Goldline offers a large selection of silver products to invest in. Some options include Canadian Maple Leaf, American Eagle, Australian, and British coins.
Shipping:
Orders are shipped for free.
Payment Options:
Goldline accepts wire transfers.
Other Services:
Goldline offers a seven-day price guarantee program for purchases over $10,000. Also, the company provides educational resources to new investors who want to learn about the precious metals industry and how to get started with investing.
Lear Capital was established in 1997 and is located in Los Angeles, CA.
Products:
Some silver investment options through Lear Capital include American Eagle, Morgan Dollar, Canadian Maple Leaf, half dollar, and exclusive coins.
Shipping:
The shipping prices vary based on the products, weight, and shipping location.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers and checks.
Other Services:
Lear Capital offers a library of educational resources regarding precious metal investing. The company also has no-fee buyback and price-match programs. Also, the yearly storage cost is reimbursed in like-value silver when making a minimum purchase, and investors receive more like-value silver for every additional $25,000 investment.
Noble Gold is a precious metal brokerage firm in Pasadena, CA, established in 2017.
Products:
Noble Gold offers IRS-approved silver coins to invest in. Some options include America the Beautiful, American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Australian Kangaroo, and Austrian Philharmonic coins.
Shipping:
The shipping prices vary based on the products, weight, and shipping location.
Payment Options:
Noble Gold Investments accepts wire transfers.
Other Services:
The company offers a buyback program and a free investment kit to educate investors on physical assets. Noble Gold Investments also offers Survival Packs, which are pre-selected precious metal bundles. The company’s experts select a blend of precious metals for each Survival Pack tier. Finally, the company offers segregated storage.
Oxford Gold Group is a precious metal company based in Los Angeles, CA, that was founded in 2017.
Products:
Some silver assets offered by the company include Canadian Maple Leaf, Polar Bear, and Snow Falcon coins. Oxford Gold Group also offers silver North American Bald Eagle, Austrian Philharmonic, Kennedy Half Dollar, and America the Beautiful coins.
Shipping:
Oxford Gold Group offers free shipping.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers.
Other Services:
The company offers a comprehensive investment guide and additional informative videos and articles on how to invest in physical assets. Also, Oxford Gold Group offers buyback and no-fee liquidation programs.
Exclusive offerings like the Formula 1 Silver Schumacher
IRA-eligible items
Personalized service
Overview:
Rosland Capital is a Los Angeles-based firm that was founded in 2008.
Products:
Rosland Capital offers a wide selection of silver investment options. Some options include Britannia, Morgan Dollar, American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Formula 1, and British Museum coins.
Shipping:
The shipping prices vary based on the products, weight, and shipping location.
Payment Options:
The company accepts checks and wire transfers.
Other Services:
Investors receive $1,000 in free gold if they order a minimum of $20,000.
Silver’s history stretches back thousands of years to when ancient Greeks and Romans utilized it as early currency. As demand for silver increased, large deposits were discovered in the Americans in the late 19th century. This propelled the United States and Mexico into major production roles.
Demand for silver didn’t end in the 20th century, even though silver was no longer used as currency. Instead, investment demand for silver began growing in response to shaky economic conditions.
After WWII, the demand for silver continued to grow as an investment asset. Especially during the 2008 financial crisis when silver and gold dramatically shot up in price. This was primarily influenced by economic uncertainties and investors’ search for stable investments.
Silver’s demand continues to grow in the 21st century, given its investment appeal and historical significance.
Today, trusted refiners uphold this legacy, producing high-quality silver bars that are both investment-grade and highly collectible.
Why Should I Buy Silver?
Investing in silver offers a range of compelling benefits that make it an attractive addition to any investment portfolio. Here’s why silver is a smart choice:
Hedge Against Inflation and Economic Instability
Silver maintains its value over time, unlike paper currency which can devalue due to excessive printing, as seen during economic crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, silver continued to demonstrate its value as a hedge against inflation. The price of silver was about $23.10 per ounce on average, reflecting an increase of approximately 6% from the previous year .
Affordability
Silver is more accessible than other precious metals like gold, platinum, and palladium, making it an excellent entry point for new investors. In 2023, the price of silver averaged around $23 to $25 per ounce, significantly lower than gold, which traded at approximately $1,800 per ounce, platinum at around $1,100 per ounce, and palladium at about $2,800 per ounce .
Tangible Asset
Owning physical silver provides a sense of security and privacy. Unlike digital assets, silver can be stored privately at home, safeguarding it from hacking or digital theft. Additionally, you can include silver in a self-directed Individual Retirement Account (IRA), known as a silver IRA, which allows investors to diversify their retirement portfolio with physical silver, offering tax benefits and the potential for growth in a tax-advantaged account.
Safe Haven in Uncertain Times
In periods of political and economic turmoil, silver, like gold, has historically outperformed paper investments, offering a reliable safe haven.
Potential Drawbacks of Silver Investments
While investing in silver has its advantages, it’s important to consider the potential downsides:
No Passive Income
Silver does not provide dividends or interest, unlike stocks or bonds. Its value increases over time due to factors like limited supply and demand, but it does not generate regular passive income.
High Premiums
Dealers often charge a premium above the spot price of silver, increasing the initial investment cost. These premiums can rise even higher during periods of high demand, affecting the overall cost-effectiveness of the investment.
Secure Storage Fees
Storing silver securely requires a vault or depository, which incurs ongoing costs. These fees are necessary to protect against theft or loss, but they add to the overall expense of owning silver.
Capital Gains Tax
Profits from the sale of silver are subject to capital gains tax, which can reduce the overall return on investment. The maximum long-term capital gains tax rate for precious metals is 28%.
Lack of Liquidity
While silver is a tangible asset, it is not as liquid as cash or stocks. This can complicate quick sales, potentially requiring a price concession to facilitate a faster transaction.
Investing in Silver vs. Gold
Silver’s votality can mean better short term gains than gold if you catch it at a good time. However, gold has higher gains over longer periods. For instance, over the past 10 years, gold has seen a greater return on investment compared to silver.
If you were to have invested $1,000 in gold in 2014, it would be worth roughly $1,714.16 in 2024. On the other hand, the same $1,000 investment in silver in 2014 would only be worth $1,293.37 in 2024.
If these trends continue, it may make sense to invest in a gold IRA.
Buy Silver Online FAQ
Ready to expand your collection? Our FAQ section breaks down how to buy silver effectively, helping you to maximize your investment portfolio:
How Do I Buy Silver Online in the USA?
To buy silver online in the USA, start by finding a reputable dealer with positive reviews and secure payment options. Browse the dealer’s selection of silver bars and coins, paying close attention to product details such as weight, purity, and certifications. Compare prices and premiums across different dealers to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
Once you’ve selected your items, add them to your shopping cart and proceed to checkout. Enter your shipping and payment information securely, review your order for accuracy, and complete the purchase. Look for confirmation emails or receipts and track your order if tracking information is provided. Upon receiving your silver, store it securely in a safe or vault to protect against theft or loss.
Where Do I Buy Physical Silver?
To buy physical silver, start with trusted online dealers who offer a range of silver products, including bars and coins. Reputable online dealers should provide competitive pricing and secure delivery.
Additionally, consider in-person dealers such as coin shops or precious metal exchanges. In-person options allow you to inspect the silver before purchasing and can provide immediate possession of your investment. Ensure that any dealer, whether online or in-person, has a strong reputation and verified customer reviews to ensure a safe and reliable transaction.
Where Do I Find Silver Coins Online?
Check with reputable online platforms that offer a variety of silver products. These platforms often list both bullion and collectible coins. For one of the best places to buy silver online, look for dealers who specialize in precious metals and offer transparent pricing and authenticity guarantees.
Which Site Is the Best for Buying Silver Online?
The best place to buy silver and coins online is typically a site that combines reliability, competitive pricing, and customer service. These should offer extensive inventories and have strong reputations for quality service in silver investment and providing detailed market information that helps buyers make informed decisions. We invite you to start the process here at McGruff, where will help you make investment decisions with our gold dealer comparisons and reviews.
How Do Beginners Buy Silver?
Beginners interested in silver bars or coins for sale should start by understanding the market and the types of silver available. For investment purposes, choose the simplest and most economical bars. Begin with small, manageable investments to learn about market fluctuations and gain confidence.
Is Buying Silver Online Safe?
Buying silver online can be safe if you use reputable dealers known for their customer service and security measures. Ensure that any site you use has secure transaction processes and clear policies for insurance and returns. Verify that the online dealer is licensed and provides a certificate of authenticity for each silver bar or coin. Beginners might start with smaller investments to test the waters before committing to larger purchases.
