A lot of collectors buy silver bullion coins for their collectible value. These coins are quite valuable and often very rare. The modern silver bullion coins like the American Silver Eagle are also very beautiful coins. They hold their value because they are 99.9% pure silver. The coins are almost always worth much more than their face value. They are also a smart investment if the purchase price does not far outstrip the value of the precious metal of the coin.
There are also other good reasons for buying silver bullion coins beyond their collectible value. They are an excellent hedge against inflation. When the value of the dollar goes down, these coins hold their value, because the price of precious metals does not generally fluctuate as severely as currency. In the 1970′s the price of silver rose very high in response to the growing inflation. It was a good move for those who had bought silver in anticipation of the recession.
There are even those who will buy silver bullion coins because they fear that the currency in their homeland will become worthless as it has in many South American countries in recent years. The citizens who had the foresight to purchase those coins did not see their wealth disappear as more and more banks went out of business and people lost their savings. While that may seem like a worst case scenario, it is not impossible.
An additional benefit of silver is that it will be relatively easy to sell when the time comes. Even if collectors are unwilling to purchase the coins from you, there will always be someone willing to buy the coins based on the market price of silver. Although there might be some transactional costs involved, it is still easier to liquidate than real estate.
The value of silver bullion coins is two fold. The coins carry collectible value and feature some of the most beautiful designs available on contemporary coins. The silver content will provide an ultimate value based on the current market prices of precious metals. While other investments might rise and fall with the times, the value of silver is solid.
Want to find out more about silver bullion coins? Learn more about the United States Mint issues like the Silver Eagles and America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins.
The United States Mint produces and issues American Eagle Bullion Coins as a method to provide the public with convenient methods for physical precious metals investment. The program began in 1986 with gold and silver, and expanded in 1997 with platinum. Guaranteed for their content and purity by the U.S. government, American Eagles are some of the most popular bullion products in the world.
The American Gold Eagle features the classic design of Liberty from Augustus Saint Gaudens that was used for the gold double eagle issued in the early 20th century. Liberty is pictured with an olive branch and lit torch moving confidently forward. In the background are the rays of the rising sun and the U.S. Capitol building. The bullion coins are struck in 22 karat gold and are produced in four different sizes. The one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce coins provide a range of investment options.
Physical silver investment is made possible through the one ounce American Silver Eagle. These coins also feature a classic design of Liberty. The obverse design was created by Adolph A. Weinman for the Walking Liberty Half Dollar issued from 1916 to 1947. The reverse design features a heraldic eagle and was created exclusively for the series by John Mercanti, the current Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The Silver Eagles have recently experienced extremely high demand, with annual sales for the most recent year above 30 million ounces.
Starting in 1997, another option was added to the program to facilitate investment in platinum. This gray-white metal is scarcer than gold and has come to have important industrial applications. The American Platinum Eagle features newly created obverse and reverse designs. The front of the coin carries a depiction of the Statue of Liberty by John Mercanti. The reverse features a soaring bald eagle by Thomas D. Rogers. The tails side of the collector version of the coin changes annually.
With the prices of precious metals at historical highs, physical investment options provide a way to participate in any further price increases. The United States Mint’s bullion options have proven themselves on world markets as liquid investment vehicles for accomplishing this purpose.
Precious metals investors and collectors alike have been looking forward to a new silver bullion coin series expected to be released by the United States Mint before the end of the year. The series will feature designs showcasing the beauty of National Parks combined with the appeal of five ounces of .999 fine silver.
The new bullion investment product was authorized under Public Law 110-456, which also authorized the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This series of circulating commemorative quarter dollars will be issued from 2010 to 2021 and feature designs representing National Parks, National Forests, and other federally protected areas. One area has been selected from each state, territory, and the District of Columbia.
The accompanying silver bullion program will carry the same designs as the quarter series, but they will be struck in five ounces of silver and have a diameter of 3 inches. Other specifications call for incused edge lettering to appear on each coin indicating the bullion fineness and weight. The coins will be struck in quantities that are determined by the United States Treasury Secretary.
So far, exact release dates for the America the Beautiful 5 oz. Silver bullion coins remain unknown, however by law the silver coins can only be issued during the same calendar year of release as the corresponding quarter dollar. This means that the bullion coins featuring Hot Springs National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Mound Hood National Forest must be issued before the close of 2010.
It has not yet been determined whether the bullion coins will be offered in collector versions, such as proof coins or uncirculated coins. The US Mint intends to distribute the silver coins through their existing network of authorized purchasers. Sales occur directly to these large scale bullion dealers based on the market price of silver plus a mark up.