The retail coin market has increased significantly over the last several years. In 2020 alone, silver bullion sales rose by a staggering 250%. The increase in demand led to a 6-month delay for the release of the newly redesigned American Silver Eagle. The U.S. Mint failed to meet demand for the first time in over two decades.
Several factors contributed to the massive surge. Uncertainty in the financial markets and a weakening dollar have always driven investors toward hard assets. A looming recession and fears of COVID-19 also led many to the shiny white metal.
As a result, it brought nearly an entire generation of new buyers with little or no knowledge in precious metals.
The following is a list of the most popular and collected coins throughout the world. Included is the average premium you can
The American Silver Eagle is the most popular coin in the world. After it debuted in 1986, the Silver Eagle became the most minted coin, surpassing 20 million coins each year. The obverse features the Walking Liberty design from the 1916 Half dollar. A heraldic eagle graced the reverse for the first 35-years. The reverse was redesigned in 2021 with an eagle in flight by aritst Emily Damstra.
The American Silver Eagle is the only coin whose weight, content, and purity are guaranteed by the U.S. government. New, uncirculated Eagles typically sell for $7- $8 over the spot price of silver. Older used Eagles typically sell for as much as $10-$20 over spot, depending on the date. The coins’ popularity, as well as being IRA-approved, also grants them more value than most other silver coins.
Austria’s signature coin, the Austrian Silver Philharmonic is Europe’s most minted coin. It’s the only silver coin that is denominated in euros, with a legal tender value of €1.5. The coin is adored for its beauty as it pays homage to the Austrian Philharmonic.
The obverse features various instruments from the Austrian Philharmonic , including the Vienna horn, bassoon, harp, as well as 4 violins centered around a cello. The reverse features the Golden Hall in Vienna, a National Treasure. Austrian philharmonics can be purchased for $3-$4 above spot price.
The Canadian Maple Leaf debuted in 1988 and quickly established itself as Canada’s flagship coin. A simple yet captivating design, the maple leaf appears as if its falling from the sky. Its a favorite among investors due to its popularity and high quality.
Maple Leafs are magnificently designed and are one of the purest government-issued silver coins, struck in .9999 fine silver. In 2018 the Canadian Mint developed Mint Shield technology to help reduce milk spots which were an ongoing problem. New uncirculated Maple Leafs typically sell for $3.50-$5.00. above spot price.
The Krugerrand is also one of the top selling coins. The Krugerrand was the earliest bullion coin issued for collecting. It was intended to introduce South African gold on the world stage. It’s estimated that in the early 1980s, over 80% of the world’s gold coins were African Krugerrands.
In 2017, much to do the delight of collectors, the Krugerrand was struck in .999 silver. The obverse features the South Africa’s first president, Paul Kruger. The reverse features a springbok antelope which is native only to Africa. It was designed in the early 1930s and has been featured on many South African coins. Krugerrands can be purchased for $3-$4 over spot price.
Considered among the most beautiful coin, the libertad is one of the most highly sought-after coins among collectors. The 1 oz silver Libertad averages less than 1 million coins per year. Introduced in 1982, the coin was redesigned with minor changes after a decade. Coins prior to 1992 are referred to as type 1.
The type 2 Libertad features a depiction of the Sacred Winged Angel that sits atop the Monument of Mexican Independence in Mexico City. The reverse features the current Mexican coat of arms encircled with ealier designs. Libertads command some of the highest premiums. You can expect to pay roughly 50% above the spot price. Older Libertads with low a mintage can run over $100.
