Compare the three most popular 1 oz silver bullion coins on purity, specs, premiums, resale, IRA eligibility and surface issues, and see which suits your goal.
Short answer: all three coins contain one troy ounce of silver, so the choice comes down to premium, recognition and personal taste. The American Silver Eagle is the easiest to sell in the US but usually costs the most. The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is the purest (99.99%) and often costs less. The Britannia is a good-looking, 99.9% coin that is usually priced at or below the Maple Leaf. For a first coin to resell in the US, many buyers pick the Eagle. For a lower premium, compare Maple Leafs and Britannias. This is general information, not financial advice.
| American Silver Eagle | Silver Maple Leaf | Silver Britannia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuer | US Mint | Royal Canadian Mint | Royal Mint (UK) |
| Silver purity | 99.9% | 99.99% | 99.9% (since 2013) |
| Silver content | 1 troy oz | 1 troy oz | 1 troy oz |
| Diameter | 40.6 mm | 38 mm | 38.61 mm |
| Face value | $1 | $5 CAD | £2 |
| Typical premium | Highest | Often lower | Often lower |
| Resale in the US | Easiest | Easy | Good |
The specifications come from the mints; confirm the current ones on their websites, since designs and details can change. See the coin guides and purity tables.
Strengths: the best-known silver bullion coin in the United States, minted by the US Mint, easy to sell almost anywhere and eligible for IRAs. Its recognisable Walking Liberty design is a favourite. The Mint introduced a new reverse design in 2021, which is why dealers refer to "Type 1" and "Type 2" coins. Drawbacks: the highest premium of the three, which means you must wait for a larger price rise to break even.
Strengths: 99.99% purity, the highest of the three, plus modern security features such as a radial pattern and a micro-engraved mark. It is widely traded and often has a lower premium than the Eagle. Drawbacks: some years have shown milk spots, so inspect coins before you buy. Read the guide to milk spots. The Maple Leaf is a bit less recognisable than the Eagle to some US buyers.
Strengths: a refined design that has changed over the years, 99.9% purity since 2013 (older Britannias were 95.8% Britannia-standard silver, so check the year), and often a competitive premium. Drawbacks: less commonly held by US dealers, so your resale might take an extra step. Do your homework on the year and its purity.
| Your priority | Consider |
|---|---|
| Easiest to resell in the US | American Silver Eagle |
| Lowest cost per ounce | Compare current Maple Leaf and Britannia quotes |
| Highest purity | Silver Maple Leaf |
| Design and collectability | Eagle or Britannia |
| IRA | Confirm with your custodian; all three often qualify. See IRA-eligible coins |
A cheaper coin that is harder to sell may cost you more in the end. See why coins with the same purity have different premiums and what affects resale value.
Many collectors hold all three and don't worry about which is best. Record the coin, year and price of each purchase in BullionKeeper, and you'll see your cost per ounce and your premium across the whole stack. See the types of silver bullion and silver stacking 101 for more.
It varies by dealer and time, but the American Silver Eagle usually carries the highest premium of the three because of its strong demand in the US, while the Maple Leaf and Britannia often cost less. Compare current quotes for each.
The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is 99.99% silver. The American Silver Eagle and the Britannia are both 99.9% silver. All three contain one troy ounce of fine silver.
American Silver Eagles are specifically permitted. The Maple Leaf and the modern Britannia both meet the 99.9% fineness requirement, but check with your IRA custodian for the specific products it accepts.
The American Silver Eagle is the most widely recognised in the US and is usually the easiest to sell, followed by the Maple Leaf. The Britannia is well known but a little less common in US dealers' inventories.
Some Maple Leafs, particularly certain years, have been reported with milk spots, which are white spots on the surface. They are a cosmetic issue that can lower resale value for some buyers. Inspect coins before buying, and see our guide to milk spots.
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