Silver comes in several forms, and each trades differently. Here is how coins, rounds, bars and junk silver compare on premium, recognition and resale.
Short answer: silver coins are government-issued and easiest to recognise, rounds are private-mint pieces that usually cost less over spot, bars give the lowest premium per ounce at larger sizes, and junk silver is circulated coin valued for its metal. The best choice depends on cost, ease of resale and how you plan to hold it.
Government mints issue silver coins, which are legal tender with a face value far below their metal value. They are widely recognised, so they are easy to sell, and their premium is usually higher than for rounds or bars.
A round is a coin-shaped piece from a private mint. It has no face value or government guarantee, and it usually sells at a lower premium than a government coin.
Bars range from a few ounces to a kilogram or more. Larger bars have lower premiums per ounce, but they are harder to sell in small amounts and take more care to verify.
Circulated 90% silver coins are bought by face value and valued for their silver content. See the junk silver calculator.
Many people mix forms. Record each piece's weight, purity and cost, so your average cost is accurate across them.
Cost basis, live spot prices and photo documentation. Free for up to 20 holdings.
Open your vault — free