By Mark Sandulli · Founder & editor · Updated October 14, 2026 · Not financial advice
Short answer: for most buyers, the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf and the American Silver Eagle are the best silver coins to start with. Both are government-made, recognized by every dealer and allowed in an IRA. The Maple Leaf usually costs less over spot; the Eagle is the easiest to resell in the U.S.
The 5 best silver coins to buy
| Coin | Made by | Purity | Lowest premium seen (Oct 2026) | IRA eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Silver Maple Leaf | Royal Canadian Mint | 99.99% | about 3.8% | Yes |
| Austrian Silver Philharmonic | Austrian Mint | 99.9% | about 4.1% | Yes |
| British Silver Britannia | The Royal Mint | 99.9% | about 4.1% | Yes |
| American Silver Eagle | U.S. Mint | 99.9% | about 5.7% | Yes |
| Australian Silver Kangaroo | Perth Mint | 99.99% | varies | Yes |
Premiums are the lowest listed prices checked on October 14, 2026, for single 1 oz coins. Many dealers charge more, and premiums jump when demand spikes, so always compare.
1. Canadian Silver Maple Leaf: best value
The purest major silver coin, usually one of the cheapest over spot, with anti-counterfeiting features built into the design.
2. American Silver Eagle: easiest to resell in the U.S.
The world's best-selling silver bullion coin. It costs a little more, but every U.S. dealer knows it and buys it back readily.
3. Austrian Philharmonic and British Britannia: strong alternatives
Both are government coins with competitive premiums. Buy whichever is cheapest the day you shop.
4. Australian Kangaroo: pure silver with a changing design
99.99% pure, with a new kangaroo design each year. Prices vary more by dealer.
Coins vs. bars for silver
Silver coins carry higher premiums than gold coins, so size matters more. 10 oz and 100 oz bars usually cost the least per ounce, while coins are easier to sell a little at a time. Many buyers hold some of each. See gold vs. silver for how silver's costs compare.
Silver coins to skip
- Proof, colorized and "limited edition" coins: big markups you rarely get back.
- Tiny fractional silver: premiums per ounce are very high.
- Unknown private rounds sold below spot: a common sign of fakes. See how to tell if metal is real.
Where to buy
Ready to buy? Compare these dealers
- JM BullionFree shipping over a minimum orderView prices
- APMEXOne of the largest selections onlineView prices
- SD BullionCompetes hard on low premiumsView prices
- Bullion ExchangesCoins, bars and rare coinsView prices
Compare the total price for the same coin, and pay from your bank account if you can; it’s usually cheaper than a credit card. We may earn a commission from these links; it never changes the order. How we make money.
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest silver coin to buy? In October 2026, the Maple Leaf had the lowest premium among major coins. It changes, so compare current prices.
Are Silver Eagles worth the higher premium? If you're in the U.S. and want the easiest coin to sell later, often yes. For the most silver per dollar, Maple Leafs or bars usually win.
Can I put silver coins in an IRA? Yes, if they're at least 99.9% pure. See how a Silver IRA works.
This is general information, not financial advice. Silver can lose value quickly.
Sources: MetalCharts: best silver coins, premiums checked Oct 14, 2026 · SoFi: Silver IRA rules
About this guide
Written by Mark Sandulli, founder of BestGoldPrice.com. Mark is not a financial advisor, tax professional, attorney or precious-metals dealer. This guide is general information based on public sources, not financial, tax or legal advice, and it may contain errors or be out of date. Precious metals can lose value. Confirm prices, fees and rules with the company and a licensed professional before you buy. We may earn a commission from some links. Read our full disclaimer.
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