investing in precious metals

[dsentell]

I purchase gold and silver from apmex. Here is the link to the silver rounds:


http://www.apmex.com/Category/520/Silver_Rounds.aspx


If you want value, an ounce of silver is an ounce of silver. Using that reasoning, Silver Maple Leafs, Silver Eagles and Rounds all contain an ounce of silver and are therefore of equal value. Rounds are cheaper. You will pay a little more to purchase the prettier Maple Leafs and Eagles . . .

 

[AceNZ]

If you want value, an ounce of silver is an ounce of silver. Using that reasoning, Silver Maple Leafs, Silver Eagles and Rounds all contain an ounce of silver and are therefore of equal value. Rounds are cheaper. You will pay a little more to purchase the prettier Maple Leafs and Eagles . . .

If you're buying and selling only through dealers, then you're probably right.

However, if you ever plan to use the coins directly with individuals (one of the big advantages of silver), then all silver is definitely not created equal. I would only accept silver coins that I recognized as clearly not being fake or forgeries that might have been trimmed or otherwise devalued. In my case, that means I wouldn't accept rounds from some random commercial mint. Maybe others feel differently...

 

[dsentell]

If you're buying and selling only through dealers, then you're probably right.

However, if you ever plan to use the coins directly with individuals (one of the big advantages of silver), then all silver is definitely not created equal. I would only accept silver coins that I recognized as clearly not being fake or forgeries that might have been trimmed or otherwise devalued. In my case, that means I wouldn't accept rounds from some random commercial mint. Maybe others feel differently...

Good point! Be alert to signs of damage/tampering/devaluing! For those reasons, Eagles and Leafs would be easier to deal with. But I personally would have no problem with Engelhard or some other well known mints.