| A Peek At Silver Coin - A Good Investment And Collectible |
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| Written by Eric McMillan |
| Sunday, 19 September 2010 15:47 |
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Since currency was invented, the silver coin has always been one of the most popular. They were used in ancient Greece and Persia as long as 2600 years ago. Silver gold coins were often made at that time too, but were just a primitive combination of both.
Since currency was invented, the silver coin has always been one of the most popular. They were used in ancient Greece and Persia as long as 2600 years ago. Silver gold coins were often made at that time too, but were just a primitive combination of both. Silver was considered ideal for makings coins, as it had a reasonably high value for its weight, and could be easily molded. Reliably hard wearing, it was used right up to the time that money started to be made from paper. Now that gold prices are so high though, a lot of investors are putting their money into lower priced silver coins and bullion again. Many things influence the value of silver coins. The rarity and age, purity of the metal, and general quality and condition being some of them. Coins of the highest value tend to fluctuate less in price than those of a lower value. Not necessarily containing any silver at all, coin silver dollars were first used in the late eighteenth century. The term was actually used for any coin made of white metal, and worth a dollar. Unsurprisingly, the purist's contend that the coins should at least have some silver in them! Privately minted coins are available to buy from the US mint. They come in an array of commemorative designs. However, as they aren't actually proper currency, they are called 'rounds' and not coins, and they have a set size, and weight of silver. Investing in silver coins can be done in two different ways, and really depends on whether you actually want to have a coin collection, or just an investment. Firstly, you can buy silver in bullion form. The coins are all of a consistent standard, and weigh the same. Price is controlled by the stock market, and each silver coin is worth the same amount. The second way, is where you actually collect various coins, from particular times in history, and from different countries. This is the fun way to do it, and all the coins will be worth different prices, with a full set fetching much more than its individual components. This is similar to antiques, with demand and trends often dictating prices. The quality and purity of each silver coin will be dependant on when, where, and how they were made, and it can become a very interesting and absorbing hobby. Unfortunately, there are counterfeit versions of both available. At least the bullion 'rounds' only have a certain value though. A collectible silver coin can be worth an awful lot more. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Eric McMillan is an ex real estate guy, who markets online and is a coin collecting fanatic. Go to his website for additional info on the history and value of silver coin. While you're there, grab your complimentary copy of his Guide to Gold and Silver Coins. |