When it comes to investing in precious metals, silver is a popular and accessible choice. But once you've decided to invest in silver, the next question arises—should you Buy silver bars in Canada or silver coins? Each has its advantages, and the best choice depends on your investment goals, budget, and storage plans. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which form of silver is right for you.
Silver Bars are rectangular slabs of silver, typically available in weights ranging from 1 oz to 100 oz and beyond. They are valued primarily for their weight and purity.
Silver Coins, on the other hand, are legal tender minted by government mints. Popular examples include the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf and the American Silver Eagle.
Silver Bars usually come with lower premiums over the spot price of silver. This is because bars are simpler to produce and lack the intricate designs and legal tender status of coins.
Silver Coins carry higher premiums due to their government backing, detailed designs, and collectability. However, they may offer greater liquidity and appeal to both investors and collectors.
Best for:
Bars if you’re focused on acquiring silver at the lowest price per ounce.
Coins if you value design, trust government mints, and want to preserve potential numismatic value.
Silver Bars are space-efficient and easier to stack and store in bulk, especially larger bars like 10 oz or 100 oz.
Silver Coins take up more room relative to their weight and usually require special coin tubes or storage containers.
Best for:
Bars if you plan to accumulate a large quantity of silver and want efficient storage.
Coins if you’re building a smaller or more diversified collection.
Silver Coins are often easier to sell, especially those with high recognition like the American Eagle or Silver Maple Leaf. Buyers may trust their authenticity more due to their government backing.
Silver Bars can also be sold easily, particularly from reputable mints like PAMP Suisse or the Royal Canadian Mint. However, lesser-known brands may fetch slightly lower resale value.
Best for:
Coins if you may need to sell smaller portions or want broader buyer interest.
Bars if you’re dealing with larger trades and are working with trusted dealers.
Silver Coins have distinct markings, serial numbers, and security features that help prevent counterfeiting.
Silver Bars also offer security features, but verification might require more scrutiny, especially with generic bars.
Best for:
Coins if authentication and trust are top priorities.
Bars if you're confident buying from certified dealers and testing equipment is accessible.
Choose Silver Bars if:
You're a long-term investor focused on value per ounce.
You’re looking to buy in bulk with minimal markup.
You have secure storage options.
Choose Silver Coins if:
You value liquidity and easy resale.
You're new to silver investing and want smaller denominations.
You’re also interested in collecting, not just investing.
Both silver bars and coins have their place in a well-rounded investment strategy. If your main goal is to accumulate silver at the lowest cost, bars are likely your best bet. If you want flexibility, government-backed trust, and strong resale potential, coins are a solid choice. Ultimately, many investors choose to diversify by owning both—balancing the benefits of affordability and liquidity.