Purchasing silver bullion is no different than purchasing gold bullion - buy with caution and avoid the pitfalls. One of which is purchasing silver coins for their numismatic value versus bullion coins based on spot value. If you intent is to diversify your portfolio, you want bullion coins or bars.
Whether you purchase bullion bars or bullion coins, you will find in almost every case there will be a small 'premium' associated with the purchase. This premium is a small mark-up over spot value charged by the dealer. Buying bullion bars/coins are easier to sell if and when you decide to want to sell. Unfortunately, most people do not think about the other side of the transaction.
When looking for a bullion dealer you want to look for one that...
• Delivers the product directly to you
• Has low to the market prices
• Confidential transactions
• Good, personal service
• Offers registered or insured delivery
Silver bullion is considered to be .999 fine, however, silver coins are also considered silver bullion despite their having a finess of .900, i.e., 90% pure.
The most popular silver bullion products are:
• 100 oz. silver bullion bars
• American Eagle silver bullion coins (US Mint)
• 1-oz Silver Rounds (Privately minted)
• 10 oz. silver bars
• 1 oz silver bars
• US Silver dollars (1878-1935...See US Morgan Dollars , US Peace Dollars)
• Silver Maple Leaf (Canadian official silver round)