Silver is found in jewelry, watches, cellphones, and currency. It appears in all parts of the world and appeals to investors and collectors. However, not all silver is the same. If they’re interested in correctly timing their purchases of precious metals, including junk silver and silver bars, San Diego residents might benefit from the following advice.

Silver Forms

A common form of silver is the coin. Every coin is given a face value, typically stamped on its surface. Over the years, this value changes as the currency updates and the coin becomes a part of history. Not every coin is worth collecting, though. Even if it’s a hundred years old, a dime or a nickel may not have the qualities a coin collector searches for. This is the era of junk silver.

Junk Silver Explored

Junk silver refers to coins that are primarily made of silver but have no collectible value. They typically date to before 1965 and contain 90 percent silver. Their value comes from the price of the silver itself, not the history or originality of the pieces. Investors remain interested in junk silver, though, since it’s still a form of precious metal. Modern coins are no longer made with the same high percentage of silver, which also increases the appeal of junk silver. These coins are unique, although not enough to give them value.

The Value of Junk Silver

The investment profit for junk silver is small compared to other precious metals. Junk silver is only valued by its metal content and is often worth merely a dollar or two. This amount can vary, occasionally rising into the hundreds, but if one is looking to invest in silver, there are far more profitable options available. 

Silver Bullion Explored

Silver bullion is purer than junk silver, and it’s typically marked as .999 pure. It exists in a variety of forms, including pressed bars, raw bars, and rounds. This kind of silver is versatile, valuable, and reliable. Rather than existing only as small coins, silver bullion is available to investors in large quantities, allowing it to be used for a wide range of purposes, such as making electronics and jewelry. 

A Worthwhile Investment

Metal is tangible and functional. It’s a valuable investment that cannot be hacked by a computer or printed as a fake, and it doesn’t represent the investment but is in itself the investment. Silver is easily obtained, commonly used in currency, and adaptable for an assortment of purposes. Silver bullion provides the investor with a multifunctional metal, and it can increase in value depending on how it’s pressed. Some will pay more for the raw, uncut look of a silver bar, which provides greater investment choices than junk silver can offer.

Whether they’re looking for expert advice on purchasing silver or they want to buy gold, San Diego residents should work with trustworthy precious metal dealers who offer high-quality service and have years of experience. Call on the industry-leading professionals at First National Bullion when you’re ready to invest in precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Give us a call today at 858-666-6570.

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.