For the wealth preservationist, the choice between silver coins and silver rounds is rarely just about aesthetics; it is a calculation of liquidity, premiums, legal status, and strict regulatory compliance.
Not all silver is created equal. Understanding the structural and financial differences is the first step toward a strategic investment.
Silver Coins
Sovereign-Minted, Legal Tender
- Authority: Produced by sovereign government mints (U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint).
- Status: Legal tender with a "face value."
- Advantage: Government backing guarantees purity and weight. High global liquidity.
- Cost: Higher premium due to seigniorage and collectibility.
Silver Rounds
Privately Minted Bullion
- Authority: Produced by private mints (Sunshine Minting, PAMP).
- Status: No legal tender status. No face value.
- Advantage: Lower cost. You pay for metal content, not government status.
- Risk: Must be from accredited refiners to be IRA-eligible.
The IRA Eligibility Factor
This is the most critical section for Liberty Gold Silver clients. Not all silver can be held in a tax-advantaged retirement account.
Coins: The Safe Choice
Sovereign coins like the American Silver Eagle (.999) and Canadian Maple Leaf (.9999) are standard approvals. Their government guarantee makes them the safest choice for IRA custodians.
Rounds: The Compliance Risk
Many rounds are not IRA-eligible. To qualify, a round must be .999 pure and produced by an accredited refiner (NYMEX/COMEX/LBMA). Generic rounds often fail this test.