Silver Coin Specifications
Technical details and investor-facing facts for 1 oz silver bullion coins from major government mints.
Technical Specifications
| Purity | .999 fine silver |
| Silver Content | 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) |
| Gross Weight | Approximately 31.1 grams (varies by coin) |
| Diameter | Varies by mint (typically 38-40mm) |
| Thickness | Varies by mint (typically 2.5-3.2mm) |
| Face Value | Varies by issuing nation |
| Mints | U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, Royal Mint, others |
| Edge | Typically reeded |
| IRA Eligible | Yes (most government-minted coins) |
The .999 Purity Standard
At .999 fineness, government-minted silver coins contain 99.9% pure silver with minimal alloys.
- •Maximum silver content: Virtually all of the coin's weight is pure silver
- •IRS compliance: Meets the .999 minimum fineness for Precious Metals IRAs
- •Global recognition: Standard purity for major silver bullion coins worldwide
- •Simple valuation: Silver content equals coin weight, making spot price calculations straightforward
Learn more about silver investing at Monex Investing in Silver
Legal Tender Status
Government-minted silver coins carry legal tender status in their country of origin. This government backing provides:
Authenticity Assurance
Produced by sovereign mints with strict quality controls and anti-counterfeiting measures.
Government Guarantee
Weight and purity backed by the issuing government.
Market Recognition
Widely recognized and accepted by dealers worldwide, supporting liquidity.
IRA Eligibility
Legal tender status is one requirement for Precious Metals IRA inclusion.
IRA Eligibility Considerations
Many silver bullion coins qualify for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA (Self-Directed IRA). Key considerations:
- ✓Meets IRS purity requirement (.999 minimum)
- ✓Produced by an approved national mint
- ✓Must be held by an IRS-approved custodian and depository
- ✓Cannot be stored at home for IRA purposes
Note: This is general information, not tax or investment advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or IRA custodian for guidance specific to your situation.
Understanding Premium Drivers
Silver coins trade at a premium above the spot price of silver. Factors that influence premiums include:
Minting Costs
Sovereign mint production, quality control, and distribution expenses.
Dealer Margins
Wholesale and retail markups that fund dealer operations.
Supply & Demand
Mint production capacity versus investor demand for physical silver.
Market Conditions
Economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and safe-haven demand can increase premiums.
Product Recognition
Government backing and global recognition support competitive spreads.
View current silver pricing at Monex Silver Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purity of government-minted silver coins?
Most government-minted silver bullion coins are .999 fine silver, meaning they contain 99.9% pure silver. The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is .9999 fine (99.99% pure). This high purity ensures maximum silver content and IRA eligibility.
How much silver is in a 1 oz silver coin?
Each 1 oz silver bullion coin contains exactly 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of pure silver. The gross weight may vary slightly due to manufacturing tolerances, but the silver content is guaranteed.
Are silver bullion coins legal tender?
Yes, government-minted silver bullion coins carry legal tender status in their country of origin. The American Silver Eagle has a $1 face value, though its silver content is worth significantly more. This government backing provides authenticity assurance.
Can I hold silver coins in an IRA?
Yes, many silver bullion coins meet IRS requirements for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA. The .999 purity meets the IRS minimum fineness requirement. You will need a qualified custodian and approved depository to hold IRA-owned coins.
Why do silver coins have a premium over spot price?
Premiums reflect minting costs, dealer margins, and supply/demand dynamics. Premiums account for mint production costs, distribution, the coin's legal tender status, and its recognition as a trusted government-minted product. Premiums vary based on market conditions.
How do different silver coins compare in specifications?
Most 1 oz government silver coins share similar specifications: .999 purity, 1 troy oz silver content, and legal tender status. Key differences include diameter, thickness, design, and the issuing mint. The Canadian Maple Leaf offers .9999 purity.
What affects silver coin premiums?
Key premium drivers include: mint production capacity, dealer inventory levels, overall demand for physical silver, the coin's recognition and liquidity, and broader precious metals market conditions. During high demand periods, premiums typically increase.
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