Silver American Eagles or Silver Canadian Maple Leafs?

[KenJackson]

Which is better to own, Silver American Eagles or Silver Canadian Maple Leafs?

I say the latter for four reasons:


The premium is lower, so you get more silver per dollar,
It's more pure at 0.9999 instead of 0.999,
If silver bullion is confiscated, the US Government is least likely to take another country's legal tender,
The Maple Leaf looks nicer.


On the side of the Eagle, one could say that it would be marginally more accepted in barter by patriotic Americans. But then I live in Maryland, where patriotism is viewed with suspicion.

As for generic rounds, no government speaks for their authenticity so I fear their authenticity might be challenged enough to make them a hassle--whether in barter of just cashing them in later in life.

[Glass]

Do the Silver American Eagles still discolour?

I bought a bunch and many turned pink. was 5 or so year ago now.

[Shami-Amourae]

I'd prefer Eagles if I was American, and I'd prefer Maples if I was Canadian.

I recently purchased a gun holster. The guy asked me to pay with 2 Silver Eagles. He refused any form of payment other than "Constitutional Money." I paid, and got the holster. It's better to have your country's coins since they are more likely to be used in barter.

[Horn]

Maples are for trading, not holding.

If you hold them the next guy will get a perfect copy of your hand/fingerprint embedded on the finish. ;)

[osoab]

Do the Silver American Eagles still discolour?

I bought a bunch and many turned pink. was 5 or so year ago now.

I thought it was the Maple Leafs that developed the milk spots.

To the OP, buy both. Then buy some Phils too.

[BrewTech]

The fact that #3 is a concern to you speaks volumes. Why bother with any of this if you would just meekly hand your metals over to someone else on demand?

To respond to your question, get both. In fact, get as many forms as possible... why not? I'm sure those confiscating it from you would appreciate a good selection.

[Hitch]

I thought it was the Maple Leafs that developed the milk spots.

All my silver eagles look as good as the day I bought them. Every single maple leaf I have has milk spots on them.

Does the milk spots affect the price if I need to sell? I've always wondered that. I've never sold any silver though.

[Dogman]

All my silver eagles look as good as the day I bought them. Every single maple leaf I have has milk spots on them.

Does the milk spots affect the price if I need to sell? I've always wondered that. I've never sold any silver though.

Should not for bullion maples, milk spotting is common from my experience.

[KenJackson]

The fact that #3 is a concern to you speaks volumes. Why bother with any of this if you would just meekly hand your metals over to someone else on demand?
Since the government and the banks actively discourage any thinking that PMs have value, I have a hard time imagining that they'll do an about face and demand them from us. In Roosevelt's time, money was based on gold, so he needed it.

Never the less, it's a fear many people have, so I give it some thought and caution. No, I won't meekly hand over my metals, but what if I show up at a market with contraband silver in my pocket and undercover gestapo agents see me offer it for a purchase? It's best to try to avoid breaking even evil laws if you can.

BTW, I'm pleased that no one has challenged point #4.

[monty]

BTW, I'm pleased that no one has challenged point #4.


In in my opinion the eagles are nicer looking.

Silver is silver. Buy the best price, IMHO

[milehi]

I like Onzas for the titties.

[Hitch]

I like Onzas for the titties.

They should make silver eagles with a topless lady liberty.

[Horn]

The Maple leaves a horrible impression, its wrinkled on both sides.

[steyr_m]

I thought it was the Maple Leafs that developed the milk spots.

Looks like they fixed that. I haven't seen i in awhile.

I didn't care if I'm buying [or trading "paper" for real money -- that being said, our paper money is made of polymer] SMLs or SAEs, both are great designs and will always hold value.