🌍 World Silver Coins – FAQ & Guide

Buy Silver Coins from Around the World | GoldSilverJapan

Welcome to the World Bullion Coins section at GoldSilverJapan — your trusted source for silver coins from across the globe, including top collectibles like Chinese Panda, Mexican Libertad, South African Krugerrand, Somalian Elephants, European Junk Silver, and more.

Whether you're a new collector, a seasoned investor, or just exploring silver coins for the first time, this page answers the most important and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about world silver coins — including design, purity, history, and buying tips.

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🤔 What are World Silver Coins?

World silver coins are legal tender silver bullion coins or commemoratives issued by countries around the globe. They typically contain high-purity silver (.999 or better) and are popular for collecting, gifting, and investing.

At GoldSilverJapan, we offer coins from:

• 🇨🇳 China – Panda Series (1 oz, 30g, 150g)

• 🇲🇽 Mexico – Libertad

• 🇿🇦 South Africa – Silver Krugerrand

• 🌍 Somalia – Elephant (African Wildlife Series)

• 🇳🇿 New Zealand – Silver commemoratives and bullion

• 🇯🇵 Japan – Junk silver and commemoratives

• 🇪🇺 Europe – Old silver coins from France, Germany, Italy, etc.

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🐼 What is the Chinese Silver Panda Coin?

The Silver Panda is one of the most famous silver coins in the world. Issued by the People’s Bank of China, it’s beloved for its yearly changing panda design and premium-quality proof and bullion strikes.

• Purity: .999 silver

• Weights: 30g (modern), 1 oz (older), 150g, 1 kg

• Special Versions: PCGS/NGC Graded PF70 & MS70

• Why Collect It? Unique designs every year + low mintages = high collectability

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🦁 What is the South African Silver Krugerrand?

Originally a gold-only coin, the Silver Krugerrand was introduced in 2017 to global demand.

• Purity: .999 silver

• Design: Features Paul Kruger and the Springbok antelope

• Weight: 1 oz

• Why Buy It? Trusted mint + historic brand = strong resale and investment

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🇲🇽 What is the Mexican Silver Libertad?

The Libertad is Mexico’s official bullion coin, minted by the Casa de Moneda de México – the oldest mint in the Americas.

• Purity: .999 silver

• Weight Options: 1/20 oz to 1 kg

• Design: Angel of Liberty with volcanoes in the background

• Why It's Special: No face value – value is based purely on silver content and demand

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🐘 What is the African Elephant Silver Coin?

The Somali Elephant, part of the African Wildlife Series, is a gorgeous and artistic coin minted in Germany and issued for Somalia.

• Purity: .9999 silver

• Design: Changes yearly, always features elephants

• Popular Sizes: 1 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz

• Why It’s Hot: High detail + limited mintage = high collector demand

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🇯🇵 What is Japanese Junk Silver?

"Junk silver" refers to pre-1946 and some post-war Japanese silver coins that have silver content but were used in circulation.

• Examples:

  • 50 sen, 1 yen (Meiji era)

  • 1964 Tokyo Olympics 100 yen and 1000 yen (72% silver)

• Purity: Ranges from 60% to 92.5% depending on the era

• Great for: Stackers and budget-conscious collectors

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🌍 What is European Junk Silver?

European junk silver includes circulated silver coins from France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and other countries before they moved to base metals or the euro.

• Examples:

  • French Francs (90% silver)

  • German Marks

  • Swiss Francs

• Years: Mostly 1800s to mid-1900s

• Why Buy? Lower premium, real history, and great silver weight

🇳🇿 What Silver Coins Come from New Zealand?

New Zealand produces high-quality collector coins and bullion, including:

• Lord of the Rings, wildlife, and Maori-themed designs

• Minted by the New Zealand Mint

• Purity: .999 or .9999 silver

• Low mintages make these coins highly collectible

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⚖️ What are Common Weights for Silver Coins?

We stock a variety of world silver coins in different sizes:

WeightDescription

1 oz (31.1g)Standard bullion coin weight

30gCommon in Chinese Panda coins

1.5 ozUsed in Wildlife or special issues

2 ozHigh-relief or collector editions

5 oz, 10 ozLarger investment-grade coins

1 KiloPremium display and vault silver

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📦 Are These Coins New or Graded?

We offer both:

• Raw (uncertified) coins for stacking or gifting

• Graded coins (PCGS, NGC – MS70/PF70) for collectors who want authentication, condition, and value assurance

🛡️ How Do I Know These Coins Are Genuine?

✅ All products are sourced from authorized suppliers and mints
✅ Many coins are graded by PCGS or NGC
✅ You receive exactly what is pictured or better
✅ In-store pickup and insured delivery available in Japan

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💬 Why Buy Silver Coins Instead of Silver Bars?

FeatureSilver CoinsSilver Bars

Government-backed✅ Yes❌ No

Legal tender✅ Yes❌ No

Better resale value✅ Higher❌ Lower

Collectability✅ High❌ None

Coins are more liquid, beautiful, and often gain collector premiums over time.

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💰 Are These Coins Tax-Free in Japan?

Silver is subject to 10% consumption tax in Japan unless otherwise indicated. Check product pages or contact support for tax-free exports or bulk purchases.

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🛒 Where Can I Buy World Silver Coins in Japan?

Right here! At GoldSilverJapan, you can:

✅ Shop securely online
✅ Buy single coins or bulk
✅ Access rare collector editions
✅ Pay in JPY, USD, or crypto
✅ Choose graded coins with certification
✅ Receive expert support in English or Japanese

🔗 Visit Our World Coins Section →

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🧠 Bonus: Top 3 Reasons to Buy World Silver Coins

1. Global Appeal – Invest in coins trusted around the world

2. Art + History – Own pieces that celebrate culture, animals, and legends

3. Hard Asset – Tangible silver in beautiful forms = smart hedge

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🎥 Do You Have Videos or Education?

Yes! Visit our Education Center or follow us on YouTube and Instagram for:

• Coin reviews

• Grading tips

• Market trends

• Collector insights

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📞 Have Questions?

Feel free to use the Chat Support button or email us anytime. Our team will help you choose the best silver coins for your goals.