Silver metal is reaching heights not seen for almost 30 years (over $50 an ounce), and is rightfully attracting renewed interest among investors looking to diversify their portfolios beyond gold. But what are the most popular silver products? And why do certain coins stand out?

In this article, we present the 10 best-selling silver products, explaining their history, their characteristics, and the advantages they offer an investor, all to provide timely decision support.

Reminder of the silver price and its advantages

Over the past few years, silver has experienced phases of high volatility, with price rises synchronized with those of gold, but also marked declines. For several months now, silver prices have been rising sharply, driven by industrial demand (electronics, photovoltaics) and a speculative component linked to precious metals.

In fact, it's important to keep track of the price of silver and to stay abreast of news relating to this precious metal.

It's true that investing in silver metal offers several advantages:

• Higher potential leverage than gold, due to its lower capitalization and high industrial demand;
• Effective diversification within a precious metals portfolio;
• Good liquidity today, especially for recognized coins.

Let's take a look at the 10 best-selling products, especially in silver metal coins, and why they appeal so much to investors and collectors.

The most sought-after silver coins

The 50 Francs Hercule (1974-1980)

The 50 francs Hercule coin is emblematic in France. It is composed of 900 ‰ of silver. It was minted between 1974 and 1980, as legal tender (before withdrawal).

Why is it popular?

• It offers significant weight,
• Easy recognition,
• A strong national history.

For those who want to buy silver in reasonable quantities with a well-known coin, it's a classic choice.

The 5 Franc Semeuse (1959-1969)

The 5 franc Semeuse coin (silver version) is a :

• Small,
• Easy to acquire,
• Symbolic of the French Republic (design inspired by Oscar Roty's Semeuse)

Why does it sell well? With its affordable cost, it's accessible to small investors, making it possible to build up a silver position without committing large sums.

Britannia 1 ounce silver

This is an English investment coin. It has rapidly become a benchmark for investors in the Anglo-Saxon world, thanks to

• Its high purity (generally 999 ‰),
• Its international recognition.

Why does it sell well?

• British legal certainty,
• High liquidity on international markets.

Strengths?

• Good weight/cost compromise,
• Allows entry into silver metal with less capital while retaining a recognized classic coin.

The 10 Francs Hercule (1964-1973)

The 10 Francs Hercule is a lighter version of the 50 Francs, but still popular with collectors and investors in France. It was minted in 900 ‰ silver.

Strengths?

• Good weight/cost compromise,
• Allows entry into silver metal with less capital while retaining a recognized classic coin.
• The 10 Francs Hercule is a lighter version than the 50 Francs, but still popular among collectors and investors in France. It was struck in 900 ‰ silver.

The Philharmonic 1 ounce silver

This Austrian coin is highly prized in the world of precious metals. It enjoys a strong reputation for :

• Its freedom of circulation,
• The prestige associated with Austria.

Why is it so attractive?

• It's highly liquid,
• It is recognized in many countries,
• It allows investors to gain exposure to trusted bullion money.

Maple Leaf 1 ounce silver

Produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, this benchmark coin has a purity of 9999 ‰. It seduces with its quality and Canada's reputation in the world of precious metals.

Major assets?

• Very high purity,
• Canadian government guarantee,
• Excellent international recognition.

Krugerrand 1 ounce silver

Historically, the Krugerrand has been best known in its "gold" version. Recently, however, a silver version of the Krugerrand has been introduced. It takes up the brand's notoriety, giving it immediate visibility.

Why invest in it? The Krugerrand brand sells. Even in the silver version, its image of reliability and tradition helps it to stand out.

The 1 Franc Semeuse (1898-1920)

The 1 franc Semeuse silver coin (early versions) is sought after for its history and artistic finesse. It's not massive, but its charm and relative rarity give it a loyal following.

Why is it so popular with collectors and investors? It attracts those looking for historic pieces with artistic value.

The 10 Franc Turin (1929-1939)

The 10 Franc Turin coin, designed by Pierre Turin, was produced notably between 1929 and 1939 in silver (alloy 680 ‰) for its early years.

Assets?

Classic French coin, well known in French-speaking markets,

Offers a good metal/price ratio,

Benefits from a good local resale market.

Silver Eagle 1 ounce

The American Silver Eagle is perhaps the most famous silver coin in the United States. It is produced by the U.S. Mint and appreciated for :

• Its liquidity,
• Its worldwide recognition,
• American legal soundness.
• Why is it in the top 10?
• It's easy to find on the markets,
• It is internationally accepted,
• Its iconic design (the American eagle) reassures investors.

Conclusion

As you can see, here you have prestigious coins (Silver Eagle, Maple Leaf, Britannia) that dominate international markets, and historic local coins (50 Francs Hercule, 10 Francs Hercule, 10 Francs Turin) that remain in strong demand in France.

The choice between one or the other will therefore depend on your objectives: heritage, purity, liquidity, horizon and risk tolerance.

But in any case, to invest in silver metal, it makes sense to go for the best-selling products, as they combine :

• Liquidity,
• Recognition,
• Valuation potential.