Junk Silver in New Zealand

Hi everyone, this is my first post here - and as you can guess by the name of this blog its about Junk Silver.

First of all what is 'Junk Silver'? Junk silver are coins, usually circulated, that contain a high content of silver. These coins are commonly found and are more valued by hoarders for silver content than coin value.

In reality, 'Junk Silver', is not junk at all. It currently can still be bought below the 'melt value' of the metals it contains. Often coins can be purchased with expensive premiums that is associated with Bullion Silver (usually .9999 pure).

This blog is particularly aimed at New Zealanders - its the country where I live. I believe there is window of opportunity for Kiwis to purchase metals at good value now (as I am speaking the value of silver is hovering around 25NZD per ounce). This is of course on speculation that silver will skyrocket in the near future.

Silver, I believe, is more accessible to the average New Zealand investor than gold is. High premiums (there is 26% percent markup/premium on the local NZMints 1/4 coin) and customs charges of importing gold do not make gold a viable investment for most New Zealanders. Even for those looking for gold on popular sites such as trademe.co.nz will find that gold items (bullion or coins) often have extortionary values when compared to the market.

I don't fault sellers, much of the pricing has to do with New Zealand's isolation and small population. However, I hope to present ideas that are more within budget to small investors (which lets face it, most of us in the country are!). I aim to open, honest and fair in this blog. The fact is, I am using this blog as much as I can learn about Junk Silver and metal investment myself. So if you have insights and corrections - and by all means, differing viewpoints, please comment away!

Here are 4 reasons that make 'junk silver' a viable investment for New Zealanders:

Portability and Divisibility

Junk silver coins can be easily spent or traded in small amounts; this makes them popular for investors. These coins are still valuable even though they are fractional sizes of most bullion coins.

Low premiums/No Premiums:

Junk silver can often be bought for little or no premium over the spot price of silver

Legal tender

U.S. and Canadian junk silver remain legal tender, and maintain their face value regardless of the price of silver.

Recognition

Despite a mass smelting of junk silver in the 1980s, junk silver coins are still somewhat well-known, and may be less likely to have their value disputed than silver bars or rounds. Though rare, some silver coins can still be found in general circulation

Thanks so much!