Alongside the private refineries, two Anglo-Saxon state mints produce highly sought-after investment silver bars and coins: the Royal Canadian Mint and The Royal Mint. Their official status is a mark of confidence. Here is an introduction.
The Royal Canadian Mint (Canada)
The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) is the official mint of Canada, founded in 1908, with facilities in Ottawa and Winnipeg. It is known worldwide for:
- its Maple Leaf silver coins (one of the best-selling investment coins in the world), in very pure silver (.9999);
- its silver bars, prized for their strike quality;
- its advanced security features (micro-engravings, radial lines) that make counterfeiting harder.
The RCM enjoys a reputation for technical excellence, backed by its status as a public institution.
The Royal Mint (United Kingdom)
The Royal Mint is the official British mint, one of the oldest institutions of its kind, now based in Llantrisant, in Wales. It produces:
- the famous Britannia silver coins;
- and now its own gold and silver bars aimed at investors.
The prestige of the institution and the quality of its strikes make it a safe bet among investors, particularly in the United Kingdom and Europe.
State mints vs private refineries
What difference does this make for the investor? At identical purity and weight (999 or .9999), the metal value is the same as a PAMP or Valcambi bar. State mints bring:
- a reassuring official status;
- an often remarkable strike quality;
- for coins, a possible legal-tender status in their country (useful for tax purposes depending on the jurisdiction).
In return, coins (Maple Leaf, Britannia) generally carry a higher premium than bars, because they combine metal value and minting work. See silver bar or coin.
Why these brands resell well
- Worldwide reputation of the institutions;
- Advanced security features that reassure at resale;
- Liquidity: Maple Leaf and Britannia are universally recognised.
These players feature in our overview of the best silver bar brands.
Buying a bar or coin from a state mint
- Compare the premium (often higher on coins than on bars);
- Factor in the 20% VAT applicable to silver in France;
- Keep the packaging and the certificate.
In summary
- RCM (Canada) and Royal Mint (United Kingdom) are state mints producing investment silver.
- Flagship coins: Maple Leaf and Britannia; bars with high strike quality.
- Official status + security features = confidence and liquidity.
- Coins carry a higher premium than bars; the same metal value at equal purity.
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This article is informational and does not constitute investment advice.