I've seen a lot of recs for JMBullion and to buy coins, not bars. Also .999 is good.
That's the extent of my knowledge. So what's the difference, if any, between these two products? One's "official" US currency and one isn't?
https://www.jmbullion.com/1-oz-sunshine-silver-round/
https://www.jmbullion.com/2020-1-oz-american-silver-eagle-coin/
Yep. Basically. Anyone can mint a coin. If you don’t know anything about silver, I recommend buying coins made at a government mint (Canada and Mexico also make nice coins). Not only do you know for sure you’re getting the real deal, but anyone you trade with also knows (they’re iconic and easily recognized).
I prefer coins. I'm a coin collector. Nothing wrong with bars. Might be easier to trade with coins if needed. .999 just means its as pure as they can get it...
Both are traded, both are fine. You are paying extra for the “American Eagle” vs the generic Sunshine. Are you looking to buy silver because you think there will be a short squeeze and you are going to want to trade out in the near term? Physical bullion is harder to trade, you have to deal with the actual bullion. You can trade SLV which is a silver ETF, or if you want to physically own it but not take possession you can use Goldmoney.com. GM charges a bit of a premium for handeling. With GM you are buying physical metal that they store in London or Switzerland.
If you are going to keep the silver for awhile (years and years) or if you think there’s going to be some monetary breakdown then physical bullion works. If it’s a short term investment buy SLV. If you think you are going to need to leave the US and you want access to metals after leaving buy GoldMoney. Good luck.