#1American Silver Eagles

If one were to rank the most sought-after silver bullion coins from around the world, the American Silver Eagle would surely reign atop the list. Unlike junk silver coins, each Silver American Eagle coin contains 1 full troy ounce of .999 fine silver.

The growing appeal of the coin among diehard numismatists has only further cemented the American Silver Eagle's popularity. It maintains legitimacy as a solid investment vehicle for precious metals speculators seeking exposure to silver price movements.

#2Walking Liberty Half Dollars

Few American coins rise to the level of beauty and general appeal of the Walking Liberty half dollar. Struck from 1916 through 1947, "Walkers" have long held a special place in the heart of numismatists—and they're preferred by silver investors, too.

Due to their numismatic collectability and huge demand even from non-collectors, Walking Liberty half dollars provide silver investors excellent value and increased liquidity, with an opportunity for collector value as well.

#3Mercury Dimes

Struck from 1916 through 1945, the Mercury dime is a 90% silver coin. It has long been popular among precious metals investors. Like so many of the 90% circulating coins of the 20th century, Mercury silver dimes offer sellers a two-fold marketplace.

#41946–1964 Roosevelt Dimes

The Roosevelt dime replaced the Mercury dime in 1946. For the first 18 years of its existence, it was a 90% silver coin. Unlike the Mercury dime series, there are no expensive keys among the silver Roosevelt dimes of 1946 through 1964.

These are the pieces that are obtainable near melt value. In other words, you're really only paying for the metal content with these so-called "junk silver dimes."

#51932–1964 Washington Quarters

For the first 33 years of the series run, the Washington quarter was a 90% silver circulating coin. Save for a small handful of early dates, most of the silver Washington quarters are common dates.

They are readily obtainable near melt value, so they can be had at minimal outlay over bullion prices. Yet, as with so many mid-century United States silver coinage, there's a built-in collector market.

#61964 Kennedy Half Dollars

The world was in shock when young President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Official calls to honor the fallen commander-in-chief on a United States coin came within hours of the president's death. Within weeks, the Kennedy half dollar was authorized by Congress.

Because they can be purchased near melt values, the 1964 Kennedy half dollar is an excellent buy for silver investors who want a coin that's also easy to sell.

#71965–1970 Kennedy Half Dollars

Within a year of the Kennedy half dollar's release in 1964, rising silver bullion prices forced the United States Mint to change the composition of 90% silver circulating coinage. Circulating dimes and quarters lost all their silver content, becoming entirely fiat currency.

Yet the half dollar composition retained a small amount of silver, resulting in a 40% silver-clad format. The 40% silver Kennedy halves were minted from 1965 through 1970.

#8Morgan Dollars

The Morgan dollar, struck from 1878 through 1921, is the most popular collectible silver coin. The Morgan is also a major hit with precious metals investors. It's hard to resist these large, heavy silver coins that are now over a century old.

That may be one of the biggest things going for this coin: liquidity. No matter the silver market state, there's always a ready and willing buyer for Morgan dollars.

#9Peace Dollars

The Peace dollar followed the Morgan dollar in 1921 and ran until 1935. While Peace dollars don't have quite the immense following their immediate predecessor enjoys in terms of numismatic popularity, they nevertheless enjoy a robust collector market.

#1040% Silver Eisenhower Dollars

When the Eisenhower dollar debuted in 1971, it became the nation's first dollar coin in 36 years—following the end of the Peace dollar in 1935. The Eisenhower dollar was the nation's first circulating copper-nickel dollar coin.

The Eisenhower dollar's enduring popularity gives the 40% silver-clad Ikes a large marketplace, ensuring easy liquidity. Their lower silver content keeps the 40% Eisenhower dollars affordable even for those on shoestring budgets.