Understanding Silver Purity Standards
Silver bullion coins are minted from .999 fine silver or higher. The Canadian Bald Eagle is minted from .9999 fine silver, meaning the coin is 99.99% pure silver with minimal alloy metals.
The .9999 purity standard was pioneered by the Royal Canadian Mint. This four-nines purity represents the highest standard available in silver bullion coins.
Understanding what purity means helps you evaluate whether specific coins meet your investment goals.
Purity vs Silver Content
A common misconception is that higher purity means more silver. In fact, all major 1 oz silver bullion coins contain exactly 1 troy ounce of silver regardless of whether they are .999 or .9999 fine.
The practical difference between .999 and .9999 purity is minimal: 0.1% of alloy metals vs 0.01%. For a 1 oz coin, this represents less than 1/100th of a gram.
This distinction matters: you're not getting 'more silver' with .9999 coins. However, the higher purity reflects superior refining and mint quality.
Why Purity Standards Exist
IRS requirements for Precious Metals IRAs mandate minimum .999 fineness for silver. Canadian Bald Eagle coins exceed this requirement at .9999.
The purity standard ensures consistent silver content, simplifies valuation, and supports global liquidity for government-minted coins.
The Royal Canadian Mint Advantage
The Royal Canadian Mint is recognized worldwide for producing the highest purity silver bullion. The .9999 standard demonstrates RCM's advanced refining capabilities and commitment to quality.
For investors who value maximum purity, Canadian coins (Bald Eagle and Maple Leaf) offer the .9999 standard that other mints have not matched for silver bullion.
All Canadian Bald Eagle coins are IRA-eligible and highly liquid, with the added distinction of representing the highest purity standard in the market.
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