Renowned for its brilliance and versatility, silver has been a cornerstone in coinage since as early as 600 to 700 BC, when the Greek island of Aegina struck some of the earliest pure silver coins, captivating collectors for generations since. Our selection spans ancient treasures and pre-decimal rarities to contemporary legal tender and cutting-edge silver proofs from leading mints. Celebrate history, innovation and artistry with pieces from Australia and beyond, including unique commemorative coins. Begin or enhance your collection today, explore our silver coin range and uncover the perfect silver coin for your collection.
A Broad Collection of Silver Coins for Every Enthusiast
Our range spans the full story of silver coinage, from pre-decimal rarities struck in sterling silver to contemporary legal tender and cutting-edge silver proofs from leading mints. Whether you're drawn to Australia's numismatic history or the artistry of modern commemorative releases, there's a genuine entry point for every kind of collector.
Popular Silver Coin Mints and Series
Downies stocks silver coins from some of the world's most respected mints. Explore releases from the Perth Mint, the Royal Australian Mint and the Royal Mint (UK), alongside coins from other world mints and exclusive Downies releases. Beyond traditional numismatic themes, our range also includes licensed pop culture silver coins celebrating much-loved characters and stories, alongside the Lunar series marking the Chinese zodiac and commemorative releases honouring military history and national milestones.
Silver Proof Coins and Limited Edition Releases
For collectors seeking exceptional craftsmanship, our range of silver proof coins offers a mirror-like finish and sharper detail than a standard bullion or circulation coin, achieved through specially polished dies and blanks. Our limited edition silver coins are released in capped mintages, often to mark a significant event, anniversary or design collaboration, making them a sought-after addition for collectors building a considered collection rather than simply accumulating coins.
Protecting Your Silver Coin Collection
Silver is softer than many other coin metals, so proper storage matters. Individual coin capsules protect single coins from handling and tarnish, while coin albums and folders are ideal for organising a growing collection by series, mint or year.
Silver Commemorative & Coin Collections
Elevate your collection with expertly curated silver subscriptions from Australia's leading mint. Dive into our silver subscriptions for a journey through themes and history that excite and inspire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Australian coins are silver?
Australia's pre-decimal coins, including the threepence, sixpence, shilling, florin and crown, were struck in 92.5% sterling silver until 1945. When decimal currency was introduced in 1966, the original round 50 cent coin was struck in 80% silver, though this was quickly withdrawn and replaced with the cupronickel version still in circulation today. You can browse genuine silver pre-decimal coins and the original round silver 50 cent coin in our collection.
What coins are real silver?
Genuine silver coins are typically struck in either sterling silver (92.5% pure) or fine silver (99.9% pure or higher, often marked .999 or .9999). Modern proof and bullion coins from recognised mints will state their purity and weight, and are usually accompanied by certification confirming authenticity. Buying from a trusted, established dealer is the most reliable way to ensure a coin is genuinely silver.
How much is an ounce of silver worth in AUD?
The value of an ounce of silver depends on the current silver spot price, which fluctuates daily, along with the coin's purity, condition, mintage and any collector premium above its raw metal content. To get an accurate current value, check today's silver spot price and calculate based on the coin's actual silver weight, since a collectable coin will often be worth more than its metal value alone.
