Silver Bullions

Bullion is typically thought of as gold, but gold is not the only precious metal used to create bullion. Silver has an illustrious history in the bullion field as well. Silver bullion's history includes one of the most influential coins in world trade: the Maria Theresa thaler. The Maria Theresa was first minted in 1741 in Austria, named after the reigning empress. This coin was very popular across many countries and colonial regions and served as the inspiration for many currencies that survive today.

The Maria Theresa thaler has been produced by at least 14 different mints over its run. During World War II, the thaler was issued by both the Axis and the Allies. This was done primarily to sustain the war effort in Africa where many nations where using the thaler as their currency. After World War II, the Austrian government requested that other world governments stop minting the thaler. The Austrian mint continues to create proof and uncirculated thalers as souvenirs today.

Today, silver bullion is circulated as ingots, bars, and coins. The U.S. Mint has issued silver bullion coins based on the walking Liberty half-dollar design, known as silver eagles, since 1986. The Royal Australian Mint also produces noteworthy silver bullion coins known as kookaburras, named after the bird that is featured on the reverse.

Quick Facts

• Polished silver can reflect around 95 percent of the visible spectrum, which makes proof silver bullion coins the most reflective out of the various precious metals used for bullion
• After 1780, the Maria Theresa thaler has been minted with the date 1780 regardless of the coin's actual minting date. Empress Maria Theresa died in 1780, so the coin's date was frozen to honor her
• The word thaler is credited with coining the English term dollar