Large-Format Silver Coins: What They Are and Whether They Belong in a Long-Term Strategy

Large-Format Silver Coins: What They Are and Whether They Belong in a Long-Term Strategy

Bullion coins come in a wide variety of sizes, including large format silver coins like 2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilogram that have become a major segment of the global bullion market. These pieces offer both efficient silver exposure and high-art numismatic appeal, giving them relevance to collectors, stackers, and long-term precious metals investors.

While the 1 oz denomination remains the core of the modern bullion market, large-format silver coins are increasingly preferred by buyers who want lower premiums per ounce, stronger visual presentation, and exposure to limited-mintage series that may retain or grow collector demand over time.


What Are Large-Format Silver Coins?

Large-format silver coins are government-minted bullion pieces weighing more than 1 troy ounce, typically:

  • 2 oz
  • 5 oz
  • 10 oz
  • 1 kilogram (32.15 oz)
  • and, in some cases, 5 kg or higher
Royal Canadian Mint 10 kg Maple Leaf Silver Coin
Royal Canadian Mint 10 kilo Maple Leaf Silver Coin from u/PremierRareCoins on Reddit.

These coins usually retain the visual themes of their 1 oz counterparts but benefit from:

  • higher relief
  • sharper engraving
  • expanded surface detail
  • heavier, more substantial presentation

Because they are produced at lower total mintages and cater to both investors and collectors, they often develop distinctive secondary-market behavior compared to standard bullion coins.


Major Mints Producing Large-Format Silver Coins (2025)

Below are the leading global mints known for their high-quality large-format silver series, with expanded detail on the most relevant programs for U.S. buyers and international collectors.


🇦🇺 Perth Mint (Australia)

Perth Mint 2025 1 Kilogram Kookaburra Silver Coin
2025 1 Kilogram Kookaburra 35th Anniversary Silver Coin

Best-known large-format silver series:

  • Kookaburra (2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg)
  • Koala (2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg)
  • Lunar Series III (2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg)

Perth Mint is one of the most respected government mints worldwide, known for exceptionally high production quality, laser-engraved security marks (for newer issues), and a strong collector base.

Why Perth Mint Large-Format Coins Stand Out

  1. Annual Design Changes Kookaburras and Koalas change designs every year, giving collectors a continual, evolving series comparable to Silver Pandas or Libertads.
  2. Limited Mintages Large-format Kookaburras and Koalas, especially 10 oz and 1 kg versions, often have relatively low annual mintages, which can help maintain collector demand.
  3. Pricing Efficiency Perth Mint’s 10 oz and 1 kg coins often have lower cost-per-ounce premiums than 1 oz versions, useful for investors who want recognized sovereign silver without high retail markups.
  4. Strong Global Recognition Perth’s large-format issues are broadly trusted and actively traded across North America, Europe, and Asia.

🇲🇽 Mexican Mint – Casa de Moneda de México

Series: Silver Libertad
Large-format sizes:

  • 2 oz
  • 5 oz
  • 1 kg (2024)
Mexico 1 kilo Libertad Silver Coin
Mexico 1 kilo Libertad Silver Coin

Libertads are generally regarded as one of the most visually striking government silver bullion series in the world. The Mexican Mint is the oldest operating mint in the Americas (est. 1535), and Libertads have developed a strong collector market due to their aesthetics, scarcity, and cultural significance.

Why Large-Format Libertads Attract Both Collectors and Investors

1. Very Low Mintages
Large-format Libertads frequently have much lower mintages than Perth or RCM equivalents. The 2 oz and 5 oz coins, in particular, often sell out quickly, and some years develop strong aftermarket premiums.

2. High Numismatic Demand
Collectors value:

  • the Winged Victory obverse,
  • the twin-volcano reverse,
  • and the yearly design consistency that builds deep series loyalty.

Numismatic demand, not just bullion demand, supports longer-term pricing stability.

3. No Face Value
Libertads are unique: they contain government-guaranteed silver purity but do not bear a face value, a quirk that adds to their collectability.

4. 1 kg Libertad Prestige Factor
The 1 kilogram Libertad (2024) is one of the most followed large-format bullion coins in the Western Hemisphere and often trades significantly above melt due to its limited distribution.


🇨🇦 Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

Large-format issues include:

  • 10 oz Silver Maple Leaf
  • 5 oz Silver Maple Leaf (newly introduced)
  • 1 kg Silver Coins
    Often released within themed series or commemoratives.
RCM Magnificent Maple Leaf 10 oz Silver Coin
RCM Magnificent Maple Leaf 10 oz Silver Coin

Why RCM Large-Format Coins Appeal to Investors

1. Industry-Leading Purity (.9999 Fine Silver)
RCM has long been known for its ultra-high silver purity, micro-engraved security features, and advanced minting technology.

2. Strong Liquidity
Silver Maples—of all sizes—are highly recognized worldwide, aiding resale confidence.

3. Premium Efficiency
RCM 10 oz and 1 kg coins often carry lower premiums per ounce than 1 oz Maples, making them appealing for cost-conscious long-term accumulation.

4. New 5 oz Maple Leaf
The addition of the 2025 5 oz Silver Maple Leaf expands the lineup and may attract collectors building complete size sets.

Other Notable Large-Format Silver Coins

  • U.S. Mint – 5 oz America the Beautiful (ATB) coins, highly collectible on secondary markets
  • Royal Mint (UK) – Britannia 10 oz & 1 kg
  • Armenian Mint / Geiger Edelmetalle – Noah’s Ark 1 kg & 5 kg
  • China Mint – Silver Pandas in 150 g and 1 kg

These mints add global diversity to the category, but the strongest collector/investor interest continues to center on Perth, Libertads, and RCM.

Are Large-Format Silver Coins Worth It?

They can be, depending on your goals.

Recommended for:

  • Buyers who want lower-cost-per-ounce sovereign silver
  • Collectors building multi-year series sets (Kookaburra, Koala, Libertad)
  • Investors who prefer high-recognition bullion with lower storage hassle
  • Collectors who value artistry, deep relief, and capsule-protected presentation

Not ideal for:

  • Buyers who need small divisible units for barter-like liquidity
  • Those with extremely limited storage options
  • Investors prioritizing the absolute lowest cost (generic bars may be cheaper)

Compare Large-Format Silver Coin Prices

FindBullionPrices.com tracks real-time pricing across major dealers. Current examples in this category include:

  • Secondary Market 10 oz Silver Coins
  • 2025 Perth Mint 10 oz Kookaburra
  • 2025 Perth Mint 10 oz Koala
  • 2024 Mexico 1 kg Silver Libertad
  • 2024 Mexican Aztec Calendar 1 kg Silver Coin
  • 2025 Royal Canadian Mint 10 oz Silver Maple Leaf
  • 2025 RCM 5 oz Silver Maple Leaf (new series)

These listings update automatically, helping buyers spot fair pricing and low-premium opportunities.

As with any physical precious metals purchase, consider your risk tolerance, storage method, intended time horizon, and overall portfolio fit. This article is for general educational purposes and not individualized investment or tax advice.