Silver Eagles vs Silver Maples — which to stack (2026)
For most crypto-paying silver stackers, the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf wins on premium (18-20% vs the Eagle's 22-27%), purity (.9999 vs the Eagle's .9993), security (Bullion DNA + radial lines), and international resale eligibility (qualifies for Singapore IPM and Australian GST exemption). The American Silver Eagle wins on US resale recognition and brand familiarity. Stack Maples globally; mix in Eagles if you're US-based.
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Side-by-side
| Silver American Eagle | Silver Maple Leaf | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | U.S. Mint (sovereign) | Royal Canadian Mint (sovereign + LBMA) |
| Purity | .9993 (pre-2021) / .999 (post-2021) | .9999 |
| Face value | $1 USD | $5 CAD |
| Typical premium over spot | 22-27% | 18-20% |
| Security feature | Standard die strike | Bullion DNA + radial lines + micro-engraving |
| Singapore IPM exempt | No (.9993 marginal) | Yes (.9999 ≥ 99.9%) |
| Australia GST exempt | No | Yes |
| UK CGT exempt | No (not UK legal tender) | No |
| US resale recognition | Highest | High |
| International recognition | High | Highest |
Recommendation by buyer profile
- US-based stacker, will sell in the US: Eagles. Local pricing power, deepest US dealer recognition.
- EU / Asia / Australia stacker: Maples. .9999 purity qualifies for local tax exemptions; lower premium; better security.
- Privacy-focused buyer in any geography: Maples. The Bullion DNA database is opt-in (the RCM doesn't track owners), and the .9999 purity is the same regardless of jurisdiction.
- Mixed stack: 70% Maples, 30% Eagles is a defensible split if you want both US and international optionality on resale.
Frequently asked questions
Which is purer, Eagle or Maple?+
Maple Leaf at .9999 (four-nines) is purer than Silver Eagle at .9993 (the legacy spec). Post-2021 Eagles dropped to .999. For most retail buyers, this difference does not affect resale.
Which carries a lower premium?+
Silver Maple typically carries 18-20% premium over spot. Silver Eagle is higher at 22-27% because of US Mint pricing power on the most-recognized US coin.
Which is harder to counterfeit?+
Maple, by design: Bullion DNA database verification + radial line security pattern + micro-engraved security. Eagles have the U.S. Mint reputation and standard die security, but lack a published verification scheme.
Which is better for resale?+
Eagles in the US market — they are the most-recognized US silver coin. Maples internationally — they are .9999 fine which qualifies for IPM (Singapore), GST exemption (Australia), and EU investment treatment. Internationally, Maple wins.
Sources
- LBMA Good Delivery refiner list
- LBMA precious metals prices
- FATF Recommendation 22 (DNFBP)
- EU AMLD6 (Directive 2024/1640)
- EU VAT investment-gold exemption (Directive 2006/112/EC, Article 346)
- US FinCEN Form 8300 guidance
See also how Ounceo works end-to-end, our shipping and customs notes, the AML threshold policy, and the glossary.