Silver Coins Buying Guide 2026
Quick answer: When buying silver coins in India, check three things — purity (look for 999 fine silver and a BIS hallmark), weight (coins come in 5g, 10g, 20g, 50g and 100g), and price (roughly the day's silver rate for that weight plus a small making charge). Lakshmi-Ganesh coins are the most popular choice for Dhanteras and gifting.
Silver coins are the easiest and most affordable way to bring home a precious metal — which is exactly why they top the shopping list every Dhanteras and Diwali. They work as a blessing in your puja thali, a gift, and a small store of value all at once. This guide explains everything you need to know before you buy a silver coin in 2026.
What Purity Should a Silver Coin Be? (999 vs 925)
Most quality silver coins are 999 fine silver (99.9% pure), which is the highest purity and ideal for coins meant to be stored or gifted. 925 sterling silver (92.5% pure) is harder and better suited to jewellery that gets daily wear. For a Dhanteras or investment coin, choose 999; always look for the purity stamp and a BIS hallmark. New to purity grades? Read our explainer on 925 vs 999 silver.
Silver Coin Weights & How Price Works
Silver coins are sold by weight — commonly 5g, 10g, 20g, 50g and 100g. The price is essentially the live silver rate for that weight, plus a small making/minting charge. Because silver has climbed to record highs in 2026, coin prices are higher than last year, so always check the current rate per gram before buying. A 5g or 10g coin remains the most popular, budget-friendly option.
| Coin Weight | Best For |
|---|---|
| 5g – 10g | Puja thali, affordable gifting, first-time buyers |
| 20g – 50g | Dhanteras keepsake, wedding shagun |
| 100g+ | Storing value, corporate gifting |
Which Silver Coin Design to Choose
The most popular and auspicious designs are Lakshmi-Ganesh coins (ideal for Dhanteras and Diwali puja), followed by plain bullion-style coins, and personalised or logo coins for corporate gifting. A Lakshmi-Ganesh silver idol pairs beautifully with a coin set if you want a complete puja gift.
How to Spot a Genuine Silver Coin
- Look for a 999 (or 925) stamp and a BIS hallmark.
- Check the weight matches the stated grams on a small scale.
- Genuine silver is non-magnetic and leaves no black mark on white cloth when rubbed gently.
- Buy from a trusted jeweller with a buyback policy rather than an unknown seller.
Our full guide on how to check if silver is real covers every test in detail. Planning your Dhanteras shopping? See what to buy in silver on Dhanteras 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What purity should a silver coin be?
For coins meant to be stored or gifted, choose 999 fine silver (99.9% pure), the highest purity. 925 sterling silver is better for jewellery. Always look for the purity stamp and a BIS hallmark.
How is the price of a silver coin decided?
A silver coin's price is based on the live silver rate for its weight, plus a small making or minting charge. Since silver is at record highs in 2026, check the current per-gram rate before buying.
Which silver coin is best for Dhanteras?
Lakshmi-Ganesh silver coins in 999 purity are the most popular and auspicious choice for Dhanteras and Diwali puja. A 5g or 10g coin is the most budget-friendly starting point.
Is a silver coin a good investment in 2026?
Silver coins are a simple way to hold a precious metal and have risen strongly in 2026. Buy 999 purity from a trusted source with a buyback option so you can sell it back easily later.
What weight silver coin should I buy?
5g and 10g coins are ideal for puja and gifting, 20g to 50g for keepsakes and wedding shagun, and 100g or more for storing value or corporate gifting.
