Common bar sizes
| Size | Metal value at ~$57.50/oz | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | ~$58 | Small purchases, gifts; highest premium per ounce |
| 10 oz | ~$575 | The usual middle ground for IRAs and home buyers |
| 1 kilo (32.15 oz) | ~$1,850 | Popular internationally; good value per ounce |
| 100 oz | ~$5,750 | Lowest premium; best for large, long-term holdings |
Metal value only, before the dealer's premium. Prices as of October 19, 2026.
Cast bars versus minted bars
Cast bars are made by pouring molten silver into a mold. They have rough, uneven surfaces, simple stamping and usually the lowest premiums. Minted bars are cut from rolled silver and struck with a design, giving a sharp, polished look at a slightly higher cost. Both hold the same metal, and both can qualify for an IRA if the refiner and purity meet the rules.
Which refiners to look for
For an IRA, bars need to come from a refiner accredited by a recognized exchange or national mint. Names you'll see often include PAMP, Valcambi, Asahi, the Royal Canadian Mint and the Perth Mint. Each bar should be stamped with its weight, purity and the refiner's mark; many larger bars carry a serial number too. Unbranded or "generic" bars from unknown sources are a poor choice, even outside an IRA, because buyers may pay less for them or ask for testing.
Our recommended provider's free kit explains eligible products, storage and rollovers. Best fit if you have $50,000 or more to diversify.
Request the Free KitBars or coins?
Bars give you more silver for your money. Government coins cost more per ounce but are recognized everywhere, are easier to sell a few at a time, and carry a face value backed by a national mint. A common approach is to hold most of a silver position in 10 oz or kilo bars and keep a smaller share in coins for flexibility. Our silver coins guide compares the popular options.
Buying tips
- Compare the price per ounce across sizes, not the price per bar.
- Ask what the dealer would pay to buy the same bar back today.
- Keep bars in their original packaging or assay card; it helps at resale.
- Remember that silver takes up space. Ask how your depository charges for storage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put 100 oz silver bars in an IRA?
Yes, as long as they're at least 99.9% pure and from an accredited refiner.
Do silver bars need an assay card?
Not always. Larger cast bars usually have the details stamped on the bar itself. Smaller minted bars often come sealed with a card, and keeping it intact can make resale easier.