Stop The NRA

I Bought NRA Silver Coins. Here’s My Honest Take.

Written by

in

I stack silver. I also like pieces with a story. So yeah, I picked up a few NRA silver coins over the last few years. Well, they’re rounds, not legal tender. But folks still call them “coins.” I do too sometimes. Habit. If you’d like to see a current listing for a similar 1-oz piece, there’s an example on APMEX.

Let me explain what I got, how they feel, what they cost me, and if I’d buy more.

What I Actually Own

  • 1 oz NRA Seal Round (.999 fine): I found this in my local coin shop’s bullion bin back in 2018. It has the classic NRA seal with the eagle and the crossed rifles. Reeded edge. Frosted look on the seal, shiny field around it. It came in a plain plastic flip. I paid spot plus 6 bucks. Not bad for something with a logo that people know. (If you like catalog numbers, this exact design is logged on Numista for quick reference.)

  • 1 oz NRA 150 Years Round (1871–2021): I grabbed this at a gun show in 2021. It had that “150” mark the NRA used that year. Proof-like shine, which just means the flat parts are mirror bright. It came in a clear capsule. I paid about 10 over spot. A little high, but the design sold me that day. And you know what? It still pops in a display.

  • Friends of NRA Dinner Round (2022): I got this at a banquet in Ohio. It came in a small blue pouch, no COA. The art is bold, with the Friends of NRA logo and the year. I tossed it in a capsule when I got home. That saved it from dings when I showed it around.

Quick Note: Coin vs. Round

These aren’t U.S. Mint coins. No face value. They’re private-mint rounds. That matters when you sell. Shops treat them like any other generic ounce, unless a design is hot that week.

If you’re curious about the political side of the organization behind these rounds, you can explore an opposing viewpoint at StopTheNRA.com. For a deeper dive into another stacker’s perspective on these same rounds, check out this hands-on review.

How They Look and Feel

They feel solid. You can hear that nice silver “ring” when you balance one and tap it gently with another coin. The reeded edges are clean. The details on the eagle and rifles are crisp on the Seal round. The 150 Years piece has that mirror field that shows every fingerprint. I learned fast: cotton gloves help.

Two small issues came up:

  • One round picked up light milk spots after a year. Little white blotches near the rim. Not rare with private mints.
  • The banquet round started to tone at the edge. A soft gold hue. I like that look, but I know some folks don’t.

Price Talk: What I Paid vs. What I’ve Seen

These carry all kinds of premiums. It depends where you buy:

  • Local coin shop: I’ve paid spot plus 4–6 dollars.
  • Gun show tables: I’ve seen spot plus 8–12 dollars.
  • Fundraisers: Prices or “donation levels” can be higher because, well, it’s a fundraiser.

When I asked my LCS about selling, they said they’d pay right around spot, like other generic rounds. If the design is hot or the mintage is low, you can do better on eBay. But that’s a maybe, not a promise. One collector even documented his unexpected experience in this detailed recount, which lines up with what I’ve seen.

Do They Stack Well?

Yes, if you get them near spot. No, if you chase every fancy version with a big premium. I don’t treat these like my core stack. For that, I buy American Silver Eagles and plain generics when premiums are calm. The NRA pieces sit in my “theme” box. They’re perfect gifts too. I gave the 150 Years round to my uncle for his shop shelf. It’s a good conversation starter.

Packaging and Quality

All three of mine were fine. No dents. Lines are sharp. That said, private mint quality can swing a bit. One tip: avoid old PVC flips. They can leave a green haze. Capsules or tubes are better. I keep silica gel packs in my safe, and I don’t store silver in the garage. Big temp swings are rough on shiny things.

Buying Tips (What I Wish I Knew Sooner)

  • Know the spot price. It changes all day. I keep a price alert on my phone.
  • Bring a small digital scale. A 1 oz round should read about 31.1 grams.
  • Try a magnet slide if the seller has one. Real silver slides slow.
  • Check for milk spots and rim dings before you pay.
  • Look for capsules. They cost a buck or two and keep the mirror finish clean.

One unexpected place I’ve seen people swap bullion or just chat about stacking is the messaging app Kik. The platform hosts just about every niche imaginable—coin-trading rooms, hobby hangouts, and plenty of adult-only spaces as well. If you’re curious about how those more intimate Kik communities operate, check out this quick primer on Kik sex, which outlines how to find like-minded adults, set boundaries, and stay safe while exploring the app’s spicier side.

What I Love

  • The designs feel on-brand and bold. The seal, the dates, the message—it all fits.
  • They’re great for gifts. Folks remember them.
  • When I find them near spot, they’re an easy yes.

What Bugs Me

  • Premiums get high at events and some shows.
  • Milk spots can show up. It’s not the end of the world, but still.
  • Liquidity is lower than Eagles. Shops will buy, but usually at generic rates.

My Bottom Line

If you like the theme, these rounds are fun and solid. They’re real silver, with designs that spark stories. I buy them when the premium is fair and keep them in capsules so they stay pretty. Would I build my whole stack on them? No. But would I grab another cool design if I see it at my LCS for a few bucks over spot? Yep. In a heartbeat.

And hey, small thing: silver has a way of capturing moments. That 2021 round makes me think of that busy show floor, the loud coffee, and the guy who tossed in a capsule for free. Little details stick. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk the massive show floor yourself, someone chronicled the 2026 gathering in this vivid trip report. That’s why I keep collecting.

More posts