Legal tender coins were often made of silver, because just like gold it is very rare and valuable. In addition, silver has properties that make it particularly suitable for coins. This includes the beautiful shine and the resiliency of silver as a precious metal. When silver tarnishes it forms the so-called silver sulfide, but by polishing it is relatively easy to remove. Note to investors: As silver naturally tarnishes do not polish the coin as the weight will be lower afterwards and therefore effect the trading value. A tarnished coin does not change in value. Today silver coins are no longer in circulation, but are minted for investors or collectors. Investors appreciate its value and many applications, resulting from the needs of industry and crafts. Investment silver coins nowadays usually have a fine weight of about 999/1000, some of them even have a fine weight of 999.9/1000 and thus consist of (almost) pure silver.