Is there a difference between buying silver coins like ASE, Koalas, or Maple Leafs as opposed to purchasing silver bars from a place like APMEX? Is there a benefit to one over the other?
Silver bars will probably cost less to buy. ASEs and Maple Leafs will probably sell for a greater percentage of spot price when you sell them. Everyone has their favorite. I prefer what is easiest to resell since you never know what the condition of the market will be at that time, and that would be ASEs.
All silver sells well right now, most dealers are charging ridiculous premiums. When it comes to bars, any known name brand like engelhard, pamp Suisse, credit Suisse will be your higher premium silver.
On the other hand ASE's, maple leafs, britannia's and libertads are selling at a premium because they are becoming collectible and the mintages are documented.
I like to have a little bit of everything silver personally. Numismatic (ASE, Maple, Perth Mint), generic (buffalo, bars), and junk (90% US). I am happy to spend an extra buck or 2 to get ASE's and Maple Leaves instead of generic silver, but when I made my one large purchase I went for generic rounds and bars because it can add up when you get into more ounces. The benefit of the better stuff is that it's easier to sell, and if the price drops you won't be so easily shaken out of your position since your premiums will provide a buffer. If your strategy is to buy and hold regardless I would weigh more heavily in generic. I think these are also at a premium because they are minted by government mints, which provides both widespread recognition and faith in the quality of the product.
