What is 90% Coin Silver?

In the United States, coinage that contained 90% silver was in circulation prior to 1965. It is collected mainly for the silver content that it contains. Coins containing 90% Silver were minted by the US Mint, including dimes, quarters, half-dollars and one-dollar coins. During World War 2, even some nickels were minted with 35% silver alloy!

'Junk silver' is a term used by coin collectors and investors to refer to old silver coins that have no numismatic or collector value above their metal content, but are still valued for their silver content. Typically, these coins are from the United States and were minted before 1965, containing 90% silver.

What kind of junk silver is best for investment?

As a store of value and wealth, the best junk silver coins for investment are silver half dollar coins like Franklin and Kennedy half dollars as they are often found in the best condition. Beyond those, Washington silver quarters and Roosevelt silver dimes issued prior to 1965 will contain less wear and tear from circulation.

How much silver is in a silver dime?

Mercury dimes were all produced with 90% silver content. Roosevelt dimes produced before 1965 also contained 90% silver. Each 90% silver dime contains 2.25 grams of silver (.072 troy ounces). The net weight of a silver dime is roughly 2.5 grams, including the copper alloy.

How much silver is in a silver quarter?

Silver quarters, including silver Washington Quarters that were produced before 1965 each contain 90% silver. Each 90% silver quarter contains 5.625 grams of silver (.181 troy ounces). The net weight of a silver quarter is roughly 6.25 grams, including the copper alloy.

How much silver is in a silver half dollar?

Silver half dollars that were minted before 1965 each contain 90% silver. Silver half dollars that were minted from 1965 to 1970 are made from an alloy containing 40% silver. Each 90% silver half dollar contains 11.25 grams of silver (.362 troy ounces). The net weight of a 90% silver half dollar is roughly 12.5 grams, including the copper alloy. Each 40% silver half dollar contains 5 grams of silver (.148 troy ounces). The net weight of a 40% silver half dollar is roughly 12.5 grams, including the copper alloy.

How much silver is in a silver half dollar?

Silver half dollars that were minted before 1965 each contain 90% silver. Silver half dollars that were minted from 1965 to 1970 are made from an alloy containing 40% silver. Each 90% silver half dollar contains 11.25 grams of silver (.362 troy ounces). The net weight of a 90% silver half dollar is roughly 12.5 grams, including the copper alloy. Each 40% silver half dollar contains 5 grams of silver (.148 troy ounces). The net weight of a 40% silver half dollar is roughly 12.5 grams, including the copper alloy.

How much are silver coins worth?

The value of silver coins is based on the amount of silver each coin contains. Silver dimes each contain 2.25 grams of silver. Silver quarters each contain 5.625 grams of silver. 90% Silver half-dollars each contain 11.25 grams of silver. Each 40% silver half dollar contains 5 grams of silver.

Junk Silver Coins

Q: Where to buy Junk Silver?

Silver half-dollars, silver quarters and dimes comprise the majority of junk silver and it is easy to buy from online bullion dealers and marketplaces like eBay. Locally, you can often find junk silver at pawn shops, gold stores, local coin shops and even some antique stores.

90% Silver Coins and other junk silver coin, 40% Kennedy Half Dollars, Canadian 80% junk silver and more

The US Government issued 90% silver, 10% copper for most circulated coins through 1964. To save money, the US Mint was ordered to reduce the content to 40% silver for half dollar coins through 1971, while others were minted in clad alloys.

Junk Silver Coins Product Categories

Silver Dimes
Silver Quarters
Mixed Lots Circulated Silver Coins
Silver Half Dollars

Mercury Dimes $1 FV

Best Price: $2.30

$1 Face Value US Mint 40% Pure Silver Coins

Best Price: $9.47

$1 Face Value 80% Canada Junk Silver

Best Price: $17.75

Canada Junk Silver Dollar

Best Price: $17.95

$1 Face Value 90% Silver Coins

Best Price: $21.87

$1 Face Value 90% Silver Roosevelt Dimes

Best Price: $23.39

Random Year Peace Dollar Silver Coin

Best Price: $26.72

Circulated Peace Dollar Culls

Best Price: $27.22

1921 Morgan Dollar - Average Circulation

Best Price: $28.99

1878-1904 Morgan Silver Dollars (Random Years)

Best Price: $30.00

$1 Face Value - 35% SILVER WAR NICKELS - 20 Coins

Best Price: $31.52

1921 Morgan Silver Dollar - BU Condition

Best Price: $34.99

5 Pesetas Spanish Silver Coin

Best Price: $40.98

Mexican Silver 5 Pesos 1947-1948 Cuauhtemoc

Best Price: $43.97

Bahamas $2 Flamingo

Best Price: $44.31

$2 Face Value - 35% SILVER WAR NICKELS - 40 Coins

Best Price: $64.79

$10 Face Value Kennedy Half Dollars 40% Silver 20-Coin Roll

Best Price: $83.87

$5 Face Value Roosevelt 90% Silver Dimes Roll

Best Price: $104.14

Mercury Dimes - 90% Silver - $5 Face Value

Best Price: $109.61

$10 Face Value 90% Washington Silver Quarters

Best Price: $208.28

$10 Face Value 90% Silver

Best Price: $208.28

$10 Face Value Franklin Half Dollars 90% Silver

Best Price: $212.14

Walking Liberty Half Dollars - $10 Face Value 90% Silver

Best Price: $212.14

90% Silver 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar 20-Coin Roll

Best Price: $213.21

$10 Face Value Standing Liberty Quarters 90% Silver

Best Price: $223.20

$10 Face Value 90% Modern Quarters - Statehood/ATB Proofs

Best Price: $241.27

$10 FV 90% US Barber Silver Quarters

Best Price: $274.39

$10 FV 90% Silver Barber Half Dollars

Best Price: $298.50

Kennedy 40% Silver Half Dollars - $100 Face Value

Best Price: $833.59

$50 Face Value Junk Silver

Best Price: $1041.40

$100 Face-Value 90% Silver Coins

Best Price: $2064.23

$500 FV 90% Silver Washington Quarters

Best Price: $10321.17

$1000 Face Value - 90% Circulated Silver Coins

Best Price: $20642.34

Learn More About Junk Silver Coins

Up until 1964, many of the coins in everyday circulation were made from 90% silver. This includes all of the dimes, quarters, half-dollar and dollar coins.

During the early 1960s, the increased use of silver in manufacturing things like photographic film and other consumer goods caused the price of silver to rise. Beginning in 1965, the US Mint introduced the cupronickel clad coins that were are most familiar with today. Junk silver coins were once used as regular everyday coinage until people began to hoard the 90% silver coins for due to their intrinsic value.

By 1971, the US Mint shifted the half-dollars to the nickel-clad alloy coins that are now so well known, saving the 90% silver for special commemorative coins.

Ever since, 90% junk silver has been a favorite among investors, preppers and collectors. This is still recognized as US coinage, though the intrinsic value is worth far beyond the face value. These naturally fractional denominations range from Morgan Silver Dollars to Washington Quarters to Mercury Dimes. Sometimes referred to as Junk Silver because it has little to no numismatic. These coins are valued based on the silver content.

There is roughly .715 troy ounces or 22.23 grams of silver per $1 face value when it comes to dimes, quarters and half dollars. Morgan and Peace dollars were minted with .7734 troy ounces, slightly more. These are the typical weights used when calculating the melt value of junk silver.

90% Silver Investment

Utilizing 90% silver as a store of wealth is one of the most practical investments anyone can make. It is easy to stack and can be easily stored in paper bank rolls or canvas bags. Junk Silver is an informal term used for any silver coin which has been circulated and has little to no numismatic or collectible value. The intrinsic value of the silver is the major appeal of these coin.

Franklin half-dollar coins were minted from 1948 until 1963. The Franklin half-dollar coin was replaced by the Kennedy half-dollar coin. The Kennedy half-dollar coin was minted in 90% silver only in 1964. From 1965-1969 Kennedy half-dollar coins were minted with 40% silver content.

The Washington silver quarter was introduced in 1932 and were minted with 90% silver until 1964. Since 1965, Washington Quarters have been minted as a copper/nickel alloy, with the exception of silver proof quarters and other special issues.

All Mercury dimes were minted with silver. As did Roosevelt dimes minted before 1965.

For investors looking to add weight to their holdings, mixed junk silver in standard face value denominations can often be the cheapest option.

Making bulk purchases of circulated silver coins is the most effective way to get the lowest premium and pay the cheapest price. Junk silver is widely recognized and very simple to authenticate without any special tools or chemicals. The silver coins have a slightly different appearance than modern clad coins and can usually be identified with visual examination of certain characteristics that help them stand out.

The first and most obvious thing to look for is the date. The minting of silver in everyday coins ended in 1964. Quarters and dimes minted in 1965 and after are modern copper clad coins.

In addition to the date, the reeded edge on Pre-1965 coins is entirely silver. With modern clad coins, the copper core is visible through the coin edge.

Another way to identify junk silver coins is by the sound the coin makes when it's dropped onto a solid surface. Silver is a dense material. The "Ping Test" is easily recognizable for experienced stackers and preppers alike. Apps are also available for mobile phones and devices that can help new investors to help distinguish genuine 90% silver.

Canadian Junk Silver

Collectors and investors often seek out Canadian 80% junk silver as a means of owning physical silver in smaller denominations. These coins can be purchased at a relatively low premium over the current spot price of silver, making them an accessible way to invest in precious metals.

Junk Silver continues to be one of the cheapest and most accessible ways to begin buying and holding silver as a store of value and wealth.

Silver half-dollars, quarters and dimes comprise the majority of junk silver and it is easy to buy from online bullion dealers and marketplaces like eBay.

Additionally, there are a variety of well established "buy/sell" communities and groups on Facebook, Reddit, Instagram and other social media and community forums.

Locally, you can usually find junk silver at pawn shops, We Buy Gold stores, local coin shops and some antique stores.

In some areas of the country it's possible to find easy opportunities to buy, sell and trade using silver gold for both products and services.

Online bullion dealers typically sell junk silver in lots based on the total face value of all denomination.

Each $1 face value of junk silver in any combination dimes, quarters or half-dollars contains roughly .715 troy ounces of pure silver.

Coin	Years Minted	Silver Content	Total Weight	Silver Weight
90% Silver Dimes
Roosevelt Dime	1946-1964	.90	2.5	2.25 grams (.072 troy ounces)
Winged Liberty "Mercury Dime"	1916-1945	.90	2.5	2.25 grams (.072 troy ounces)
Liberty Head "Barber Dime"	1892-1916	.90	2.5	2.25 grams (.072 troy ounces)
90% Silver Quarters
Washington Quarter	1932-1964	.90	6.25	5.625 grams (.181 troy ounces)
Standing Liberty Quarter	1916-1930	.90	6.25	5.625 grams (.181 troy ounces)
Liberty Head "Barber Quarter"	1892-1916	.90	6.25	5.625 grams (.181 troy ounces)
90% Silver Half Dollars
Kennedy	1964	.90	12.5	11.25 grams (.362 troy ounces)
Franklin	1948-1963	.90	12.5	11.25 grams (.362 troy ounces)
Walking Liberty	1916-1947	.90	12.5	11.25 grams (.362 troy ounces)
Kennedy	1964-1969	.40	12.5	5 grams (.148 troy ounces)
90% Silver Dollars
Peace Dollar	1921-1935	.90	26.73	24.06 grams (.773 troy ounces)
Morgan Dollar	1878-1921	.90	26.73	24.06 grams (.773 troy ounces)
35% Silver Nickels
Jefferson "War Nickels"	1942-1945	35%	5 grams	1.75 grams (0.0563 troy ounces)

Junk Silver Coins

90% Silver Coins and other junk silver coin, 40% Kennedy Half Dollars, Canadian 80% junk silver and more

Learn More About Junk Silver Coins

90% Silver Investment

Canadian Junk Silver

More articles about Junk Silver Coins

Collecting and Investing in 90% Silver Half Dollar Coins

America the Beautiful Proof 90% Silver Quarters and 5 oz Silver Coins

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Where to buy the cheapest Junk Silver Coins