Compare Junk Silver Prices — Live Dealer Prices by Face Value
Compare real-time prices from trusted bullion dealers on 90% silver coins (“constitutional silver”). Browse by face-value increment or coin type to find the lowest premium per ounce.
Junk silver—pre-1965 U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars struck in 90% silver—is one of the most affordable ways to accumulate physical silver. Also called “constitutional silver,” these coins trade at low premiums and are universally recognized. Use this page to compare live dealer prices across every face-value increment, from a single $1 FV lot to a full $1,000 bag. For a deeper guide, see our junk silver overview and why 90% silver coins are a strong buy.
Quick-buy by face value
Each tab lists products near that face-value increment, sorted by lowest premium per troy ounce (ask price minus melt, divided by silver weight). (33 product pages match our database.)
$1 Face Value Junk Silver
Typical fine silver in circulated 90% U.S. junk at this increment: ~0.715 troy ounces (varies slightly by wear).
| Product | Best dealer | Price | Premium/oz | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1 Face Value 90% Silver Coins (Junk) | MintBuilder | $49.57 | $-3.98 | Dealer |
| $1 Face Value 90% Silver Roosevelt Dimes | Summit Metals | $52.23 | $-0.26 | Dealer |
| Washington 90% Silver Quarters $1 FV | Monument Metals | $53.00 | $0.82 | Dealer |
| Mercury Dimes $1 FV | Monument Metals | $53.31 | $1.25 | Dealer |
| $1 FV 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | Safe Haven Metal | $53.46 | $1.46 | Dealer |
| 90% Silver Half Dollars, $1 FV | Monument Metals | $53.71 | $1.81 | Dealer |
| 90% Silver Barber Half Dollars - Average Circulated - $1 Face Value | Bullion Standard | $61.43 | $12.61 | Dealer |
| $1 Face Value 90% Silver Standing Liberty Quarters - Worn Dates | APMEX | $72.91 | $28.66 | Dealer |
Silver Dollar Coins
Typical fine silver in circulated 90% U.S. junk at this increment: ~0.773 troy ounces (varies slightly by wear).
| Product | Best dealer | Price | Premium/oz | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan Silver Dollars (Random Year) | Monument Metals | $58.23 | $1.98 | Dealer |
| Peace Dollar Silver Coin (Random Year) | Monument Metals | $58.50 | $2.33 | Dealer |
| Circulated Peace Dollar Cull | Hero Bullion | $58.66 | $2.54 | Dealer |
| 1921 Morgan Dollar - Average Circulation | Bullion Exchanges | $58.74 | $2.64 | Dealer |
| 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar - BU Condition | Austin Rare Coins | $62.85 | $7.95 | Dealer |
$5 Face Value Silver Coins
Typical fine silver in circulated 90% U.S. junk at this increment: ~3.575 troy ounces (varies slightly by wear).
| Product | Best dealer | Price | Premium/oz | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5 Face Value Roosevelt 90% Silver Dimes Roll | Monument Metals | $251.36 | $-3.00 | Dealer |
| Mercury Dimes - $5 Face Value | Monument Metals | $253.36 | $-2.44 | Dealer |
| $5 Face - 90% Barber Silver Dimes | APMEX | $280.52 | $5.16 | Dealer |
$10 Face Value Junk Silver
Typical fine silver in circulated 90% U.S. junk at this increment: ~7.150 troy ounces (varies slightly by wear).
| Product | Best dealer | Price | Premium/oz | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10 FV 90% Silver Washington Quarter Roll | Monument Metals | $504.93 | $-2.69 | Dealer |
| $10 Face Value 90% Silver Coins | Monument Metals | $507.72 | $-2.30 | Dealer |
| $10 Face Value Franklin Half Dollars 90% Silver | Monument Metals | $511.30 | $-1.80 | Dealer |
| Walking Liberty Half Dollars - $10 Face Value 90% Silver | Monument Metals | $513.51 | $-1.49 | Dealer |
| $10 Face Value 90% Silver Standing Liberty Quarters | eBay (mcm) | $544.27 | $2.81 | Dealer |
| $10 FV Franklin Half Dollars AU | Monument Metals | $581.44 | $8.01 | Dealer |
$50 Face Value Silver Bags
Typical fine silver in circulated 90% U.S. junk at this increment: ~35.750 troy ounces (varies slightly by wear).
| Product | Best dealer | Price | Premium/oz | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 FV 90% Junk Silver | Monument Metals | $2538.96 | $-2.29 | Dealer |
$100 Face Value Silver Bags
Typical fine silver in circulated 90% U.S. junk at this increment: ~71.500 troy ounces (varies slightly by wear).
| Product | Best dealer | Price | Premium/oz | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90% Silver Dimes $100 Face Value | Monument Metals | $5027.88 | $-2.99 | Dealer |
| 90% Junk Silver Quarters, $100 FV Bag | Monument Metals | $5027.88 | $-2.99 | Dealer |
| $100 FV 90% Silver Coins | Monument Metals | $5063.63 | $-2.49 | Dealer |
| 90% Silver Half Dollars, $100 FV | Monument Metals | $5106.53 | $-1.89 | Dealer |
| 90% Silver Kennedy Half Dollars - $100 fv | No live dealer prices in the last refresh window. | |||
$500 Face Value Silver Coins
Typical fine silver in circulated 90% U.S. junk at this increment: ~357.500 troy ounces (varies slightly by wear).
| Product | Best dealer | Price | Premium/oz | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500 FV 90% Silver Washington Quarters | Monument Metals | $25246.65 | $-2.69 | Dealer |
| 90% Silver Roosevelt Dimes ($500 FV) | Coin Exchange NY | $25616.27 | $-1.66 | Dealer |
| $500 FV 90% Silver Half-Dollars | eBay (pinehurstcoins) | $27155.67 | $2.65 | Dealer |
$1,000 Face Value Silver Bag
Typical fine silver in circulated 90% U.S. junk at this increment: ~715.000 troy ounces (varies slightly by wear).
| Product | Best dealer | Price | Premium/oz | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1000 Face Value - Circulated 90% Silver Coins | Monument Metals | $49778.30 | $-3.69 | Dealer |
| 90% American Silver Franklin Half Dollars - $1000 Face Value | Summit Metals | $51198.00 | $-2.54 | Dealer |
Browse by coin type
Silver Quarters
Washington, Standing Liberty, Barber · 90% · ~0.1787 ozt each
Silver Half Dollars
Kennedy ’64, Franklin, Walking Liberty, Barber · 90% · ~0.3575 ozt each
40% Silver
Kennedy ’65–’70, Eisenhower ’71–’76 · 40% · ~0.1479 ozt (half)
What is Junk Silver?
“Junk silver” refers to U.S. coins minted before 1965 that contain 90% silver. Despite the name, these coins are far from junk—they’re one of the most liquid and recognizable forms of silver investment. The term distinguishes them from numismatic (collector) coins: investors buy junk silver purely for its metal content.
The most common junk silver coins are Roosevelt and Mercury dimes, Washington and Standing Liberty quarters, and Kennedy (1964), Franklin, and Walking Liberty half dollars. All share the same 90% silver / 10% copper alloy used by the U.S. Mint from 1837 to 1964.
You’ll also hear the term “constitutional silver”—it means exactly the same thing. Some investors prefer it because “junk” sounds pejorative, but both terms are standard in the precious metals market.
Beyond the core 90% coins, two other categories are commonly grouped under junk silver: 40% silver Kennedy half dollars (1965–1970) and 35% silver “War Nickels” (1942–1945). These carry lower premiums but also contain less silver per coin. Read more in our complete guide to junk silver and why 90% coins are often the best buy.
Fine silver content per coin
Melt values below use today’s spot price of $73.31 per troy ounce. For a live calculator and every U.S. type, visit our Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator.
| Coin | Years | Silver % | ASW (ozt) | Melt value | Per $1 FV (typical) | Coins/oz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roosevelt Dime | 1946–1964 | 90% | 0.0715 | $5.24 | $52.42 | 13.99 |
| Mercury Dime | 1916–1945 | 90% | 0.0715 | $5.24 | $52.42 | 13.99 |
| Barber Dime | 1892–1916 | 90% | 0.0715 | $5.24 | $52.42 | 13.99 |
| Washington Quarter | 1932–1964 | 90% | 0.1787 | $13.10 | $52.42 | 5.59 |
| Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916–1930 | 90% | 0.1787 | $13.10 | $52.42 | 5.59 |
| Kennedy Half (1964) | 1964 | 90% | 0.3575 | $26.21 | $52.42 | 2.80 |
| Franklin Half | 1948–1963 | 90% | 0.3575 | $26.21 | $52.42 | 2.80 |
| Walking Liberty Half | 1916–1947 | 90% | 0.3575 | $26.21 | $52.42 | 2.80 |
| Morgan Dollar | 1878–1921 | 90% | 0.7735 | $56.70 | $56.70 | 1.29 |
| Peace Dollar | 1921–1935 | 90% | 0.7735 | $56.70 | $56.70 | 1.29 |
| Kennedy Half (40%) | 1965–1970 | 40% | 0.1479 | $10.84 | $21.70 | 6.76 |
| War Nickel | 1942–1945 | 35% | 0.0563 | $4.13 | $82.55 | 17.76 |
What is a face value bag of junk silver?
In the bullion market, junk silver is sold in lots priced by their combined face value. A “$100 face value bag” contains coins whose printed denominations total $100—for example, 400 quarters, 200 half dollars, or 1,000 dimes (or any mix). The actual silver content is what matters to investors:
- $1 FV of 90% silver ≈ 0.715 troy ounces of fine silver (circulated)
- $10 FV ≈ 7.15 ozt
- $100 FV ≈ 71.5 ozt
- $1,000 FV ≈ 715 ozt (the classic “bag” unit)
Smaller lots ($1–$10 FV) are ideal for new investors or those who want fractional flexibility. Larger bags ($100–$1,000 FV) typically offer better premiums per ounce and are the standard institutional unit.
Junk silver FAQ
What is junk silver?
Junk silver refers to pre-1965 U.S. coins (dimes, quarters, half dollars) minted in 90% silver. Despite the name, they are a popular investment for their intrinsic silver content, low premiums, and high liquidity. The term “constitutional silver” means the same thing.
How much is $1 face value of junk silver worth?
At today’s spot price of $73.31 per ounce, $1 face value of 90% silver coins contains approximately 0.715 troy ounces of fine silver, worth about $52.42 in melt value. Dealer prices include a small premium above melt.
What is the difference between 90% and 40% silver coins?
90% silver coins (pre-1965 dimes, quarters, halves) contain about twice the silver per dollar of face value compared to 40% coins (1965–1970 Kennedy halves). A $1 FV of 90% silver contains ~0.715 ozt vs. ~0.296 ozt for 40%.
Is junk silver cheaper than silver bars or rounds?
Often, yes. In normal markets, circulated junk silver premiums can be lower than sovereign coins and close to generic rounds/bars. During high-demand periods, premiums may spike because supply is fixed (no new coins are being minted).
How many silver dimes make one troy ounce?
About 14 pre-1965 silver dimes equal one troy ounce of fine silver. Each dime contains 0.0715 ozt of silver, so 1 ÷ 0.0715 ≈ 13.99 dimes.
What is a $1,000 face value bag of junk silver?
A $1,000 FV bag is the traditional wholesale unit—it contains approximately 715 troy ounces of fine silver in circulated 90% coins. Bags typically contain a mix of dimes, quarters, and/or half dollars and weigh about 55 pounds.
Is it legal to melt junk silver coins?
Yes. Current U.S. law restricts melting only pennies and nickels. There are no restrictions on melting silver coinage. However, most investors trade junk silver as-is rather than melting it.
Where can I find the cheapest junk silver?
Compare prices across multiple dealers using this page. Sort by premium per ounce rather than list price—a lower premium means you are paying closer to the silver’s intrinsic value. Larger lots (higher face value) typically carry lower per-ounce premiums.
Related links
- Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator
- Browse all junk silver coins
- Cheapest silver bullion (closest to spot)
- Cheapest Junk Silver (closest to spot)
- Live silver spot price
- Complete guide to junk silver
- Why 90% silver coins are the best buy
- Silver bar prices by size
