The US Government issued 90% silver, 10% copper in most of their circulated coins in 1964 and before. To save money, the US Mint was ordered to use only 40% silver, 60% copper in their coins. Then, in 1971, the US Mint produced the nickel-clad...
Junk Silver is a commonly used name for coins minted before 1965. These coins were minted with an alloy that contains a mix of 90% silver (Ag) and the remaining 10% is copper (cu). Buying Junk Silver continues to be one of the best and most affordable ways to grow your investment in precious metals.
The alloy is often referred to as "coin silver". In addition to being used to mint silver U.S. coins, it is also found amongst early-American antiques.
These coins have no numismatic value to collectors. Junk silver is traded for the intrinsic value of the silver content that it contains.
When the United States changed the composition of the coins to clad in 1965 many people began to hoard the 90% silver coins for the metal value. These are typically early coins such as Barber and Mercury Dimes, Standing Liberty Quarters and Walking Liberty Halves.
For a brief time during World War 2, the nickels were minted with an alloy containing 35% silver.
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.
It is common to find junk silver being sold in popular face value denominations.
Making bulk purchases of circulated silver coins is the most effective way to get the lowest premium.
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 preppers and stackers. Apps are available for mobile phones that can help new investors to help distinguish genuine 90% silver.
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.
The condition of each coin in a bag of junk silver can range from cull condition all that way up to brilliant uncirculated. Older coins will typically have more signs of wear and tear.
Standing Liberty quarters were first minted over 100 years ago and it is common to encounter them with the dates entirely worn away. It is common to find Barber coins in cull or slick condition. While you may find a 1964 Washington Quarter that looks as shiny as the day it was minted.
Investing in circulated silver coins is extremely popular with people buy at regular intervals. It's easy to buy junk silver in $1 Face Value increments.
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 quarter was introduced into circulation in 1932. The Washington Quarters were 90% silver until 1964. Starting in 1965, Washington Quarters were minted as a copper/nickel alloy.
All Mercury dimes were minted with silver. As did Roosevelt dimes minted before 1965.
Any combination of 90-percent silver halves, quarters and dimes that adds up to face value of US$1.00 contains 0.715 troy ounces of pure silver. Vintage silver dollar coins, such as the Morgan and Peace dollars were minted with .7736 troy ounces of silver.
Silver investors flock to junk silver because during times of lesser demand you can often buy junk silver close to spot price. Historically, junk silver has one of the lowest dealer premiums.
It has been almost 60 years since these coins have been minted. During that time, most of these coins have been removed from circulation by savvy savers and coin roll hunters. Millions of circulated coins were melted down for the value of the silver during the early 1980s.
Coin roll hunting continues to be a popular way for stackers to find free silver coins inside coin rolls and bank boxes. Though you might have better luck taking a look at the Coinstar reject tray the next time you're at the store.
Junk Silver continues to be an affordable and accessible way to begin buying and holding silver and other precious metals 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 | |||||
Liberty Head "Barber Dime" | 1892-1916 | .90 | 2.5 | 2.25 grams (.072 troy ounces) | |
Winged Liberty "Mercury Dime" | 1916-1945 | .90 | 2.5 | 2.25 grams (.072 troy ounces) | |
Roosevelt Dime | 1946-1964 | .90 | 2.5 | 2.25 grams (.072 troy ounces) | |
90% Silver Quarters | |||||
Liberty Head "Barber Quarter" | 1892-1916 | .90 | 6.25 | 5.625 grams (.181 troy ounces) | |
Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916-1930 | .90 | 6.25 | 5.625 grams (.181 troy ounces) | |
Washington Quarter | 1932-1964 | .90 | 6.25 | 5.625 grams (.181 troy ounces) | |
90% Silver Half Dollars | |||||
Walking Liberty | 1916-1947 | .90 | 12.5 | 11.25 grams (.362 troy ounces) | |
Franklin | 1948-1963 | .90 | 12.5 | 11.25 grams (.362 troy ounces) | |
Kennedy | 1964 | .90 | 12.5 | 11.25 grams (.362 troy ounces) | |
Kennedy | 1964-1969 | .40 | 12.5 | 5 grams (.148 troy ounces) | |
90% Silver Dollars | |||||
Morgan Dollar | 1878-1921 | .90 | 26.73 | 24.06 grams (.773 troy ounces) | |
Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 | .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) |
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