Junk Silver Coins
Until 1964, 90% silver coins were in everyday circulation
Silver Quarters
Mixed Lots Circulated Silver Coins
Silver Half Dollars
Morgan Silver Dollars
Peace Silver Dollars
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Learn More About Junk Silver Coins
Junk Silver is an informal term used for any silver coin which has been circulated and has little to no numismatic or collectible value, but is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This applies to dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted through 1964. The intrinsic value of the silver is the major appeal of these coin.
Today, junk 90% silver is a favorite among investors, preppers and collectors due to its low price, recognizability and liquidity.
This is still recognized as US coinage, though the intrinsic value is worth far beyond the face value. These fractional coins include everything from Franklin Half Dollars, to Washington Quarters, to Mercury Dimes. It is referred to as Junk Silver because it has little to no numismatic. These coins are valued based on the silver content.
90% Silver Coins
Utilizing junk silver as a store of wealth is one of the most practical investments one can make. It is affordable, easy to stack, and stored in normal bankrolls or canvas bags.
Each $1 face value contains roughly .715 troy ounces or 22.23 grams of silver. Morgan and Peace's dollars contain slightly more, with .7734 troy ounces. These are the typical weights used when calculating the value of junk silver.
Roosevelt and Mercury dimes, Washington quarters, Franklin, Kennedy, and Walking Liberty half dollars are all common examples of coins found with junk silver.
All Mercury dimes were minted with silver. As did silver Roosevelt dimes minted before 1965.
The Washington Silver Quarter was introduced in 1932 and minted with 90% silver until 1964. Since then, Washington Quarters have been minted as a copper/nickel alloy, except for silver-proof quarters and other special issues.
Franklin half-dollars were minted from 1948 until 1963. The Franklin half-dollar was replaced by the Kennedy half-dollar. The 90% Silver Kennedy half-dollar was minted only in 1964.
Mixed junk silver in standard face-value denominations can often be the cheapest option for investors looking to add weight to their holdings.
Making bulk purchases of circulated silver coins is the most effective way to pay the cheapest price and get a low premium. Junk silver is widely recognized and very simple to authenticate without any special tools or chemicals.
40% Silver Coins
U.S. Mint 40% Silver Coins were produced during the debasement period in the 1960s when the government transitioned away from minting 90% silver coins.
From 1965-1969, Kennedy half-dollar coins were minted with 40% silver before switching entirely to base metals in 1971.
While 40% of silver coins contain less silver than their 90% counterparts, they offer an affordable way for silver investors and collectors to own a piece of U.S. coinage history.
The Kennedy Half Dollars, Eisenhower Silver Dollars, and unique Bicentennial coins are notable examples from this era.
35% Silver Coins
35% Silver Coins primarily refer to Wartime Jefferson Nickels, minted from 1942 to 1945 during World War II.
These coins were issued temporarily during WWII when the U.S. government needed to preserve nickel for military use.
Silver was a practical solution to maintain coinage while conserving strategic materials.
These coins were produced with a 35% silver content in response to the need to divert nickel for the war effort.
Each wartime nickel contains about 0.05626 troy ounces of pure silver. Despite their relatively low silver content, they are still collected and traded primarily for their silver bullion value.
These coins are notable for having an oversized mint mark on the reverse, above the dome of Monticello, indicating that they contain silver.
Identifying Junk Silver Coins
These silver coins have a slightly different appearance than modern clad issues. They can be identified with a simple visual examination, looking for specific characteristics that stand out.
The first and most obvious thing to look for is the date. Silver was last minted in everyday coins in 1964. Quarters and dimes minted in 1965 and after are modern copper-clad coins.
The reeded edge on pre-1965 coins is entirely silver, along with the date. The copper core is visible through the coin edge with modern clad coins.
Another way to identify silver coins is by their sound when dropped onto a solid surface, such as a countertop or a table.
The "Ping Test" is easily recognizable for experienced stackers and preppers. Also, Apps are available for mobile phones that help investors distinguish between authentic 90% silver and clad.
Buying Junk Silver
Junk Silver continues to be one of the cheapest and most affordable ways to begin buying silver as a store of value and wealth.
The majority of junk silver is comprised of silver half-dollar, quarter, and dime coins, which are easy to buy from online bullion dealers and marketplaces like eBay.
Additionally, various well-established "buy/sell" communities and groups exist 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, it's possible to find accessible opportunities to buy, sell, and trade using silver gold for products and services.
Online bullion dealers typically sell junk silver in lots based on the total face value of all denominations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is junk silver?
Junk silver refers to pre-1965 U.S. coins (and some coins from other countries) that contain a significant amount of silver but have no collectible or numismatic value. Rather than condition or rarity, these coins derive their value from their silver content.
The term "junk" refers to coins that are typically worn or circulated and have no additional value beyond their silver content. The coins aren't "junk" in quality; the term indicates they're not collectible for their condition or rarity.
What types of coins are considered junk silver?
In the U.S., junk silver typically includes:
- Dimes (10 cents): Mercury dimes (1916–1945) and Roosevelt dimes (1946–1964) 0.07234 troy ounces of silver.
- Quarters (25 cents): Washington quarters (1932–1964) 0.18084 troy ounces of silver.
- Half dollars (50 cents): Walking Liberty half dollars (1916–1947), Franklin half dollars (1948–1963), Kennedy half dollars (1964) 0.36169 troy ounces of silver.
- Dollars ($1): Morgan dollars (1878–1921) and Peace dollars (1921–1935) may also be considered junk silver. 0.77344 troy ounces of silver.
These coins are 90% silver and 10% copper.
Is junk silver a good investment?
For many investors, junk silver is considered a good investment due to its low premiums over the spot price of silver. It’s also useful for fractional silver investments since dimes, quarters, and half dollars are smaller than silver bullion coins.
How is junk silver valued?
Junk silver is valued based on the current spot price. The value of a junk silver coin is determined by its weight in troy ounces of silver and the prevailing spot price, with a slight premium added by dealers.
Can I still find junk silver in circulation?
While it is rare, junk silver is still possible to find in circulation. Coins dated 1964 or earlier (specifically dimes, quarters, and half dollars) can sometimes be found while coin roll hunting rolls of change from banks, but this is uncommon due to their value as silver bullion.
How do I buy junk silver?
You can buy junk silver from:
- Online bullion dealers
- Local coin shops
- Coin shows and auctions
- Flea markets, some antique stores
- Private sellers or markets
It is typically sold in face value increments like $1, $10, or $100 face value bags of coins.
What is a "face value" bag of junk silver?
A face value bag refers to the total face value of the junk silver coins. For example:
- A $100 face value bag of junk silver quarters would contain 400 quarters (each with a face value of $0.25).
- A $1,000 face value bag would typically contain 715 troy ounces of silver, as it includes $1,000 worth of dimes, quarters, or half dollars made before 1965.
What is "constitutional silver"?
The term constitutional silver is another name for junk silver. It refers to the fact that these coins were once part of the U.S. currency system, circulating as legal tender before silver was removed from coinage.
Where to buy the cheapest Junk Silver Coins
We help find the best prices for the cheapest Junk Silver Coins when you're ready to buy.
FindBullionPrices.com compares precious metals prices from trusted and reputable online bullion dealers to help you find the lowest prices on Junk Silver Coins. The prices on our site are updated hourly and adjusted for spot silver price. This gives you the tools to compare silver prices.
