Silver Coin Values
Determining the current price of silver coins is a straightforward process once you know the silver content of the coin and the current market price, often referred to as the silver spot price.
US Mint Circulated Silver Coin Prices
| Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel | 1942-1945 "War Nickel" | $0.05 | 0.0563 | $1.81 | $36.26 | $72.51 |
| Roosevelt Dime | 1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.30 | $23.02 | $115.12 |
| Mercury Dime | 1916-1945 Mercury Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.30 | $23.02 | $115.12 |
| Barber Dime | 1892-1916 Barber Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.30 | $23.02 | $115.12 |
| Washington Quarter | 1932-1964 Washington Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $5.76 | $23.02 | $230.23 |
| Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $5.76 | $23.02 | $230.23 |
| Barber Quarter | 1892-1916 Barber Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $5.76 | $23.02 | $230.23 |
| 40% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.147893 | $4.76 | $9.52 | $95.24 |
| 90% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $11.51 | $23.02 | $230.23 |
| Franklin Half Dollar | 1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $11.51 | $23.02 | $230.23 |
| Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $11.51 | $23.02 | $230.23 |
| Barber Half Dollar | 1892-1915 Barber Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $11.51 | $23.02 | $230.23 |
| 40% Eisenhower Dollar | 1971-1976 Eisenhower Silver Dollar | $1.00 | 0.3161 | $10.18 | $10.18 | $101.78 |
| Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 Peace Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $24.91 | $24.91 | $249.05 |
| Morgan Dollar | 1878-1904 & 1921 Morgan Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $24.91 | $24.91 | $249.05 |
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Calculating Silver Coin Values
Coin melt value refers to the intrinsic value of the precious metal contained within a coin. It's the intrinsic value of the metals if a coin were sent to a refinery and melted down to recover the metal. The melt value is primarily determined by the metal's weight and purity and is calculated based on current market trading prices for the metal.
Most circulated junk silver coins are composed of an alloy containing 90% pure silver. Others may have a specific weight and purity denoted on them. This high silver content gives them a significant intrinsic value based on the current spot price of silver. Silver's weight is measured in troy ounces, which differ from the more common avoirdupois ounce used to measure most other goods in the U.S. An avoirdupois ounce contains roughly 28.35 grams, but a troy ounce contains roughly 31.1035 grams.
Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator
Determining the current price of silver coins is a straightforward process once you know the silver content of the coin and the current market price, often referred to as the silver spot price.
Numismatic Value
Beyond the silver content, pre-1965 silver coins may also have numismatic value for collectors. The melt value doesn't consider the numismatic or collector value that a coin might have. Specific key dates, mint marks, or conditions can make some coins worth significantly more than their melt value. Collectible coins may be worth more than their melt value due to rarity, historical significance, condition, and demand from collectors.
If you have questions about whether a coin has numismatic value, you can visit a local coin store in your area for a professional appraisal.
Historically, investors have utilized silver as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. Many pre-1965 coins are silver. As a tangible asset, silver can help preserve wealth over time.
By understanding the melt value, buyers can ensure they pay only a little over the intrinsic value for precious metals unless they deem other factors worth the additional premium.
Melt value calculations require accurate information about the piece's purity and weight and can help you ensure that the precious metal you're buying is as advertised and not counterfeit.
If your primary goal is to invest in precious metals, knowing the melt value allows you to assess the potential for profit or loss. You can track silver's market price and make informed decisions about buying or selling based on price changes.
When considering different forms of precious metals (e.g., coins vs. bars), knowing the melt value helps you compare them equally. For instance, you can compare the premium (the amount over melt value) you're paying for a coin to determine if it's a better or worse investment than a bar.
Precious metals investors often track their holdings' melt value to gauge their investment portfolio's overall performance.
Knowing the melt value of your stack is important when selling. It will give you a reference point for the minimum value you should accept when receiving offers from dealers, which can help you negotiate a fair price.
Collector or numismatic coins derive much of their value from factors other than their melt value, such as rarity and historical significance. It's imperative when dealing with bullion coins, which often don't carry numismatic value.
