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.
Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington Quarter | 1932-1964 Washington Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.64 | $26.54 | $265.41 |
The 1932-1964 Washington Quarter was introduced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. It was intended to be a temporary issue, but became the standard twenty-five cent piece. The coin features a design by engraver John Flanagan with a left facing bust of Washington on the obverse. The reverse depicts an eagle with outstretched wings, a design element retained until the introduction of the American the Beautiful 50 State Quarters Series in 1998. Until 1964, the Washington quarter was minted with 90% silver and 10% copper, making them highly popular with both coin collectors and silver investors.
The quarter was designed by sculptor John Flanagan, whose work was selected through a design competition put forth by the U.S. Treasury and the Fine Arts Commission. The design would remain in use for more than six decades, making it one of the most iconic coin designs in U.S. history.
Artists were invited to submit designs for a commemorative half dollar, but the Treasury later decided to issue a replacement for the Standing Liberty Quarter.
Collectors are drawn to Washington quarters for their historical significance, relatively high mintage numbers, and enduring design. . The fact that these quarters were part of everyday circulation also enhances their nostalgia value. Quarters in better condition, especially those in uncirculated grades, can command higher prices due to their numismatic value. Key dates, such as the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters, are rare and sought after by collectors.
Silver quarters from 1932-1964 are particularly valuable to investors because of their silver content. Each contains about 0.1808 troy ounces of silver, making them appealing for their intrinsic silver value. These Washington quarters are considered a reliable investment with their value fluctuating based on silver prices. As a tangible investment, these coins are easily liquidated and recognized for their purity. Additionally, the small denomination, recognizable value, and intrinsic value make them practical for bartering and trade in the event of a financial system breakdown.
Washington quarters were minted at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Mintage numbers varied by year, with some years seeing significantly lower production, making some years more valuable. For example, in 1932, both the Denver and San Francisco mints produced fewer than half a million quarters, creating rarity and driving up their value. Quarters in better condition, especially those in uncirculated grades, can command higher prices due to their numismatic value. Key dates, such as the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters, are rare and sought after by collectors.
Some Washington quarters are highly collectible due to rare varieties or minting errors.
Washington quarters were initially intended to be a one-year commemorative issue, but their popularity extended their production indefinitely. Collectors and investors alike value these coins not only for their monetary worth but also for their historical and sentimental significance. Silver quarters provide a bridge between numismatics and tangible precious metals investing, making them highly versatile and sought after in various circles.
Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nickel | 1942-1945 "War Nickel" | $0.05 | 0.0563 | $2.09 | $41.80 | $83.59 |
Roosevelt Dime | 1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.65 | $26.54 | $132.70 |
Mercury Dime | 1916-1945 Mercury Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.65 | $26.54 | $132.70 |
Barber Dime | 1892-1916 Barber Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.65 | $26.54 | $132.70 |
Washington Quarter | 1932-1964 Washington Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.64 | $26.54 | $265.41 |
Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.64 | $26.54 | $265.41 |
Barber Quarter | 1892-1916 Barber Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.64 | $26.54 | $265.41 |
40% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.147893 | $5.49 | $10.98 | $109.80 |
90% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.27 | $26.54 | $265.41 |
Franklin Half Dollar | 1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.27 | $26.54 | $265.41 |
Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.27 | $26.54 | $265.41 |
Barber Half Dollar | 1892-1915 Barber Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.27 | $26.54 | $265.41 |
40% Eisenhower Dollar | 1971-1976 Eisenhower Silver Dollar | $1.00 | 0.3161 | $11.73 | $11.73 | $117.34 |
Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 Peace Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $28.71 | $28.71 | $287.10 |
Morgan Dollar | 1878-1904 & 1921 Morgan Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $28.71 | $28.71 | $287.10 |
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.
Determining the current price of silver coins is quick and easy. Simply enter the quantity of each coin denomination below and click the calculate button. The values are instantly calculated based on today's silver spot price.
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. As a tangible asset, silver can help preserve wealth over time. Many pre-1965 coins are valued for their 90% silver content.
By understanding the melt value, buyers can ensure they pay only a little over the intrinsic value. Melt value calculations require accurate information about the piece's purity and weight. Understanding these can help you verify that the silver coin you're buying is 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.
When considering different forms of silver (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.
Silver investors often track their holdings' value to gauge their investment portfolio's overall performance. Knowing the is also important when selling.
Collector or numismatic coins derive much of their value from factors other than their melt value, such as rarity and historical significance.