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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Franklin Half Dollar | 1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.72 | $27.44 | $274.42 |
The United States Mint issued the 1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar and is notable for featuring Benjamin Franklin on the obverse. This series departed from traditional U.S. coin designs, as Franklin was the first non-president to appear on a regular-issue U.S. coin. The series is popular among collectors due to its relatively short production span, silver content, and historical significance.
The value of a Franklin Half Dollar depends on several factors, including silver content, condition (grade), and rarity (specific dates and mint marks). To calculate the coin's silver value, use the following formula:
For example, if silver is priced at $25 per troy ounce:0.3617 troy ounces × $25 = $9.04 (intrinsic silver value).
For common dates, Franklin Half Dollar values are often tied to their silver content unless they are in higher grades or have higher grade features like Full Bell Lines (FBL).
Franklin Half Dollars with FBL are much more valuable. Even common dates can fetch $100+ in BU condition with Full Bell Lines, and key dates with FBL can exceed $1,000.
Some Franklin Half Dollars have achieved remarkable prices at auction, particularly those with Full Bell Lines (FBL) and in high grades: 1953-S Franklin Half Dollar (MS67 FBL): Sold for $35,250 at auction in 2018. 1958 Franklin Half Dollar (PR69 DCAM): Sold for $129,250 in 2014, a record for a Franklin Half Dollar proof. 1955 Franklin Half Dollar (MS66 FBL): Typically commands $5,000-$10,000+ in high-grade auctions.From 1950 to 1963, the U.S. Mint issued Proof Franklin Half Dollars, all minted in Philadelphia. These coins are more reflective and were produced for collectors, with mintages ranging from around 50,000 (early 1950s) to 3 million in the later years.
Early proof coins often lacked the deep cameo finish in modern proofs. Cameo and Deep Cameo (DCAM) Franklin Half Dollars are highly prized and can be worth significantly more than standard-proof coins, especially from the early 1950s.
It is still possible to find Franklin Half Dollars while coin roll hunting, especially in mixed rolls that contain Kennedy Half Dollars. However, finding them in circulation is becoming increasingly rare because many have been hoarded for their silver content. Searching through rolls of half dollars can sometimes yield silver Franklins.
The Franklin Half Dollar is a highly collectible U.S. coin series, especially when considering key dates, Full Bell Lines, and proof coins. Its value is tied to both its historical significance and silver content, with the potential for numismatic premiums in higher grades. While common dates may trade near their melt value, key dates, high-grade examples, and coins with Full Bell Lines can be worth significantly more.
Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nickel | 1942-1945 "War Nickel" | $0.05 | 0.0563 | $2.16 | $43.22 | $86.43 |
Roosevelt Dime | 1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.74 | $27.44 | $137.21 |
Mercury Dime | 1916-1945 Mercury Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.74 | $27.44 | $137.21 |
Barber Dime | 1892-1916 Barber Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.74 | $27.44 | $137.21 |
Washington Quarter | 1932-1964 Washington Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.86 | $27.44 | $274.42 |
Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.86 | $27.44 | $274.42 |
Barber Quarter | 1892-1916 Barber Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.86 | $27.44 | $274.42 |
40% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.147893 | $5.68 | $11.35 | $113.52 |
90% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.72 | $27.44 | $274.42 |
Franklin Half Dollar | 1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.72 | $27.44 | $274.42 |
Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.72 | $27.44 | $274.42 |
Barber Half Dollar | 1892-1915 Barber Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.72 | $27.44 | $274.42 |
40% Eisenhower Dollar | 1971-1976 Eisenhower Silver Dollar | $1.00 | 0.3161 | $12.13 | $12.13 | $121.32 |
Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 Peace Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $29.69 | $29.69 | $296.85 |
Morgan Dollar | 1878-1904 & 1921 Morgan Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $29.69 | $29.69 | $296.85 |
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.