90% Silver Currency (Junk Silver)
Today it can be hard to fathom that prior to 1965, many of the coins in everyday circulation were minted from 90% pure silver.
All of the Roosevelt and Mercury dimes, Washington and Barber Quarters, Franklin and Walking Liberty half-dollars were minted of this alloy.
After the introduction of modern clad coins, many people horded these 90% silver coins as the price of silver began to rise in the 1960s.
The coins in these dealer listings are random lots based on what each mayhave in stock at the time of order.
They could contain a mix of dimes, quarters and half dollars. The coins you receive when ordering from these listings will have been minted of 90% silver from before the introduction of copper clad currency in 1965.Buying junk silvercoins isa great way to start your silver investments.
Most common in these lots are Roosevelt dimes from 1946-1964, Washington quarters from 1932-1964, 1964 Kennedy half-dollars or Franklin half-dollars from 1948-1963. The coins will typically be in circulated condition and will contain a mix of dates.
Each $1 Face Value of 90% silver coins contains .715 troy ounces of silver as these are unlikely to include silver dollar coins. $1 silver coins, like Morgan and Peace dollars contain .7734 and many of those holdnumismatic premiums.
Other Common 90% Face Value Lots
Face Value lots of junk silver coin are also available in standard denomination bank rolls, often at a lower cost per ounce premium over spot.
The most common bank rolls of junk silver include:
In addition to standard bank rolls, some dealers offer larger discounts when buying in even larger quantities and offer face value bank bags that can include a combination of bank rolls or loose in a canvas bag.
The most common size face value bags of junk silver include:
Junk silver carries a significant historical legacy. It refers to U.S. coins minted before 1965 that contain 90% silver content. These coins were once in everyday circulation but are now valued for their silver content. Owning junk silver allows you to hold a tangible piece of history.
$1 Face Value 90% Silver Coins Specifications
| Weight | .715 oz |
| Country | United States |
| Type | Silver Coin |
| Mint | US Mint |
| Year | Varies |
| Classification | Historical |
| Face Value | $1 USD |
| Purity | .900 fineness |
FindBullionPrices.com tracks prices from some of the most trusted and reputable online bullion dealers to help find the lowest prices on $1 Face Value 90% Silver Coins .
The silver prices on our site for coins and bullion are updated hourly and adjusted with silver spot price. We give you the tools to compare prices of silver coins from well-reviewed bullion dealers.
Comparing prices for $1 Face Value 90% Silver Coins across multiple bullion dealers is the best way to pay the lowest price.
Our Closest to Spot tool can help you find the lowest premium when you are ready to buy silver coins.
Shop more silver coins from United States.
FAQs
Melt Value: $1 Face Value 90% Silver Coins
Based on the metal content and weight, the intrinsic melt value of one $1 Face Value 90% Silver Coins is $19.90 based on today's silver spot price.
Is it worth buying 90% silver coins? ›
Older 90 Percent Silver Coins Are Worth at Least Their Face Value. All silver half-dollars, quarters, and dimes made between the 1830s and just prior to 1965 are, at a minimum, 90 percent silver. These coins are often referred to as “junk silver,” but they're hardly junk when it comes to their value.
Are silver coins worth more than their face value? ›
The face value of a silver coin—its worth as legal tender—is often far less than its value as silver. For instance, a US silver dollar minted from 1935 or earlier contains nearly a full ounce of silver, making its raw silver value many times its face value, especially when silver prices are high.
What is a 90% silver walking liberty half dollar worth? ›
Melt Value: Walking Liberty Half Dollars - $10 Face Value 90% Silver. This silver coin contains 7.150 troy ounces of bullion. Based on the metal content and weight, the intrinsic melt value of one Walking Liberty Half Dollars - $10 Face Value 90% Silver is $199.56 based on today's silver spot price.
When did they stop making 90% silver coins? ›
The Coinage Act of 1965, Pub. L. Tooltip Public Law (United States) 89–81, 79 Stat. 254, enacted July 23, 1965, eliminated silver from the circulating United States dime (ten-cent piece) and quarter dollar coins.
Should I cash in my silver coins? ›
Their value depends on if your silver coins are junk or collectible. If you have silver coins then they will be worth money. How much they are worth is dependent on if they are junk or collectible. You can sell junk silver coins at most local coin dealers.
Which silver coins hold the most value? ›
Some of the most valuable silver coins based on year include Morgan silver dollars minted from 1878-1904, Mercury dimes from 1916-1945, and Walking Liberty half dollars minted from 1916-1947. Key dates from those series in pristine condition can be worth thousands.
What is considered junk silver? ›
Junk silver refers to coins minted pre-1965 that are worth their content of silver. They were once commonly used in everyday transactions before the transition to base metals like copper and nickel due to rising silver prices. Junk silver coins include war nickels, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars.
What is the best way to sell my silver coins? ›
You have several options, including local coin shops, online precious metals dealers, online marketplaces, and direct sales to collectors. Rare coins are best sold direct to collectors who may pay a healthy premium. If you need to sell a large quantity of silver coins, then a dealer is ideal.
What is a fair markup on silver coins? ›
You can buy silver and need to see the value go up 30% or more in order to break even, because when you sell it, there's a markup for that as well. Markups for silver range from 10% to 30% or more depending on the quantity and the dealer, and this markup will always affect your ultimate return.
The Kennedy half dollar coin from pre-1975 is worth between $10 and $1,500+, depending on condition and rarity. The key aspect of the coin that causes the difference in worth is whether the print of Kennedy has "accented hair" above his ear or not.
Are Franklin half dollars worth anything? ›
There aren't many Franklin half dollars that are considered rare or even scarce by collectors — but as Gainesville Coins noted, there are several “conditional” rarities and varieties that are worth searching out. These can range in value from a few hundred dollars each to several thousand dollars and more.
What does 90% silver coin mean? ›
All major U.S. coins before 1965, excluding the nickel and penny, contained 90% silver content. The term “90% silver” is a short way for investors, collectors, and buyers to refer to pre-1965 dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins, as a group.
How many 90% silver coins make an ounce? ›
A 90% silver quarter contains 0.1808479 of an ounce of silver, so 5.5 of them adds up to one troy ounce. Since you can't have half of a coin, rounding up means it takes six silver quarters to make more than a troy ounce. To add up to an ounce of silver, it takes three pre-1965 half dollars, six quarters, or 14 dimes.
How much is $1 in silver coins worth? ›
U.S. Circulated Silver Coins
| Description | Face Value | Silver Value |
|---|
| 1878-1921 Morgan Dollar | $1.00 | $21.5328 |
| 1921-1935 Peace Dollar | $1.00 | $21.5328 |
| 1971-1976 Eisenhower Dollar (40% silver) ** | $1.00 | $8.8039 |
| 1986-2013 Silver Eagle (.999 Silver) | $1.00 | $27.8121 |
13 more rowsBefore 1965, United States quarters were comprised of 90% silver and 10% copper. These quarters weigh 6.25 grams and contain about 5.63 grams of silver per coin.
