Junk silver holds a unique charm and value that has captivated collectors and investors for generations. Its name can be a bit of a misnomer but make no mistake—junk silver can fetch you a pretty penny! So what is considered junk silver, and is it worth collecting? Keep reading to find out!
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. The term “junk” simply refers to the fact that these coins generally don’t hold any numismatic value due to their lack of rarity or collector-grade condition. However, they possess intrinsic value thanks to their silver content.
What’s the Difference Between Junk Silver and Bullion?
People collect pure bullion, junk silver, and even junk silver as bullion. The primary, and most significant difference, is that pure bullion is .999 pure and junk silver is .900 pure.
Should You Collect Junk Silver?
One of the most compelling reasons to collect junk silver is because of its intrinsic value. Unlike paper currency, which can be susceptible to inflation and devaluation, junk silver will (almost) always retain its value, and potentially rise in value,because of its silver content. Historically, precious metals have been a way to protect oneself against economic uncertainty and inflation. By holding junk silver, you have a tangible asset that can retain value, and potentially grow in value, even in challenging economic times.
Additionally, junk silver collections can encompass a wide range of coins, each with its own unique characteristics and history. Whether you’re interested in Mercury dimes, Barber quarters, or Kennedy half-dollars, there’s a diverse selection of coins to choose from. This variety allows collectors to curate collections that reflect their personal interests and preferences.
Start Your Junk Silver Collection at David’s Jewelry & Coin Exchange
If you’re looking to start a junk silver collection, we’re here to help! Buying and selling coins and bullion is our passion, and with over 30 years of coin broker experience, we’ve come to learn a lot about it. Give us a call or stop by to get in touch today!
FAQs
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.
Should I collect junk silver? ›
The coins, while no longer in circulation, offer a way to accumulate silver without the premium associated with newly minted bullion coins. This affordability makes junk silver an attractive option for those looking to diversify their investment portfolio with a tangible and historically rooted asset.
What is considered junk silver? ›
Junk silver refers to any high silver content coin that is not considered collectable and that has no numismatic value. In general, coins that are 90 percent silver are desirable to silver investors and silver coin dealers who buy for silver content.
Is junk silver worth anything? ›
They call those pre-1965 silver dimes, quarters, and halves “junk silver” because, having been circulated, they are worn and have no real numismatic (coin collecting) value. But they are far from “junk” as each coin is 90% silver, and silver is becoming more and more valuable.
How to determine junk silver value? ›
Multiplying your collection's weight by the current price of silver will yield the total value of your junk silver. For example, if you have 71.5 troy ounces of silver, and the current spot price is 32 dollars, then your junk silver is worth (71.5 * 32) or $2288.
What do you pay for junk silver? ›
US 90% "Junk" Silver Bags
| Bag Size | Price per $1 Face | Total |
|---|
| $500 Face | $22.40 | $11,198.50 |
| Qty |
| $1,000 Face | $22.40 | $22,397.00 |
| Qty |
4 more rowsJunk silver is a less expensive way to buy as it is only 90% pure. Copper makes up the other 10%. These coins resemble money already in circulation, making them easy to identify.
How much junk silver equals 1 oz? ›
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 can you tell if junk silver is real? ›
Magnet Test: Reactivity
Silver isn't magnetic, so it won't react when a magnet is pressed against it. Fake silver coins will be pulled closer to the magnet. The same is true with gold. If you're wondering how to tell if a gold coin is fake, the magnetism test can help.
Can I sell junk silver? ›
One convenient way to sell your old silver coins is to visit a local pawn shop or jewelry shop, as these types of businesses are usually interested in buying valuables of this nature.
1 Troy Pound of Silver is Worth
| 1 Troy Pound of Silver is Worth | |
|---|
| U.S. dollars (USD) | 272.58 |
| Euros (EUR) | 251.60 |
| British pounds (GBP) | 214.71 |
| Canadian dollars (CAD) | 367.00 |
2 more rowsUsual Range of Values
These are normally worth $200-$500+. All uncirculated coins from this series will bring a premium and each require individual evaluations.
How much is a pre-1965 dime worth? ›
On the open market today, you can expect to find Roosevelt Dimes ranging in price from as little as $1 to as much as $4 in absolutely pristine condition. Some other editions of the coin sell for even higher prices in excellent condition, but most often you will come across the $1-$4 price range.
Is it good to collect silver? ›
Silver tends to outperform gold in terms of return and can deliver a higher return on investment. However, silver's real value is as a hedge and safe haven asset and the primary reason to own silver is not about wealth accumulation but about wealth protection and hedging risk in an uncertain world.
Are silver coins worth collecting? ›
While bullion silver coins carry intrinsic value, rare dates and historically significant pieces can be far more valuable to collectors. In my experience, Morgan silver dollars, early American half dollars, and key date 20th century coins are among the most coveted.
Is it OK to clean junk silver? ›
Whether or not you should clean a silver coin depends on the specimen. Junk silver or bullion coins are generally safe to keep clean if you love the brilliant sheen of pure silver. It's largely a matter of personal preference.
Is it worth cashing in silver? ›
Your Gold and Silver Items Hold Value
Maybe it's a bit roughed up, but it's also a precious collectible a collector has been waiting for. Or maybe your gold jewelry is beyond repair but can be melted down and brought back to life as a new piece of jewelry. All gold and silver has value – it's just a matter of how much!
