Junk Silver Coins | Beginner's Guide

"Junk silver" means pre-1965 US dimes, quarters, half dollars and silver dollars -- coins minted with 90% silver content but worn enough that they have no numismatic premium beyond their melt value.

What Counts as Junk Silver

1964 and earlier dimes (Roosevelt, Mercury), quarters (Washington), and half dollars (Walking Liberty, Franklin, Kennedy). 1965-1970 Kennedy halves are 40% silver. Silver dollars (Morgan, Peace) are 90% silver but usually trade above melt value.

Why Buy Junk Silver

Cheap premium per ounce (often 2-5% over spot), highly divisible (a single dime = 0.0715 troy oz silver), instantly recognizable in the US, no need for an assay or test.

How It's Priced

Junk silver is quoted by face value or by ounce. A $1 face bag of 90% coins contains about 0.715 troy ounces of silver. Most dealers sell by the $100, $500 or $1,000 face value bag.