Why 90% Silver Coins Are Valuable
Many older U.S. coins carry value far above face because of their silver content. Even worn examples trade at a premium, while better dates and rare varieties can command significantly higher prices.
Silver Content Drives Base Value
Dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted in 1964 and earlier contain 90% silver. These are sometimes called "junk silver," but their value is anything but junk. Even heavily worn examples are worth several times face value based on silver content alone.
Key Dates Add Significant Premiums
While most circulated 90% silver coins trade close to melt value, specific dates and mint marks bring substantial collector premiums.
Calculating Buy/Sell Price
Junk silver U.S. coins are priced using the approximate weight of silver per one dollar's face value of coins in any combination (ex, 10 dimes, 4 quarters, five dimes + 1 half dollar, 2 quarters + 1 half dollar) and multiplying that by the price of silver per troy ounce.
The industry uses .715 troy ounces (ozt) per dollar as a standard approximate amount of silver. The actual weight per dollar varies slightly depending on the wear of the coins, but the weight of average circulated junk silver coins generally calculates to .715 ozt per dollar.
The formula to determine price is therefore: (Face Value x .715 x Silver Price)
For example, a roll of 50 dimes ($5 face value) multiplied by silver weight (.715 ozt) multiplied by current silver price per troy ounce (say $20.98) equals $75.
For simplicity, the price of junk silver is often quoted as some number times the face value of a dollar. In the example above, $75 divided by $5 equals $15. In this example, the price of junk silver would be stated as 15X or $15 times face.
.715 x Silver Spot Price = Melt Value
We will pay more for any better coins you may have! There are some general guidelines for determining what is common.
Key Dates & Premium Coins
Mercury Dimes (1916-1945)
Mercury dimes, sometimes called Winged Liberty dimes, were produced from 1916 to 1945. Dates from the 1940s are more common and are often in less worn condition than earlier dates. The design features Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought, though many people mistake it for the Roman god Mercury, hence the nickname.
- 1916-D ($200-$1,000+)
- 1921 and 1921-D ($20-$200+)
- 1942/1 overdate ($200-$500+)
Washington Quarters (1932-Present)
90% silver Washington quarters were produced from 1932 to 1964. They have the same design as non-silver quarters produced from 1965 to 1998 (with the exception of Bicentennial quarters produced from 1975 to 1976). They are the most common quarters found in junk silver. The 1932 first-year issues from Denver and San Francisco are key dates due to their low mintages.
- 1932-D ($40-$200+)
- 1932-S ($40-$100+)
Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916-1947)
Walking Liberty half dollars were produced between 1916 and 1947. Examples from the 1940s are often in better condition than those from earlier years. Early dates are often very worn. The design, featuring Liberty striding toward the sunrise, is considered one of the most beautiful in U.S. coinage history and was later adapted for the modern American Silver Eagle.
- 1916, 1916-D
- 1917 varieties ($15-$200+)
- 1921 issues ($50-$500+)
- 1938-D ($15-$30+)
Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963)
Franklin half dollars are commonly found in junk silver in circulated condition, but higher grades from the 1960s are also reasonably common. The design features Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse.
Premiums for uncirculated examples, especially from the 1950s, are high.
Kennedy Half Dollars (1964-Present)
90% silver Kennedy half dollars were produced only for one year, 1964. However, they were produced in extremely high numbers, making them a very common coin to find in junk silver. From 1965 to 1970, Kennedy halves were minted in 40% silver composition.
- 1964 (90% silver, premiums for uncirculated rolls)
- 1965-1970 (40% silver, premiums for uncirculated coins)
How We Calculate Value
We calculate silver content by multiplying face value by .715 troy ounces per dollar (the industry standard for average circulated 90% silver). We then multiply that weight by the current silver spot price.
For example: A roll of 50 dimes ($5 face value) × .715 troy ounces × current silver spot price = base value.
We examine every lot for key dates, better condition examples, and collectible varieties. If we find them, we pay premiums above melt value.
Our offers are based on current silver spot prices, updated throughout the day. Call ahead to lock in a quote.
Kennedy Half Dollars minted from 1965 to 1970 contain 40% silver. While less valuable per coin than 90% silver, they still carry significant premiums over face value.
Most trade close to silver melt value, though uncirculated rolls and better-date examples can bring collector premiums.
Why Sell to Xenia Coin Shop
We Pay More Than Generic Silver Buyers
Many buyers pay only melt value without examining coins for key dates or better-grade examples. We look through every lot and pay premiums when warranted.
Transparent Pricing Tied to Live Markets
Our offers are based on current silver spot prices, not outdated rates. You'll see exactly how we calculate value.
Premium Offers for Key Dates and High-Grade Coins
We recognize valuable dates and better-condition coins that other buyers overlook. That means more money for you.
Friendly, No-Pressure Evaluations
Bring your coins in, get a free evaluation, and hear our offer—no obligation to sell.
Free Appraisals
Know what you have before deciding to sell.
40+ Years of Trust
A name you can count on in Southwest Ohio.
Serving Southwest Ohio
We buy 90% silver coins from sellers throughout Xenia, Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Beavercreek, Springfield, Kettering, Wilmington, and the entire Miami Valley.