What Is 90% Junk Silver?

The term “junk silver” commonly refers to silver jewelry and coins without collectible or numismatic value. While these pieces are generally less valuable than rare coins, their silver content gives them intrinsic value. For instance, 90% junk silver coins can be sold according to their 90% silver content.

What Coins Are Considered Junk Silver?

The junk silver coins seen most often were minted in the United States in 1964 or earlier. Several other coin types also fall within this category. This category includes these coins:

• U.S. dimes, quarters, and half-dollars struck before 1965 (90% silver content)
• Canadian dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollar coins struck before 1967 (80% silver content)
• Kennedy half-dollars struck from 1965 through 1970 (40% silver content)
• Silver war nickels produced between 1942 and 1945 (35% silver content)

How Much Junk Silver Equals an Ounce?

Silver and other precious metals are measured in troy ounces, a unit slightly heavier than a standard ounce at 31.1 grams. For 90% silver coins, each dollar in face value contains 0.715 troy ounces of pure silver.

Someone holding $500 in silver coins containing 90% silver has roughly 357.5 ounces of silver.

Silver prices move each day; at the time of publication, using an average of $19 per ounce put the value of these “junk” coins at about $5,262.50.

What Are the Benefits of Investing in Junk Silver?

Both rare-coin and silver-coin dealers sell junk silver, most often by roll or bag, and also by denomination such as dimes, quarters, or half-dollars. Many investors used 90% silver to diversify a portfolio for these reasons:

• It is available in smaller amounts, making it easier to trade, resell, or save according to an individual’s investment approach.
• Because the coins are legal tender, their value remains at least their face value even when silver prices decline.
• Many people recognize and feel comfortable with these coins compared with other silver coins or bullion that may be less familiar.
• Buying silver coins often costs less than purchasing other silver coin and bullion alternatives.
• In the event of a monetary collapse, 90% silver coins can serve as a useful barter option!

Buy or Sell With Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers

At publication, people interested in rare coins or seeking to sell these coins were told they could rely on Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers’ stated industry knowledge and customer service. The original article invited readers to Request an appointment at its Johns Creek location.

At publication, For out-of-state readers, the original article invited them to Mail us coins for a fast, fair evaluation, or to call 404-236-9744.