Where to Buy Junk Silver Coins in Bulk in Atlanta for Less!
Just like any other industry, the coin and bullion market is driven by fads, or possibly a better term, cycles. These cycles tend to ebb and flow over time, creating tremendous opportunities for those individuals that recognize them in advance and capitalize on them.
In general, over the years, we’ve seen demand for silver coins come and go, but one sector of the silver coin market that seems to have staying power is junk silver coins.
Most silver coin dealers generally have a healthy supply of 90% junk silver coins in stock, but at the time of this writing, demand is the strongest in years, causing overall shortages and higher prices. Even so, as an aggressive buyer of these coins, we’re still fortunate to be able to acquire these coins, even in a tight market, and make them available to our valued customers.
The purpose of this post is to share with you some insight into this sector of the silver coin market.
For newcomers, welcome aboard! We’re seeing many first-time buyers of physical silver coins and bullion and hope that this piece will help to shed some light on what we mean by the term “junk silver” and clear up some misconceptions regarding the market for these highly desirable coins.
Before delving in and considering that we are seeing many first-time silver coin investors, we thought we’d take a step back and identify the type of coins that fall under this silver investment category. We’ll then continue our discussion with some additional details and insight into this investment class. By the way, yes – silver can also be an investment – not just an inflation hedge.
Junk Silver
While junk silver coins can refer to a number of different types of silver coins, both domestic and foreign, for the purposes of this post, we’re referring to 90% silver dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted in 1964 and earlier.
These coins are not only highly recognizable, but they are also extremely liquid, so if the need ever arises in the future to sell junk silver coins, you’ll have no problem doing so.
The term “junk” really isn’t an accurate description of 90% silver coins, especially in light of the current demand, but it’s a term that has stuck. Essentially, it simply means that the coins are bought and sold for their underlying silver value as opposed to any type of collectible or numismatic value.
Generally speaking, 90% silver half dollars trade at higher rates per ounce than their 90% silver dime and quarter counterparts.
When junk silver coins are bought and sold in bulk, it’s primarily in the form of bags as opposed to coin tubes. The most common size bags of 90% silver coins are $50, $100, $250, $500 and $1,000 face value.
By face value, we’re simply referring to the total value of the coins if you added them up as opposed to their silver value. In other words, a $1,000 face value bag of 90% junk silver coins is composed of 10,000 dimes, 4,000 quarters or 2,000 half dollars. In the industry, $250, $500, and $1,000 face value bags are termed “quarter bags,” “half bags,” and “full bags,” respectively.
90% Silver Dimes
The most common junk silver dimes are Roosevelt and Mercury dimes. Out of the two, Mercury dimes tend to trade for slightly more.
One nice feature of Mercury dimes is that they were only minted until 1945, so there’s no need to check the date on these coins, as they are all composed of 90% silver.
Barber silver dimes also tend to trade as junk silver if in average condition but increase in value and demand if in slightly better condition.
90% Silver Quarters
Most junk silver quarters are 90% Washington silver quarters. We also occasionally see Standing Liberty quarters, many of which have worn off or partial dates.
Those that are in better shape and exhibit full dates (in other words all four digits are bold and visible), tend to trade for slightly more.
Other quarters that fall in this category are Barber silver quarters produced from 1892 to 1916. As is the case with Barber dimes, they tend to trade at a bit of a premium in higher-end condition.
90% Junk Silver Half Dollars
Lastly, Walking Liberty, Franklin and 1964 Kennedy half dollars all trade frequently as junk silver coins. Barber half dollars, which were produced just prior to the Walking Liberty half dollar, are slightly rarer and sell at a small premium over the other coins if in average condition or better.
If you’re concerned about a 40 year high in inflation and a structurally weak, or at least unstable economy and a frothy stock market, consider investing in 90% silver coins. Buying junk silver coins in bulk is one of the best ways to protect your assets and preserve your wealth.
On the other hand, if you have a low basis and would like to take advantage of higher prices or need to sell junk silver coins to fund a project, start a business, pay for college tuition, etc., you’ll find no better option than Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers.
In Summary
We’re Atlanta’s premier coin dealer and have a reputation for paying among the highest rates in the industry. Contact us today to see why we’re the preferred silver coin dealer in metro Atlanta and beyond.
