How Much Are Individual Junk 90% Silver Coins Worth?

The price of precious metals has increased rather dramatically over the past few months. Many people are afraid of the continued devaluation of the US dollar and look to the purchase of physical silver as a hedge against the shrinking buying power of the dollar. Often called survival silver or junk coins, U. S. coins minted prior to 1965 contain 90% silver by weight. The pricing of bags of junk silver coins is readily available from many sources. But what are the individual 90% silver coins worth?

The following list includes the years minted and type of coin, actual weight of silver per coin, and actual silver value based on a $30/oz price of silver. To determine the actual silver value, multiply the silver weight by the current spot price of silver.

Coins with 90% silver content:

1916-1945 Mercury Dimes........... 0.07234 oz ... $2.17

1946-1964 Roosevelt Dimes.........0.07234 oz ... $2.17

1932-1964 Washington Quarters....0.18084 oz ... $5.43

1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half...... 0.36169 oz ... $10.85

1948-1963 Franklin Half............... 0.36169 oz ... $10.85

1964 Kennedy Half..................... 0.36169 oz .... $10.85

1878-1921 Morgan Dollar............ 0.77344 oz .... $23.20

1921-1935 Peace Dollar...............0.77344 oz .... $23.20

Additional coins with 35% and 40% silver content:

1942-1945 War Nickels.....(35%)..... 0.05626 oz ... $1.68

1965-1970 Kennedy Half...(40%).... 0.1479 oz ..... $4.44

1971-1976-S Eisenhower Dollar(40%) 0.3161 oz . $9.48

Bags of junk silver are available from many online companies or some coin dealers. Bags are sold based upon the actual face value of the coins in the bag. A $1000 "face value" bag contains roughly 715 ounces of pure silver, a $500 bag roughly 357.5 ounces. Some outlets offer $100 bags, with roughly 71.5 ounces.

Many people believe that junk silver coins are going to be one key to economic survival if the dollar continues to lose value. Some grocery stores in California are already reported to be taking silver at market prices as payment for food. Junk silver coins are easily recognized, and the small amounts of silver in each coin make barter for items easy. Junk silver coins are also easy to buy and sell.

Keep in mind that the price you pay for any silver will be the spot price plus the dealer's premium. The larger the purchase the less the premium is normally the case with most local dealers and online sites. Remember if you buy online there will be shipping and insurance charges. Shop around before you purchase any physical silver. A quick check of two online dealers revealed a $287 difference in the price of the same $100 face value bag of 90% dimes.

The spot price of silver changes daily when the markets are open. Kitco is a great on-line site that constantly updates the live price of all precious metals whenever the markets are open.

As of January 2, 2011, 20:44 EST, the World spot price of silver was down 11 cents with Bid price $30.80 and Ask price $30.82.

Source:
Kitco Current Spot Prices