Junk Silver Calculator

Junk silver refers to pre-1965 U.S. coins that contain silver but have no significant numismatic (collector) value above their silver content. These coins were minted for regular circulation and are valued primarily for their silver melt value.

Pre-1965 dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars contain 90% silver. Kennedy half dollars from 1965-1970 contain 40% silver. War nickels (1942-1945) contain 35% silver. The exact troy ounces per coin vary by denomination.

Face value is the denomination printed on the coin. Junk silver is often traded in lots by face value — for example, 'USD 10 face value in quarters' means 40 quarters. The silver content per USD 1 face value of 90% coins is approximately 0.7234 troy ounces.

Junk silver offers affordable entry into physical silver ownership. Coins are recognizable, divisible, and have a known silver content. They typically sell close to melt value with low premiums compared to modern silver bullion. However, all investments carry risk.

Junk silver can be purchased from coin dealers, bullion dealers, online precious metals retailers, coin shows, and sometimes estate sales. Prices are typically quoted as a percentage over melt value or as a dollar amount per USD 1 face value.

For 90% silver coins, multiply the face value by 0.7234 to get total troy ounces, then multiply by the current silver spot price. For example, USD 10 face value x 0.7234 = 7.234 oz x spot price = melt value.