Silver Coin Values
Discover what your silver coins are really worth. From Morgan dollars to junk silver, we reveal the values the banks and coin dealers hope you never learn. Real money vs paper promises.
What the Banks Don't Want You to Know About Silver
While the Federal Reserve prints trillions in paper currency, old silver coins hold their purchasing power. A silver quarter from 1964 had 25 cents of buying power then - today, its silver content is worth over $4.50. That's not the coin increasing in value - it's the dollar losing 95% of its purchasing power. Understanding silver coin values is the first step to protecting your wealth with real assets.
Silver Coin Value Guides
Each guide includes value charts by year and condition, grading tips, key dates to look for, and current market prices.
Morgan Silver Dollar Value
1878-1921 Morgan dollars: The most collected silver coin in America. Value charts by year, mint mark, and condition.
Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value
1916-1947 Walking Liberty halves: America's most beautiful coin design. Complete value guide by year and condition.
Silver Melt Value Calculator
Calculate the silver melt value of any coin instantly. Input quantity, coin type, and get real-time values.
Silver Dimes Value
Roosevelt, Mercury, and Barber dimes: Pre-1965 dimes with 90% silver content. What are your dimes worth?
Peace Silver Dollar Value
1921-1935 Peace dollars: The last circulating silver dollar. Key dates, values, and grading guide.
Silver Quarters Value
Washington, Standing Liberty, and Barber quarters: Pre-1965 silver quarters worth more than face value.
Silver War Nickels Value
1942-1945 war nickels: The only US nickels containing silver (35%). How to identify and value them.
Junk Silver Value
What is junk silver? Constitutional silver coins valued for their metal content, not numismatic value.
Silver Coin Quick Value Reference
| Coin Type | Years | Silver Content | Melt Value* | Typical Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan Dollar | 1878-1921 | 0.7734 oz | $19.34 | 50-200%+ |
| Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 | 0.7734 oz | $19.34 | 30-100%+ |
| Walking Liberty Half | 1916-1947 | 0.3617 oz | $9.04 | 10-50% |
| Silver Quarter | 1932-1964 | 0.1808 oz | $4.52 | 5-15% |
| Silver Dime | 1946-1964 | 0.0723 oz | $1.81 | 5-15% |
| War Nickel | 1942-1945 | 0.0563 oz | $1.41 | 5-20% |
*Melt values based on $25/oz silver spot price. Actual values fluctuate with market prices. Premium percentages vary by condition, date, and market demand.
Coin Grading Quick Guide
Heavily worn, outline visible
Design clear, major detail worn
Moderate wear, all lettering sharp
Light wear on high points
Slight wear, sharp details
Trace wear, most luster
No wear, full luster
Special strike, mirror finish
Higher grades command exponentially higher premiums. A Morgan dollar in MS-65 condition can be worth 10x or more than the same coin in VF-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the value of my silver coins?
Silver coin values depend on three factors: (1) Silver melt value - the intrinsic metal content based on current spot prices, (2) Numismatic value - collector premium based on rarity, condition, and demand, and (3) Condition/Grade - coins in better condition command higher premiums. Common date coins in circulated condition typically sell close to melt value, while key dates and high-grade specimens can be worth many times more.
What is silver melt value?
Silver melt value is the intrinsic worth of a coin based purely on its silver content. For example, a pre-1965 US quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. If silver is trading at $25/oz, the melt value would be $4.52. This represents the floor value - what a coin would be worth if melted down. Most circulated common-date coins trade slightly above melt value.
Which silver coins are worth the most?
The most valuable silver coins combine rarity, historical significance, and condition. Key examples include the 1893-S Morgan dollar ($5,000+), 1916-D Walking Liberty half ($1,000+), 1921 Peace dollar High Relief ($500+), and 1916 Mercury dime ($1,000+ in good condition). However, even common silver coins are worth far more than their face value due to silver content.
Are silver coins a good investment?
Silver coins offer tangible asset ownership outside the banking system - what Robert Kiyosaki calls 'real money vs paper promises.' Unlike paper currency, silver has maintained purchasing power for thousands of years. For investment purposes, many experts recommend 90% constitutional silver (junk silver) for its low premiums and recognizability, or IRA-eligible bullion coins for tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
What year quarters are silver?
US quarters minted in 1964 and earlier contain 90% silver. From 1965-present, quarters are made of copper-nickel clad (no silver). A few exceptions: 1976-S Bicentennial quarters (40% silver proofs) and special collector issues. The easiest way to identify silver quarters is by the date - 1964 or earlier means silver.
Turn Your Silver Knowledge Into Retirement Security
Understanding silver coin values is just the beginning. Augusta Precious Metals can help you leverage physical silver in a tax-advantaged IRA. Get a free consultation and learn how real money can protect your retirement.