Types of 90% Silver Coins
Mercury Dime
Collector FavoriteClassic design, often mistaken for Roman god Mercury (actually Lady Liberty)
Roosevelt Dime
Most common 90% dime, honors FDR
Barber Dime
Older design, often heavily worn
Washington Quarter
Most recognizable, excellent for barter
Standing Liberty Quarter
Collector FavoriteBeautiful design, dates often worn
Walking Liberty Half
Collector FavoriteConsidered most beautiful US coin design
Franklin Half
Ben Franklin portrait, Liberty Bell reverse
Kennedy Half (1964)
Only year at 90% (1965-70 are 40%)
Silver Content by Coin Type
| Coin | Face Value | Silver (oz) | Melt Value* | Per $1 Face |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 oz | $1.79 | 10 coins |
| Quarter | $0.25 | 0.1788 oz | $4.47 | 4 coins |
| Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 oz | $8.94 | 2 coins |
| Silver Dollar | $1.00 | 0.7734 oz | $19.34 | 1 coin |
| $1 Face Mixed | $1.00 | 0.715 oz | $17.88 | Any combo |
*Melt value at $25/oz spot. Silver dollars (Morgan/Peace) are slightly different.
Featured Coins: The Classics
Mercury Dime (1916-1945)
Despite its name, the coin actually depicts Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap symbolizing freedom of thought—not the Roman god Mercury. Designer Adolph Weinman created what many consider the most beautiful dime ever minted.
- Silver content: 0.0715 oz
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Diameter: 17.9 mm
Key Dates
- 1916-D: Most valuable ($1,000+)
- 1921, 1921-D: Low mintage
- 1942/41: Overdate error
Common dates (1940s) trade at slight premiums over melt. Key dates command significant collector premiums.
Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947)
Often called the most beautiful US coin ever made. The design shows Lady Liberty striding toward the rising sun, draped in an American flag. So beloved that it was revived for the American Silver Eagle in 1986.
- Silver content: 0.3575 oz
- Weight: 12.5 grams
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
Key Dates
- 1916-S, 1921-S, 1921-D: Rare
- 1938-D: Low mintage
- 1919-D: Scarce in high grades
Common dates (1940s) trade 10-20% above melt for their beauty. High-grade specimens are highly sought after.
NOT IRA Eligible
90% silver coins do NOT qualify for Precious Metals IRAs. The IRS requires .999 fine silver for IRA holdings. If you want silver in your retirement account, consider American Silver Eagles or .999 fine bars instead.
Where to Buy 90% Silver Coins
For Bulk (Face Value)
- SD Bullion - Best prices on bags
- JM Bullion - Good selection
- APMEX - Premium options
- Monument Metals - Competitive
For Specific Dates
- Local coin shops - Browse inventory
- eBay - Key dates (verify seller)
- Heritage Auctions - High-grade coins
- Coin shows - Best for negotiation
Buying Tip
If you're buying for silver value (not collecting), stick to "junk" bags of common dates. Mercury dimes and Walking Liberties in bags trade near melt value— you get beautiful historic coins without paying collector premiums.