Junk Silver Coins: How to Identify, Value and Collect Junk Silver
Discover how to recognize, value, and invest in junk silver coins — 90% silver U.S. currency minted before 1965 that remains a favorite for stackers, preppers, and savvy investors alike.
📘 Download the full guide: Numismatics Handbook — A +135-page expert resource on U.S. coin collecting.
Why Junk Silver Coins Matter
“Junk silver” is a misleading name — these coins may lack numismatic rarity, but their silver purity, history, and liquidity make them incredibly valuable to silver stackers. Junk silver includes U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted before 1965, all composed of 90% silver.
They offer a flexible, fractional way to stack silver without the premiums of bullion rounds or the fragility of collectible coins.
Stackers and preppers love junk silver for:
🪙 90% Silver Content — Easy to calculate and sell by weight
📦 Small Denominations — Perfect for fractional bartering or micro trades
💰 Low Premiums — Usually cheaper than bars, rounds, or coins from mints
🏛️ Historical U.S. Currency — Still legal tender, with iconic American designs
🔥 SHTF/SHTC Preparedness — A silver standard for economic emergencies
🧠 GoldSilverStacks Insight: Junk silver becomes especially attractive when the gold/silver ratio is high. A high GSR (>80) signals silver is undervalued relative to gold — and stacking junk silver becomes a tactical way to gain more ounces at low premiums.
What Coins Count as Junk Silver?
| Coin Type | Years Minted | Silver Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🪙 Roosevelt Dime | 1946–1964 | 0.07234 troy oz | Must be pre-1965; post-’64 are clad |
| 🪙 Mercury Dime | 1916–1945 | 0.07234 troy oz | Some have collectible value but are still stackable |
| 🪙 Washington Quarter | 1932–1964 | 0.18084 troy oz | Stronger demand for XF+ examples pre-1950 |
| 🪙 Walking Liberty Half | 1916–1947 | 0.36169 troy oz | Often treated as semi-numismatic, but stackable |
| 🪙 Franklin Half Dollar | 1948–1963 | 0.36169 troy oz | Great for stacking in bulk |
| 🪙 Kennedy Half Dollar | 1964 only | 0.36169 troy oz | Post-1964 halves are 40% silver, not true junk silver |
✅ GoldSilverStacks Tip: Most junk silver trades in $1, $5, $10, or $100 face value lots. Common bundles include $10 face in halves (7.15 oz silver) or $5 face in dimes (3.575 oz silver).
How Much Silver is in Junk Coins?
| Face Value | Silver Content (~90%) |
|---|---|
| $1 | ~0.715 troy oz |
| $10 | ~7.15 troy oz |
| $100 | ~71.5 troy oz |
✅ Calculation Formula: Face Value × 0.715 = Estimated troy ounces of silver in circulated 90% U.S. coins.
How to Value Junk Silver Coins
- Find the Current Silver Spot Price (e.g. $25/oz)
- Multiply by Silver Weight (e.g. $10 FV × 0.715 = 7.15 oz × $25 = ~$179 melt value)
- Apply Premium/Discount — Typically ±5–10% depending on seller, demand, or market conditions
✅ Better-date Mercury dimes, BU Roosevelt dimes, and well-preserved 1964 Kennedy halves can command premiums above melt value — especially when silver sentiment runs high.
Most Popular Junk Silver Coin Mixes
📦 $5 Face Value in Dimes – 50 coins, ~3.575 oz
📦 $10 Face in Quarters or Halves – 40 quarters or 20 halves, ~7.15 oz
📦 $100 Face Mixed Bag – Often includes hundreds of circulated coins (~71.5 oz silver)
🧠 Stacker Strategy: When the gold/silver ratio is high, it often pays to heavily accumulate these small-denomination silver coins, especially when premiums are compressed. Once silver runs, they become incredibly liquid and easy to offload.
Where to Buy or Sell Junk Silver Coins
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Local Coin Shops | Quick transactions, cash deals |
| eBay | Strong demand, but higher fees |
| Bullion Dealers | Best for larger quantities, transparent pricing |
| Coin Shows | Ideal for barter, swapping, and sourcing |
| Online Marketplaces | Reddit (r/PMs), Discord, Facebook groups |
✅ Trust is key — avoid overly polished coins, weigh your purchases, and verify with a scale and magnet test.
How to Store Junk Silver
- 🧼 Use tubes or rolls – Dimes (50), quarters (40), halves (20)
- 📦 Canvas bags or lockboxes for bulk storage
- 🌡️ Dry, cool environment – Reduces toning and tarnish
- 🧤 Handle only when necessary – Not for appearance, but handling adds oils
- 🧽 Never clean – Tarnish is fine; cleaning kills resale value
Strategic Stacking With the Gold/Silver Ratio
When the Gold/Silver Ratio (GSR) climbs above 80, silver is historically undervalued. This is when stacking junk silver makes the most sense:
✅ You get more ounces per dollar
✅ It’s cheaper per oz than bars or rounds
✅ You maintain max liquidity in small denominations
When the ratio drops (e.g. to 50), you can trade back into gold or sell for premium as silver spikes.
What are junk silver coins?
Junk silver coins are U.S. coins minted before 1965 that contain 90% silver. They have little numismatic value but are valued for their silver content and are popular among investors, preppers, and silver stackers.
How much silver is in $1 face value of junk silver?
One dollar face value of junk silver contains approximately 0.715 troy ounces of silver. This applies to circulated dimes, quarters, and half dollars from 1964 and earlier.
Which coins count as junk silver?
The most common junk silver coins include Mercury dimes, Roosevelt dimes (pre-1965), Washington quarters (pre-1965), Franklin half dollars, and 1964 Kennedy half dollars. All are composed of 90% silver.
How do you calculate junk silver value?
To calculate junk silver value, multiply the total face value by 0.715 to estimate silver weight in troy ounces, then multiply by the current silver spot price. Add or subtract any dealer premiums.
Why is junk silver good for stacking?
Junk silver is ideal for stacking because it’s divisible, widely recognized, and often cheaper per ounce than bullion. It also holds historical value and is easy to liquidate or barter in small amounts.
Are Kennedy half dollars junk silver?
Only 1964 Kennedy half dollars are considered junk silver with 90% silver content. Coins from 1965 to 1970 contain 40% silver and are not classified as junk silver by most stackers.
When is the best time to buy junk silver?
The best time to buy junk silver is when spot prices are low and premiums are minimal. Junk silver becomes especially attractive when the gold/silver ratio is high or during economic uncertainty.
Where can I buy or sell junk silver coins?
You can buy or sell junk silver through coin shops, bullion dealers, eBay, coin shows, or online marketplaces like Reddit and Discord groups focused on precious metals trading.
Can junk silver coins be cleaned?
No, junk silver coins should not be cleaned. Even though they’re valued mainly for melt content, cleaned coins can lose resale value. Collectors and dealers prefer original surfaces.
How does junk silver relate to the gold-silver ratio?
Junk silver is a smart option when the gold/silver ratio is high, as silver tends to be undervalued. Stackers often use junk silver as a cost-effective way to gain exposure to physical silver during these periods.