Junk Silver Coin: Everything You Need to Know Before Selling or Buying

Junk silver coins are collectible coins valued primarily for their silver content rather than rarity or numismatic significance. These coins typically show signs of circulation wear but maintain intrinsic worth due to their precious metal content. They are a popular choice for investors, collectors, and anyone seeking a tangible hedge against inflation.

Whether you have dimes, quarters, half dollars, or war nickels, understanding junk silver coins can help you make informed selling and buying decisions.

What Are Junk Silver Coins?

Junk silver coins are US silver coins minted before 1965 that are 90%, 40%, or 35% silver. Unlike modern bullion or collectible coins, junk silver coins:

• Are not graded for rarity or pristine condition
• Retain value primarily due to silver content
• Can include dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollars, and war nickels
• Are sometimes called “circulated silver” or “silver coinage”

They are widely recognized and trusted because their silver content is uniform and verifiable, making them a reliable investment in both small and bulk quantities.

Key Features of Junk Silver Coins

• Silver Purity: 90%, 40%, or 35% depending on the coin type and year
• Circulation History: Many show wear from everyday use, but this does not reduce silver content
• Weight Consistency: Coins follow exact minting standards for weight and composition
• High Liquidity: Easily sold to bullion dealers, coin shops, or private buyers
• Affordable Entry: Offers a lower-cost way to own physical silver compared to modern bullion coins

Types of Junk Silver Coins

1. 90% Silver Coins

• Dimes (Pre-1965) – Mercury Dimes and Roosevelt Dimes
• Quarters (Pre-1965) – Washington Quarters
• Half Dollars (Pre-1965) – Walking Liberty and Franklin Half Dollars
• Dollars (Pre-1935) – Morgan and Peace Dollars

Fact: 90% silver coins contain 0.715 oz of silver per dollar face value, making them highly liquid and valuable.

2. 40% Silver Coins

• Kennedy Half Dollars (1965–1970) – Made with 40% silver, designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro
• Limited Eisenhower Dollar Proofs (1971–1978) – Some proofs contain 40% silver

Fact: These coins are often overlooked but offer a cost-effective silver investment for buyers seeking lower premiums.

3. 35% Silver Coins

• War Nickels (1942–1945) – Produced during WWII with 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese
• Unique Design: Jefferson bust on obverse, Monticello on reverse

Fact: War nickels are the only US coins ever struck with 35% silver, making them historically significant as well as valuable for silver content.

Why Junk Silver Coins Are a Smart Investment

Investing in junk silver coins has several advantages over other forms of physical silver:

• Stable Value: Based on tangible silver content
• Low Premiums: Often cheaper than modern silver bullion coins
• Trusted Worldwide: Recognized and accepted by coin dealers and refiners
• Flexible Purchase Options: Buy in small amounts or bulk
• Hedge Against Inflation: Physical silver often outperforms paper assets in volatile markets

Selling Junk Silver Coins

When selling junk silver coins, consider these key factors:

• Silver Spot Price: The base value depends on current market silver prices
• Weight and Purity: Confirm the coin type and composition
• Condition: While wear doesn’t impact silver content, it may affect resale in niche markets
• Dealer Reputation: Sell to trusted buyers who offer transparent pricing

Key Bullet Points for Sellers:

• Quick evaluation and payment
• Secure shipping options
• Fair offers based on current silver market
• Bulk and single-coin acceptance
• Experienced buyer network

Selling 90%, 40%, and 35% US Silver Coins to DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS

At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we specialize in purchasing 90%, 40%, and 35% US silver coins. These circulation coins may show heavy wear, damage, or cleaning, yet they retain strong value based on their silver weight and purity. Many collectors and sellers turn to us when they want a fair offer for silver coins like dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollars, and war nickels.

If you’re ready to sell 90% silver coins, 40% silver half dollars, or 35% silver war nickels, here’s everything you need to know about their history, content, and value.

Condition of 90%, 40%, and 35% Silver Coins

Like the coins in your pocket today, these older silver coins once circulated in everyday commerce. They were never intended as investment pieces but as functional money for settling debts and transactions.

Most 90%, 40%, and 35% silver coins show circulation wear, cleaning marks, or surface loss. Some may even have attempted repairs. While the luster and detail may fade, their silver weight keeps them valuable. At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we buy these coins based on both their silver content and historical importance.

Silver Content of 90%, 40%, and 35% Silver Coins

The percentages reflect the silver purity in the coin’s alloy. Understanding this breakdown is essential when selling your silver coins:

• 90% Silver Coins: From the late 18th century until 1964, US dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper for durability.
• 40% Silver Coins: Minted mainly between 1965 and 1970 for Kennedy Half Dollars, and select Eisenhower Dollars (1971–1978 proofs).
• 35% Silver Coins: Issued during World War II as “War Nickels” (1942–1945) when nickel was redirected for the war effort. These coins contained 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese.

Examples of 90% Silver Coins We Buy

• Morgan Silver Dollars (1878–1921):  Designed by George T. Morgan with Lady Liberty and an American eagle.
• Mercury Dimes (1916–1945):  Adolph A. Weinman’s iconic Winged Liberty design.
• Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916–1947):  Another Weinman masterpiece, later inspiring the American Silver Eagle.

Examples of 40% Silver Coins We Buy

• Kennedy Half Dollars (1965–1970):  Featuring President John F. Kennedy by Gilroy Roberts and the heraldic eagle by Frank Gasparro.
• Eisenhower Dollars (1971–1978 Proofs):  Frank Gasparro’s design showing Eisenhower and the eagle landing on the moon.

Examples of 35% Silver Coins We Buy

• War Nickels (1942–1945): Featuring Jefferson’s bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse. These are the only 35% silver coins ever struck in US history.

Why Sell 90%, 40%, and 35% Silver to Us?

Selling 90%, 40%, and 35% silver coins is an excellent choice if you want:

• Fair Market Value: We assess coins based on silver weight, purity, and demand.
• Quick Payments: Secure transactions with a streamlined selling process.
• Trusted Buyers:  20 Years of experience as a reliable silver coin buyer.
• Any Quantity Accepted:  From single coins to bulk collections.

Selling Silver to DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS

We make the process of selling 90%, 40%, and 35% silver coins simple. Call us for guidance, use our secure shipping, and receive fast payment once your coins are verified.

Customer satisfaction is central to our service. Our goal is to provide you with confidence, transparency, and the best possible experience when selling silver coins.

We Make Silver Selling Stress-Free and Straightforward

Our buying process is simple and transparent. Contact our team via email or call + (702) 460-5188 to get a professional evaluation. Our team provides fair evaluations and secure transactions, ensuring your silver is bought at competitive market rates.

Customer Reviews

At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We strive to make every sale smooth and professional. Read our testimonials to see how we have helped collectors and investors sell 90%, 40% and 35% silver coins confidently.

We continually refine our buying process to ensure a reliable and efficient experience for every customer.