Junk Silver: The Beginner's Guide to 90% US Silver Coins
6 min read • GoldBuller Research
"Junk silver" sounds unappealing, but it's one of the smartest entry points into precious metals. Pre-1965 US dimes, quarters, and half dollars contain 90% silver and can be purchased at some of the lowest premiums in the silver market.
Which Coins Are Junk Silver?
- Roosevelt Dimes (1946–1964): 90% silver, 0.07234 troy oz each
- Washington Quarters (1932–1964): 90% silver, 0.18084 troy oz each
- Franklin/Walking Liberty Halves: 90% silver, 0.36169 troy oz each
- Kennedy Half Dollars 1965–1970: 40% silver (different calculation)
The $1 Face Calculation
Every $1 in face value of 90% silver coins contains approximately 0.715–0.723 troy ounces of silver. At $29/ozt spot: $1 face value = ~$20.74 melt value.
How It's Sold
- $100 face bags — ~71.5 ozt silver
- $500 face bags
- $1,000 face "monster bags" — ~715 ozt silver