What Type of Coins Usually Have Silver Content
Dec 17, 2022
{
"Title": "What Type of Coins Usually Have Silver Content? A Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying and Valuing Silver Coins",
"Date": "12/17/22",
"Content": "
Understanding Silver Coin Content
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If you have old coins tucked away in a drawer, jewelry box, or inherited collection, you may be wondering which ones actually contain silver and how much that silver is worth. Knowing the silver content in coins is key to determining whether it’s worth selling them as collectibles or for their melt value. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step explanation of how to identify, sort, and estimate the value of common silver coins.
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Why Silver Content Matters
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Coins containing silver are valued for both their historical interest and their underlying precious metal content. Silver purity (also called fineness) and weight directly determine melt value, which provides a baseline estimate before considering collectible premiums.
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Common U.S. Silver Coins and Their Silver Content
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Below is a list of the most frequently encountered U.S. coins that contain silver, along with typical purity levels:
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Coin Type | Years of Issue | Silver Content / Purity |
|---|---|---|
Dimes (Roosevelt, Mercury) | Pre-1965 | 90% silver |
Quarters (Washington) | Pre-1965 | 90% silver |
Half Dollars (Franklin, Walking Liberty, Kennedy pre-1971) | 1946–1964 (90%), 1965–1970 (40%) | Varies: 90% or 40% silver |
Silver Dollars (Morgan, Peace) | 1878–1935 | 90% silver |
Eisenhower Dollars | 1971–1976 (limited issues) | 40% silver in special collector versions |
U.S. Mint Modern Bullion Coins | American Silver Eagle (1986–present) | 99.9% silver |
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For more details on precise minting years and compositions, you can reference the U.S. Mint Coin Composition Charts.
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World Silver Coins
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Many foreign coins also contain silver. Common examples include:
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Canadian Silver Dollars (1935–1967): 80% silver
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Canadian Half Dollars, Quarters, Dimes (pre-1967): 80–92.5% silver depending on year
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British Coins (pre-1947): typically sterling silver (92.5% pre-1920, 50% from 1920–1946)
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Mexican Pesos (mid-20th century): varying silver content, often 72% to 90%
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Step 1: Identifying Silver Coins
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There are several ways to determine whether your coins contain silver:
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Look for dates: U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars made before 1965 are almost always 90% silver.
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Check for hallmarks: Modern bullion coins like the American Silver Eagle clearly state purity (\".999 fine silver\").
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Use a magnet test: Silver is not magnetic, so coins sticking to a magnet are not solid silver.
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Weight check: Use a digital gram scale; silver coins have precise standard weights (see NIST Weights and Measures for reliable measurement guidance).
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Step 2: Understanding Melt Value vs. Resale Value
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Melt value: Based strictly on the current silver spot price multiplied by the coin’s silver content in grams. This is the baseline scrap or bullion value.
\nResale or collectible value: Certain coins, especially Morgan Dollars, Peace Dollars, or rare mint marks, may carry additional numismatic or collector value beyond melt.
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Step 3: Sorting and Preparing Coins
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Sort coins by type and era (e.g., pre-1965, 40% silver, modern bullion).
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Separate foreign silver coins from U.S. coins for easier valuation.
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Group non-silver or plated coins separately; plated coins generally have little melt value.
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Step 4: Weighing Your Coins
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Use a digital gram scale for accuracy. For example, a 90% silver U.S. dime weighs 2.5 grams, meaning it contains about 2.25 grams of silver. Summing total silver content across your coin groups helps with accurate valuation. Keeping coins in bags or small labeled lots can simplify mailing and testing later.
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Step 5: Safe Packing and Mailing
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When you decide to send in silver coins for appraisal or sale, use secure packing methods:
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Place coins in small zip bags or coin flips to prevent scratches.
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Use a padded envelope or box.
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Consider using USPS Registered Mail and insurance for higher-value shipments.
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Track the package and keep your receipt until payment is complete.
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Services such as International Gold & Silver provide pre-paid, insured mailer kits with tracking, simplifying the process.
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Step 6: What to Expect from Testing
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If you send coins for evaluation, typical testing processes may include:
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Electronic silver testers: Non-destructive methods that detect metal purity.
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Acid testing: Involves applying a tiny acid drop to confirm silver content; usually avoided with valuable coins.
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Weight and dimensions: Ensuring the piece matches standard mint specs.
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Payment Options Explained
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Once your coins are appraised, you may choose from several payment methods:
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PayPal: Fast electronic payments; fees may apply.
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Venmo or Cash App: Good for quick personal-use transfers.
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Zelle: Free bank-to-bank transfer; fast and direct.
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ACH or bank wire: Secure for larger transactions; may take 1–2 business days.
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Check: Traditional method, slower but widely accepted.
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Record-Keeping: Protect Yourself
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Always document what you’re sending and expect in return:
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Take clear photos of your coins before mailing.
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Write a simple list of the coins and their approximate weights.
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Keep copies of shipping labels and receipts.
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Optional: use an organizational tool like GavelBase to track your items.
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Quick Checklist for Silver Coins
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Check dates: pre-1965 for U.S. dimes, quarters, half dollars.
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Look for purity marks: .900, .925, .999, or “Sterling.”
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Weigh coins in grams to confirm authenticity.
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Sort coins by type and silver percentage.
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Safely pack and insure when mailing.
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Choose a secure payment option you are comfortable with.
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