Junk Silver Calculator
Old US coins are worth more than their face value. Enter how many you have to see the silver they contain and what it is worth today.
Silver spot: $60.95/oz · Updated Oct 10, 2026, 4:01 AM ET
Silver value of each coin today
| Coin | Silver | Melt value each | × face value |
|---|---|---|---|
Dime (Roosevelt, Mercury, Barber) 1964 and earlier · 90% | 0.07234 oz | $4.41 | 44.1× |
Quarter (Washington, Standing Liberty) 1964 and earlier · 90% | 0.18084 oz | $11.02 | 44.1× |
Half dollar (Kennedy, Franklin, Walking Liberty) 1964 and earlier · 90% | 0.36169 oz | $22.04 | 44.1× |
Morgan or Peace dollar 1878–1935 · 90% | 0.77344 oz | $47.14 | 47.1× |
Kennedy half dollar (40% silver) 1965–1970 · 40% | 0.14792 oz | $9.02 | 18.0× |
War nickel (35% silver) 1942–1945 · 35% | 0.05626 oz | $3.43 | 68.6× |
What is junk silver?
"Junk silver" is the trade name for circulated US coins that contain silver but have no special collector value. Dimes, quarters and half dollars dated 1964 or earlier are 90% silver. In 1965 the US switched to copper-nickel clad coins, except for Kennedy half dollars, which stayed 40% silver until 1970. Dealers buy and sell these coins by face value, because a dollar's worth of 90% coins always holds about the same amount of silver.
How to tell if a coin is silver
- Check the date. Dimes, quarters and halves from 1964 or earlier are 90% silver.
- Look at the edge. Clad coins show a copper stripe on the edge; silver coins are solid silver-gray.
- Nickels are different. Only 1942–1945 "war nickels" with a large mint mark above Monticello contain silver (35%).
Frequently asked questions
How much is $1 face value of 90% silver coins worth?
About $43.58 at today's spot price. Dealers count $1 face of worn 90% coins as 0.715 oz of silver, slightly less than the 0.7234 oz in new coins, to allow for wear.
Are quarters from 1965 or later silver?
No. Regular quarters and dimes from 1965 onward are copper-nickel clad and worth face value. The exception is Kennedy half dollars from 1965–1970, which are 40% silver.
Could my old coins be worth more than melt value?
Yes. Rare dates, low-mintage coins and coins in excellent condition can be worth far more to collectors. Check key dates with a coin guide or dealer before selling a collection for melt.
How much do dealers pay for junk silver?
Dealers usually pay close to melt value for junk silver, often within a few percent, because it is easy to resell. Prices vary with demand, so compare a few quotes.