90% Junk/Constitutional Silver
“Junk silver” or “constitutional silver” usually refers to common U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars whose value comes mainly from their silver rather than rarity.
In This Guide
Which Coins Are Usually Included
Common examples are 1964 and earlier U.S. dimes and quarters, plus many 1964 and earlier half dollars, originally struck in an alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper. Kennedy half dollars dated 1965–1970 use a different 40% silver composition.
Face Value and Silver Content
Dealers commonly quote bags by total face value—for example, “$10 face” of dimes or quarters. The actual silver depends on denomination, original specifications, and wear.
A widely used trading estimate is about 0.715 troy ounce of silver per $1 face value for average circulated 90% dimes, quarters, and half dollars. Unworn theoretical content is higher, so state which assumption your calculation uses.
Why Stackers Buy It
The coins are government-issued, recognizable, divisible into small units, and no longer require new fabrication. They can suit buyers who want fractional silver without paying the very high percentage premiums often attached to newly minted fractional bullion.
Availability and public familiarity vary, so local demand should be checked.
Pricing Multiples
A quote such as “22 times face” means $22 for each $1 of coin face value. At that multiple, $10 face costs $220 before shipping, tax, or fees.
Wear, Sorting, and Numismatic Value
Circulation removes a small amount of metal. Very worn coins may contain less silver than standard estimates assume. Bags may also exclude damaged, bent, holed, or unusually thin pieces.
Some dates and mint marks have collectible value far above melt. Do not sell an inherited collection as bulk silver until potentially valuable coins have been checked.
Common Mistakes
- Do not include ordinary post-1964 dimes and quarters.
- Do not mix 40% and 90% half dollars in one calculation.
- Do not confuse face value with purchase price.
- Do not clean old coins; cleaning can damage collectible value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called junk silver?
The term means the coins usually have little numismatic premium; it does not mean they are fake or worthless.
How much silver is in $1 face value?
Average circulated 90% dimes, quarters, and half dollars are commonly estimated at about 0.715 troy ounce per $1 face, with actual content affected by wear.
Are war nickels part of 90% silver?
No. Wartime nickels have a different 35% silver composition and require separate calculations.
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Constitutional silver is useful when dates, compositions, wear assumptions, face-value multiples, and possible collectible coins are handled correctly.