Silver Coin Weights
Silver coins are valued by actual silver content, not face value or gross weight alone. This reference separates pure-silver weight from total coin weight.
In This Guide
Bullion Coin Reference
| Coin | Fine Silver (oz t) | Gross Weight (g) | Fineness | Diameter (mm) | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Silver Eagle | 1.0000 | 31.103 | 0.999 | 40.60 | United States |
| Canadian Silver Maple Leaf | 1.0000 | 31.11 | 0.9999 | 38.00 | Canada |
| Austrian Silver Philharmonic | 1.0000 | 31.10 | 0.999 | 37.00 | Austria |
| British Silver Britannia (2013–present) | 1.0000 | 31.21 | 0.999 | 38.61 | United Kingdom |
| Australian Silver Kangaroo | 1.0000 | 31.107 | 0.9999 | 40.90 | Australia |
U.S. Constitutional Silver
| Coin | Fine Silver (oz t) | Gross Weight (g) | Fineness | Diameter (mm) | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90% silver dime, unworn | 0.07234 | 2.50 | 0.900 | 17.90 | United States |
| 90% silver quarter, unworn | 0.18084 | 6.25 | 0.900 | 24.30 | United States |
| 90% silver half dollar, unworn | 0.36169 | 12.50 | 0.900 | 30.60 | United States |
| 40% Kennedy half dollar (1965–1970) | 0.1479 | 11.50 | 0.400 | 30.60 | United States |
Circulation Wear
Historic coins lose small amounts of metal through circulation. Dealers commonly estimate average circulated 90% dimes, quarters, and half dollars at about 0.715 troy ounce of silver per $1 face value rather than the higher theoretical unworn total.
40% and 35% Silver
1965–1970 Kennedy half dollars contain 40% silver and must be calculated separately from 90% coins. Wartime Jefferson nickels dated 1942–1945 with the large mint mark above Monticello use a 35% silver alloy.
Calculation Method
Fine silver equals gross weight multiplied by fineness. Keep grams and troy ounces labeled, and avoid rounding until the final total.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much silver is in $1 face value of circulated 90% coins?
About 0.715 troy ounce is a common trading estimate, though actual wear varies.
Are all 1964 and earlier U.S. coins silver?
No. Denomination and date both matter; cents and nickels generally follow different compositions.
Why is gross weight higher than silver weight?
The coin includes copper or other alloy metal in addition to silver.
Related StackUlator Tools
Related Resources
Resource Navigation
Helping stackers make smarter decisions.
Accurate silver valuation begins by matching the exact denomination, date range, gross weight, and fineness.