Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator
How much silver is in your coins? Count pre-1965 US dimes, quarters and half dollars, Morgan dollars, war nickels or bullion coins, or enter a face value, to get their melt value at today's silver price.
Before 1965, US dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars were struck in 90% silver, so every one of them is worth at least the silver it contains. Because each coin's weight and fineness are fixed, you can value them by counting instead of weighing.
Enter how many of each coin you have, or the face value of a mixed bag of 90% dimes, quarters and halves, and the calculator totals the pure silver and its melt value at the live silver price.
Silver content of US and bullion coins
Coins don't need weighing: their silver content is fixed by their specification. Pick a coin for its live melt value, or use the junk silver calculator to value a mixed pile by count or face value.
| Coin | Years | Silver | Pure silver |
|---|---|---|---|
| War nickel value | 1942–1945 | 35% | 0.0563 oz t |
| Dime value | 1964 and earlier | 90% | 0.0723 oz t |
| Quarter value | 1964 and earlier | 90% | 0.1808 oz t |
| Half dollar value | 1964 and earlier | 90% | 0.3617 oz t |
| Kennedy half (40%) value | 1965–1970 | 40% | 0.1479 oz t |
| Morgan / Peace dollar value | 1878–1935 | 90% | 0.7735 oz t |
| Eisenhower dollar (40%) value | 1971–1976, S mint mark | 40% | 0.3162 oz t |
| Silver Eagle value | 1986–present | 99.9% | 1.0000 oz t |
| Silver Maple Leaf value | 1988–present | 99.99% | 1.0000 oz t |
Frequently asked questions
- What is junk silver?
- Junk silver is the trade name for circulated US coins bought for their silver rather than as collectibles: mainly dimes, quarters and half dollars dated 1964 or earlier, which are 90% silver. 'Junk' only means they have no extra collector value, not that the silver is poor. They're usually sold by face value, for example '$10 face'.
- How much silver is in $1 face value of junk silver?
- As minted, $1 face value of 90% silver dimes, quarters or half dollars contains 0.7234 troy ounces of pure silver; 10 dimes, 4 quarters or 2 halves all hold the same amount. Circulated coins have lost a little to wear, so many dealers price junk silver at about 0.715 ounces per $1 face. This calculator uses the minted figure.
- How do I tell if a coin is silver?
- Check the date first: US dimes, quarters and halves dated 1964 or earlier are 90% silver, and 1965–1970 Kennedy halves are 40%. Then look at the edge: a solid silver-colored edge means silver, while a copper stripe means copper-nickel clad. Jefferson nickels from 1942 to 1945 with a large mint mark above Monticello are 35% silver.
- Are my silver coins worth more than melt value?
- Sometimes. Melt value is only what the silver is worth. Scarce dates, low-mintage mint marks and coins in uncirculated condition can sell well above melt to collectors, especially Morgan and Peace dollars. Common, worn coins usually trade close to melt. Check rare dates with a coin dealer or price guide before selling as junk silver.
- Is it legal to melt silver coins?
- Yes. The US ban on melting coins covers only current one-cent and five-cent coins (31 CFR Part 82); it doesn't apply to 90% silver dimes, quarters, halves or dollars, which haven't circulated since 1964. Most people sell them to a dealer rather than refining them, since a dealer pays close to melt without the cost of refining.
- Why do Silver Eagles cost more than the silver price?
- An American Silver Eagle holds exactly one troy ounce of silver, so its melt value is the spot price of an ounce. Dealers sell it for more because of the US Mint's own premium, minting, distribution and their margin. When you sell one back, offers are usually closer to spot. Enter an offer in the silver calculator to compare it with melt.
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