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Pre-1964 Silver

90% Silver US Coins


The US Government used 90% silver, 10% copper in most of their circulated coins in 1964 and before. To save money, the US Mint was ordered to use only 40% silver, 60% copper in their coins. Then, in 1971, the US Mint produced the nickel-clad alloy coins that are now so well known, saving the 90% silver for special commemorative coins. In 1964, the US Mint experienced an extreme hoarding situation, wherein all the coins they were minting were being bought and kept by the public. Ever since, the 90% silver has been a favorite among investors and collectors, knowing this currency is recognized as US coinage. The denominational varieties range from Morgan Silver Dollars to Washington Quarters to Mercury Dimes. 90% silver should be expected to be in circulated condition, unless notified by the product's title. Enjoy our large inventory of these increasing in popularity items and see why it has been so popular for over 100 years!


Junk Silver Coins

Junk Silver is a casual term that refers to any silver coin, in circulated condition, and that doesn't have any numismatic value above the market price of silver. In 1964 and before, the US minted its coins primarily using a metallic alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper. Collectors can determine if a coin contains silver by focusing on the coin's rim. If the rim is strictly silver-colored, then the coin contains 90% silver. If the rim has a copper tone, then the coin is considered a clad and does not have silver content. Since the Junk Silver coins' content is ranked higher than the coins' actual face value, taking comfort in these coins' intrinsic value can lead to a highly profitable investment.

90% Silver

90% silver is not only a fading remnant of American history but also has an influential role in the silver market today. Depending on personal investment goals, investors are drawn to the 90% silver coins since they contain a high percentage of silver and are duly recognized as US coinage. Some of the 90% silver coins include, but are not limited to the Morgan Silver Dollar, the Peace Silver Dollar, the Barber series (dime, quarter, and half dollar), the Franklin Half Dollar, the Washington Quarter, the Mercury and Roosevelt Dimes, and the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar.

40% Silver

All good things come to an end, which was the case for the 90% silver coinage. In 1965, the US Mint strived to decrease production costs, exchanging out the beloved 90% silver for 40% silver. The main series this change affected most severely was the brand new Kennedy Half Dollars. The only Kennedy Half Dollars, that featured a 90% silver purity, were the ones minted in the first year of issue in 1964. From 1965-1969, the Kennedy Half Dollar's silver content decreased to 40% and the popularity for this history-making half dollar slowly decreased.

90% Silver $1000 Face (Full Bags)

The 90% Silver $1000 Face (Full Bags) represent the best priced option to invest in coin silver from 1964 and earlier! Full bags weigh approximately 715 ounces of pure silver and the bags themselves weigh around 60 troy pounds! Commonly called junk silver, these coins are in circulated condition, but the dates should still be readable. Junk Silver is a term to refer to the 90% silver coins, that were minted in 1964 and before. "Junk" is simply referencing the lack of numismatic value these coins have when compared to their silver intrinsic value, which is why the 90% Silver $1000 Face (Full Bags) are a hot commodity among investors. Unless noted, we do not mix denominations in our bags so you will know exactly what to expect! The rise in the popularity with the 90% Silver $1000 Face (Full Bags) is increasing rapidly and it is unclear when their availability will be limited.

90% Silver Coins (Smaller Bags)

Keeping a diverse collection is key when investing in silver and the 90% Silver Coins (Smaller Bags) makes it possible for any budget! Each bag consists of 90% silver coins minted from 1964 and before, ensuring the validity of the silver. All of our 90% Silver Bags contain only common dates and are sold specifically for their silver content; the lower minted dates are sold separately for a higher premium. When using the term, "junk silver," the word junk is referring to the lack of numismatic value the coins contain and not the actual condition the coins are in. The 90% silver coins are in circulated condition, ranging from Good-Extra Fine, and the dates are also mixed. 90% silver is increasing in popularity and is a commodity that will soon be difficult to find.

90% Silver Coin Rolls

Silver Coin Rolls contain 90% silver coins and represent a great investment tool due to their low margin spreads on the buy and sell side. Considered to be in circulated condition, the 90% Silver Coin Rolls may exhibit worn or smooth surfaces but still have a readable date. We sell our 90% Silver Coin Rolls by the denomination and unless noted, we do not mix those denominations. All of our 90% silver products will have common dates, since the coins with higher numismatic value are sold for a separate price. Investors enjoy the convenience owning 90% silver as well as recognized US currency. The term "junk silver" refers to the 90% coins containing little numismatic value and is not representative of the coins' actual conditions, which range from Good-Extra Fine. The amount of coins, for each roll, is dependent on the denomination. These rolls are in-stock and ready to ship!

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