05/15/2026
Have you ever heard the term “junk silver” and wondered what it means?
In coin collecting, “junk silver” usually refers to common U.S. coins that may not carry a high collector premium but still have value because of their silver content. These often include U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted in 1964 or earlier, which are 90% silver.
Popular silver coins include Mercury dimes, Roosevelt dimes, Washington quarters, Standing Liberty quarters, Walking Liberty half dollars, Franklin half dollars, Kennedy half dollars from 1964, Morgan silver dollars, and Peace dollars. Some Kennedy half dollars from 1965–1970 also contain 40% silver.
Not every old coin has silver, though. Buffalo nickels and wheat cents are popular collectibles, but they do not have silver content. Their value usually comes from age, condition, rarity, mint marks, and collector demand.
One important tip: avoid cleaning old coins before having them looked at. Cleaning can reduce collector value, even if the coin looks shinier afterward.
Learn more about coins, bullion, and collectible currency here:
https://shorespj.com/coin-shop-ocala-florida/?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=post