Best Junk Silver Coins for Investment
When it comes to investing in junk silver, not all coins are created equal. While any 90% silver U.S. coin has intrinsic value tied to the silver spot price, certain denominations and types offer better liquidity, lower premiums, and easier storage. This guide will help you choose the best junk silver coins for your investment goals.
Why Junk Silver Makes a Great Investment
Before diving into specific coins, let’s review why junk silver deserves a place in your precious metals portfolio:
- Fractional ownership: Unlike silver bars, coins come in small denominations perfect for stacking or selling
- Recognizable: U.S. coins are easily identified and widely accepted
- Lower premiums: Junk silver typically trades closer to melt value than numismatic coins
- Historical value: Some coins carry collectible premium alongside their silver content
- Divisibility: Easy to sell partial holdings without breaking larger bars
The Big Three: Dimes, Quarters, and Half Dollars
Mercury Dimes (1916-1945)
The Mercury Dime is arguably the most popular junk silver coin for investors. Each contains 0.0715 troy ounces of silver and features Adolph Weinman’s beautiful Liberty Head design.
Pros:
- High liquidity - dealers always want Mercury Dimes
- Small denomination perfect for incremental buying
- Attractive design appeals to collectors
- Easy to store in tubes of 50
Cons:
- Slightly higher premium than generic 90% silver
- Smaller size means more coins to count
Washington Quarters (1932-1964)
Washington Quarters strike a perfect balance between size and silver content. With 0.1808 troy ounces of silver per coin, they’re the “goldilocks” option for many stackers.
Pros:
- Most liquid junk silver option
- Perfect middle ground for denomination size
- Widely recognized by the public
- Trade closest to melt value
Cons:
- Less distinctive than Mercury Dimes
- Higher face value means more capital per ounce
Kennedy Half Dollars (1964)
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar contains 0.3617 troy ounces of silver - making it the highest silver content readily available junk silver coin.
Pros:
- Maximum silver per coin
- Fewer coins to store and count
- Historical significance (first year of issue)
- Lower storage costs per ounce
Cons:
- Less liquid than dimes and quarters
- Harder to spend in smaller amounts
- Some dealers prefer dimes/quarters
Premium Junk Silver: Morgan and Peace Dollars
While technically “junk silver,” Morgan and Peace dollars often command premiums above melt value due to their collector appeal and larger size (0.7734 troy ounces of silver).
When to Buy:
- If you want dual exposure to silver and numismatics
- When premiums are reasonable (under 15% above melt)
- For aesthetic enjoyment alongside investment value
- As potential gifts for coin enthusiasts
When to Avoid:
- If you need maximum liquidity
- When premiums exceed 20% over melt value
- If storage space is limited
- For pure silver investment without collectible premium
Special Consideration: War Nickels (1942-1945)
War nickels contain 35% silver (0.0563 troy ounces) and can sometimes be found at favorable prices. However, they’re less desirable than 90% silver coins due to:
- Lower silver content makes verification harder
- Less recognized by the public
- Higher relative premiums
- Bulkier storage requirements
Only consider war nickels if you can buy them significantly below the price of 90% silver when adjusted for silver content.
Comparing Silver Content and Value
Here’s a quick reference table showing silver content per coin:
| Coin Type | Silver Content (oz) | Approximate Value at $25/oz |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury/Roosevelt Dime | 0.0715 | $1.79 |
| Washington Quarter | 0.1808 | $4.52 |
| Kennedy Half (1964) | 0.3617 | $9.04 |
| Morgan/Peace Dollar | 0.7734 | $19.34 |
| War Nickel | 0.0563 | $1.41 |
Note: Use our junk silver calculator for current values based on today’s spot price.
Investment Strategy Recommendations
For Beginners
Start with Washington Quarters. They offer:
- Best overall liquidity
- Reasonable premiums
- Easy to acquire from dealers
- Simple to calculate value ($1.40 face value = 1 oz silver)
For Maximum Liquidity
Stick with the “big three” (dimes, quarters, halves) in 90% silver only. Avoid war nickels and 40% Kennedy halves unless priced at a significant discount.
For Long-Term Stacking
Mix Mercury Dimes and Washington Quarters for flexibility. The smaller dimes give you more options when selling, while quarters reduce counting time and storage space.
For Aesthetic Enjoyment
Include some Morgan or Peace Dollars if premiums are reasonable. These beautiful coins can appreciate beyond their silver content, but don’t let them dominate your portfolio.
Where to Find the Best Deals
The best junk silver deals typically come from:
- Local coin shops: Build relationships for better pricing
- Estate sales: Sometimes find coins at or below melt value
- Online dealers: Compare prices across multiple sites
- Coin shows: Negotiate with dealers in person
- Private sales: Use caution and verify authenticity
Always calculate the premium over melt value before buying. A good rule of thumb: aim for premiums under 10% for common 90% silver coins.
Storage Considerations
Different coins have different storage efficiency:
- Dimes: Most compact per dollar of face value
- Quarters: Good balance of compactness and count time
- Half Dollars: Least space per ounce of silver
- Dollars: Heaviest and bulkiest option
Consider buying coin tubes and storage boxes designed for junk silver. A standard monster box holds $500 face value and weighs about 37.5 pounds.
Conclusion: The Optimal Junk Silver Portfolio
For most investors, the best junk silver portfolio consists of:
- 60% Washington Quarters for liquidity and ease of use
- 30% Mercury Dimes for flexibility in small transactions
- 10% Kennedy Halves or Morgan/Peace Dollars for variety
This mix provides excellent liquidity, reasonable premiums, and flexibility for both buying and selling. Remember to calculate the current melt value before making any purchase, and always buy from reputable dealers.
Start small, learn the market, and gradually build your junk silver stack. These historic U.S. coins offer a tangible hedge against inflation while preserving American numismatic heritage.
Ready to calculate values? Use our free junk silver calculator to see what your coins are worth based on today’s spot silver prices.