Junk silver: the prepper's guide
Old US dimes, quarters and half dollars made of 90% silver. Recognizable, divisible and easy to count: here's how it works.
By Prepper Metals Editorial · Updated October 2026 · Editorial standards
What is junk silver?
"Junk silver" is the nickname for circulated US coins that contain silver but have no special collector value. "Junk" doesn't mean worthless. It means the coins are valued for their silver content, not their rarity or condition. Most of it is US dimes, quarters and half dollars dated 1964 and earlier, which are 90% silver and 10% copper.
Preppers like junk silver because the coins are small, recognizable and come in familiar denominations. You don't need to explain a dime.
Which coins are junk silver?
| Coins | Dates | Silver content |
|---|---|---|
| Dimes (Mercury, Roosevelt) | 1964 and earlier | 90% |
| Quarters (Washington) | 1964 and earlier | 90% |
| Half dollars (Walking Liberty, Franklin, Kennedy) | 1964 and earlier | 90% |
| Kennedy half dollars | 1965–1970 | 40% |
| Jefferson "war nickels" | 1942–1945 (large mint mark above Monticello) | 35% |
Silver dollars such as Morgans and Peace dollars are also 90% silver, but they usually sell at higher premiums because collectors want them. Most dealers sell them separately from junk silver.
How much silver is in junk silver?
The rule of thumb: $1 in face value of 90% coins contains about 0.715 troy ounces of silver. That's 10 dimes, 4 quarters or 2 half dollars. Brand-new coins held about 0.723 oz per $1 face value, and dealers use 0.715 to allow for wear.
| Amount | Approximate pure silver |
|---|---|
| $1 face value (90%) | ~0.715 troy oz |
| $10 face value (90%) | ~7.15 troy oz |
| $100 face value (90%) | ~71.5 troy oz |
| One 40% Kennedy half | ~0.148 troy oz |
| One war nickel | ~0.056 troy oz |
To estimate value, multiply the ounces by today's silver spot price, then expect to pay a premium above that when you buy and receive a little less when you sell.
How junk silver is sold
Dealers price junk silver by face value: a "$1 face" lot, "$10 face" roll lot, or a full "$1,000 face" bag (about 715 oz). Bigger lots usually carry a lower premium per ounce. Ask for the price per ounce over spot so you can compare dealers fairly.
How to spot junk silver in your change
- Check the date. 1964 or earlier for dimes, quarters and halves.
- Look at the edge. Silver coins have a solid silver-colored edge. Later clad coins show a copper stripe.
- Listen. Dropped gently on a hard surface, silver coins ring longer and higher than clad coins.
- Weigh it. A 90% silver quarter weighs about 6.25 grams; a clad quarter about 5.67 grams.
Download the junk silver quick reference (PDF): dates, silver content and weights on one page.
Pros and cons for preppers
Why preppers like it
- Small, divisible units
- Recognizable US coinage
- Premiums are often lower than for newly minted coins
- No assay or certificate needed
The trade-offs
- Bulky for its value compared with gold
- Worn coins contain slightly less silver
- Value moves with the silver price
- Generally not allowed in a precious metals IRA
Next: compare junk silver with modern coins, rounds and bars, or learn how to store it safely.
Educational information only, not investment, tax or legal advice. Precious metals prices change constantly and can go down as well as up. Talk to a licensed professional about your situation. Full disclaimer.
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Sources
We check facts against primary sources where possible. Spot an error? Email hello@preppermetals.com. See our editorial standards.
Common questions
What years are junk silver coins?
US dimes, quarters and half dollars dated 1964 and earlier are 90% silver. Kennedy half dollars from 1965 to 1970 are 40% silver, and 1942–1945 war nickels are 35% silver.
How much silver is in $1 face value of junk silver?
About 0.715 troy ounces of pure silver, allowing for normal wear. That's 10 dimes, 4 quarters or 2 half dollars.
Can junk silver go in an IRA?
Generally no. IRA-eligible silver must meet a .999 fineness standard, and 90% coins don't. See our gold IRA guide.