What You Need to Know About 90% Silver Coins
Many coins circulated in the U.S. prior to 1965 contained 90% silver content. When referring to coins minted prior to 1965, the term “90% silver” is commonly used by investors and collectors. There were some coins that did not contain 90% silver, such as the nickel and penny, but silver was a major component to many U.S. currency coins during most of the 20th century.
Why consider 90% silver coins?
There are a variety of reasons one should consider buying 90% silver coins and those reasons vary depending on the goal and personal opinions. Some of the varying reasons why 90% silver is attractive are as follows.
Face value. Some buyers of silver enjoy buying coins with face value but not rounds, as they have no face value. In addition, many like the face value 90% silver coins because they believe they are more reliable, from a trust factor, compared to silver bars.
Sentimental value. For those who have family members who may have passed and there is a substantial collection, heirs might have a sentimental connection to the coins and want to hold on to it.
More silver in each coin. Because 90% silver has more coins than any other coins in circulation over the last 100 or so years, they are more valuable. Compared to today’s coins and those coins with 40% silver, it’s not a close comparison.
Maximization of variety. For those interested in using a mix of silver to bolster their collection, their investment and their return, incorporating 90% coins may be the best way to affordably use valuable silver without going the .999 route.
More manageable increments. If everything hits the fan, then having 90% coins available can help survivalists and others during a real crisis situation. The smaller face value 90% coins can be used in more ways because of its divisibility, compared to larger coins or bars of pure silver.
Different types of 90% silver coin
There are a fairly wide variety of 90% silver coins to suit just about any preference, several of which can be purchased from online dealers such as Metals.com. The silver dollar coins (Morgan Silver Dollars and Silver Peace Dollars) are the largest 90% silver coins and have been around from 1878 to 1935. They weigh just over 26 grams and have approximately 0.773 ounces of silver. The next largest 90% silver coins are half dollars. Started in 1872 and last minted in 1964 with the Kennedy Half-Dollar, these coins are 12.5 grams in weight and have the equivalent of 0.362 ounces of silver. Next, are 90% silver quarter dollars have been around from 1892 to 1964 and feature 0.18 ounces of silver and 90% silver dimes, which were minted during the same time period, and several dimes make up the remaining portion of 90% silver coins minted in the U.S.
Most popular 90% silver coins
The most popular 90% silver coins are the 1964 Kennedy Half-Dollars, designed and minted right after the president’s assassination in 1963, the Roosevelt Dimes and the Washington Quarters.
For investors or collectors considering 90% silver coins, buying in bulk can be heavy, as $1,000 bags weight upwards of 50 pounds. In addition, rolls of coins may be a better way to store a collection than bags. Holders of 90% silver coins should also be aware of thieves and, unfortunately, family members with sticky fingers. Lastly, the real value of 90% silver coins may be more difficult to determine compared to silver coins containing pure silver, so holders should keep that in mind when trying to calculate the value for different purposes.
The Metals.com Staff
