Junk Silver Face Value Calculator

What Is Junk Silver?

"Junk silver" refers to circulated pre-1965 US dimes, quarters, and half dollars struck in a 90% silver alloy, valued for their silver content rather than any collectible premium — unlike a rare or well-preserved coin, these trade close to melt value. Because US coins minted in that alloy always used the same 90/10 silver-copper ratio regardless of denomination, face value alone (not the count of individual coins) reliably predicts total silver content: $1 worth of dimes contains the same silver as $1 worth of quarters or half dollars.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the total face value of the coins you have (add up the denominations — a roll of 40 silver quarters is $10 face value) and the current silver spot price. The default silver content factor of 0.715 troy oz per $1 face value is the figure most bullion dealers use, accounting for some wear from circulation — adjust it if you're working from a different reference figure.

How We Calculate It

Silver content (troy oz) = face value × conversion factor. Melt value = silver content × spot price. The theoretical, uncirculated figure works out to about 0.7234 oz of pure silver per $1 face value; the commonly used 0.715 factor builds in a small allowance for wear on coins that have actually circulated.

A Few Notes

This gives you melt value — what the silver itself is worth — not what a dealer will actually pay or charge, which typically includes a buy/sell spread on top of spot price. Individual coins in better condition or with any numismatic rarity can be worth meaningfully more than melt value, so it's worth checking whether any of your coins are worth grading or selling individually before melting or selling a batch as bulk junk silver.