In the United States, all dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollar coins produced prior to 1965 were minted of an alloy that was comprised of 90% silver. These coins were in everyday circulation and used for daily transactions.
Any combination of half dollars, quarters and dimes minted in 1964 or earlier that add up to $1 dollar face value contain roughly .715 troy ounces of silver bullion. Peace Dollars, Morgan Dollars and earlier one-dollar coins contain .7736 troy ounce of silver. The remaining weight is comprised of 10% copper.
From 1965 until 1970, Kennedy half dollar coins were minted of an alloy containing 40% silver. Beginning in 1971, these half dollar coins were minted entirely of non-precious metals, primarily nickel and copper.
During World War 2, various raw materials were being rationed for the war effort, including nickel which was used in armor plating. From mid-1942 to 1945, the Jefferson Nickel was minted from an alloy containing 35% silver. These nickels are often referred to as “War Nickels” because the years’ of their minting correspond to the second world war.
| Coin | Years Minted | Silver Content | Total Weight | Silver Weight | Approximate Melt Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junk Silver Nickels | |||||
| Jefferson “War Nickels” | 1942-1945 | 35% | 5 grams | 1.75 grams (0.0563 troy ounces) | $1.76 |
| Junk Silver Dimes | |||||
| Liberty Head “Barber Dime” | 1892-1916 | .90 | 2.5 | 2.25 grams (.072 troy ounces) | $2.25 |
| Winged Liberty “Mercury Dime” | 1916-1945 | .90 | 2.5 | 2.25 grams (.072 troy ounces) | $2.25 |
| Roosevelt Dime | 1946-1964 | .90 | 2.5 | 2.25 grams (.072 troy ounces) | $2.25 |
| Junk Silver Quarters | |||||
| Liberty Head “Barber Quarter” | 1892-1916 | .90 | 6.25 | 5.625 grams (.181 troy ounces) | $5.66 |
| Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916-1930 | .90 | 6.25 | 5.625 grams (.181 troy ounces) | $5.66 |
| Washington Quarter | 1932-1964 | .90 | 6.25 | 5.625 grams (.181 troy ounces) | $5.66 |
| Junk Silver Half Dollars | |||||
| Walking Liberty | 1916-1947 | .90 | 12.5 | 11.25 grams (.362 troy ounces) | $11.31 |
| Franklin | 1948-1963 | .90 | 12.5 | 11.25 grams (.362 troy ounces) | $11.31 |
| Kennedy | 1964 | .90 | 12.5 | 11.25 grams (.362 troy ounces) | $11.31 |
| Kennedy | 1964-1969 | .40 | 12.5 | 5 grams (.148 troy ounces) | $4.63 |
| Junk Silver Dollars | |||||
| Morgan Dollar | 1878-1921 | .90 | 26.73 | 24.06 grams (.773 troy ounces) | $24.16 |
| Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 | .90 | 26.73 | 24.06 grams (.773 troy ounces) | $24.16 |