If you’re exploring ways to diversify your investment portfolio or earn extra cash, buying or selling junk silver can be an excellent option. Junk silver refers to coins valued for their silver content rather than collectible worth. They can be purchased individually or bulk as an investment asset or sold to a reputable dealer.
So, is junk silver worth buying? The decision largely depends on your financial goals and the current market value of silver per troy ounce. Explore this unique investment opportunity to determine if investing in junk silver aligns with your needs and to understand its potential worth.
Is Junk Silver Worth Buying as Part of a Silver Stacking Strategy?
Silver stacking is a strategy for building wealth that involves collecting and holding physical silver in various forms. This method takes advantage of silver’s potential to appreciate in value over time and acts as a safeguard against inflation and currency devaluation. Junk silver is especially attractive for this strategy because it’s affordable and readily available.
When considering the purchase of junk silver for stacking, keep the following in mind:
1. Understand Junk Silver
Junk silver is the name given to a general category of silver items with little to no collector value and are only valued for their silver content. The most common junk silver items in the United States are old silver coins, sometimes called Constitutional Silver, which include:
| Junk Silver Coin | Years Minted | Silver Content | Average Silver Weight (Grams) |
| Mercury Dimes | 1916-1945 | 90% | 2.25 |
| Roosevelt Dimes | 1946-1965 | 90% | 2.25 |
| Washington Quarters | 1932-1964 | 90% | 5.625 |
| Walking Liberty Half Dollars | 1916-1947 | 90% | 11.25 |
| Franklin Half Dollars | 1948-1963 | 90% | 11.25 |
| Kennedy Half Dollars | 1964 | 90% | 11.25 |
| Kennedy Half Dollars | 1965-1970 | 40% | 4.6 |
Despite the name, junk silver coins still contain valuable silver. The main difference from other silver assets lies in their silver purity; junk silver typically has a 90% silver content, lower than the 925 or higher rating for Sterling silver or fine silver found in jewelry or investment-grade silver.
2. Assess the Price
Calculate a coin’s worth by comparing its face value to its silver content. Buying junk silver at or near the spot price of silver can maximize your investment, as these coins typically carry lower premiums than newer, high-purity bullion.
Generally, junk silver coins are bought and sold using the ‘times face’ method. This calculation doesn’t require converting the silver content into troy ounces; instead, it simplifies transactions by relating the purchase price to the face value of the coins multiplied by a specific multiplier.
Here’s how it would work if you wanted to buy 20 pre-1965 Washington quarters:
- Determine the total face value. For 20 pre-1965 Washington quarters, the total face value is $5.00 (since each quarter has a face value of $0.25).
- Apply the multiplier. If the standard multiplier for buying junk silver is 23 times the face value, then you would calculate the coin’s value by multiplying the face value by the multiplier ($5.00×23=$115).
- Expected purchase price. Based on this method, you would expect to pay $115 for the 20 quarters. This price reflects a commonly agreed-upon market value that considers the silver content indirectly.
It’s best to consult a knowledgeable precious metals dealer to understand the value of junk silver, including a fair purchase price and what to expect if you decide to sell the coins in the future.
3. Buy From a Reputable Dealer
Purchase junk silver from reputable dealers to avoid counterfeits and ensure a worthwhile investment. For those in the greater Detroit area, AU Precious Metals has years of experience buying and selling silver. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you on whether junk silver is worth buying to expand your portfolio and recommend the best investment strategies.
We verify the silver content of all junk silver coins with advanced assessment and assay technologies, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry equipment. This method is non-destructive, meaning it will not degrade or damage the value of precious metal assets.
When purchasing from AU Precious Metals, you receive junk silver coins that add value to your portfolio. We can help you decide the appropriate amount and type for your financial goals and advise when to sell or hold onto this asset for an optimal investment strategy.
4. Plan for Storage
Junk silver requires high-security storage, similar to that of other precious metal assets like bullion or jewelry, to prevent damage. Consider using a fireproof and waterproof home safe for environmental protection and theft prevention.
Store your coins in labeled containers or albums for easy access and inventory management:
- Coin tubes. These hard plastic tubes are ideal for bulk storage of coins. They can hold a stack of similar-sized coins, protecting them from dust and moisture. Make sure the tubes are of a size that fits your coins snugly to prevent them from moving around and getting scratched.
- Coin holders. Individual coin holders, or flips, can be used for more valuable or collectible junk silver coins. These are typically made from plastic or cardboard and offer a clear window to view the coin. They protect from handling and environmental exposure.
- Coin albums are binder-like books with plastic sheets that hold coins in individual pockets. They are great for organizing collections and allow for easy viewing and display of coins without needing to handle them.
5. Monitor the Market to Know When to Make Additional Investments
Effective Silver Stacking means closely monitoring the market to determine the optimal time to buy or sell. For instance, silver prices have recently seen significant movement, increasing by $2.44 per troy ounce (10.26%) since the beginning of 2024. It’s expected to trade at $27.04 per troy ounce at the end of the second quarter and $28.77 within 12 months.
Understanding these trends and working with a professional at AU Precious Metals can keep you informed about market conditions, helping you know the prime time to buy new assets. At AU Precious Metals, we can also help you silver stack with assets like:
- Bullion coins. These are high-purity silver coins issued by national and private mints, such as the American Silver Eagle or Canadian Silver Maple Leaf. They carry a legal tender value and are favored for their reliability and recognition in the market.
- Bullion bars. Bars are available in a variety of sizes, from compact one-ounce bars to substantial 1,000-ounce bars. They are ideal for larger investments due to their high purity level of .999, which is greater than the 90% or 40% junk coins.
Pros of Buying Junk Silver
If you are considering purchasing silver as an investment asset, junk silver items offer many benefits, including:
- Affordability. Junk silver can be an excellent entry-level purchase if you are a beginner investor or on a budget. Pre-1964 silver coins are cheaper than most other silver assets because they aren’t typically sought after by collectors or numismatics enthusiasts.
However, supply and demand can change the premium on these coins, increasing the price to more than bullion. This increases their ROI potential, making them lucrative for those looking to boost their portfolio with a higher-value purchase. - Easy purchase options. Junk silver coins are often bought in bulk, in rolls or bags with a specific face value, like $10, $100, or $1,000 worth of pre-1965 dimes, quarters, or half dollars. This allows for easy calculation of total silver content and simplifies the buying process.
- High liquidity. Junk silver, especially pre-1964 silver coins, is easy to identify and uses standardized silver alloys like copper. It makes value determination, buying, and selling relatively straightforward, placing fewer barriers to trading.
- Tangibility and portability. Like silver bars and jewelry, junk silver coins are physical assets. They are also small and lightweight, making transporting and storing them easy.
- Divisibility. Junk silver coins can be purchased and sold in nearly any quantity, from individual coins to bulk bags. They’re ideal if you need to raise small amounts of cash or trade for small values.
- Hedge against inflation. Investing in junk silver serves as an effective long-term hedge against inflation. The value of silver tends to rise with inflation, preserving the worth of your silver assets over time. This will provide you with financial security in the long term.
Cons of Buying Junk Silver
Investing in junk silver might not always align with your financial goals. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Low silver purity. Junk silver gets its name because the quantity of silver in each item isn’t as high as in investment-grade jewelry, bars, or modern silver coins. This means that each junk silver coin has a relatively low value.
If you’re looking to invest substantial amounts in precious metals, you might consider higher-purity silver or other options like gold or platinum. AU Precious Metals can provide tailored advice and investment strategies to fit your budget and financial goals. - Storage considerations. Like any physical asset, junk silver requires secure storage. Ensure you have adequate space to safely store the junk silver coins you plan to acquire.
- Little numismatic value. Pre-1964 U.S. silver coins and other junk silver coins are typically valued only for their silver content, unlike rarer historical coins. This means their potential for appreciation is limited, as any return on investment is tied strictly to fluctuations in the silver market, not to increased collectibility or rarity.
Contact AU Precious Metals and Start Investing in Junk Silver Today
If you’re unsure if junk silver is worth buying, reach out to AU Precious Metals. We can help you assess whether adding junk silver coins to your collection is a good move or advise on selling any junk silver you might have inherited or bought recently.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions about investing in junk silver or buying and selling other metals such as gold, platinum, or palladium.