Before you think, “What am I going to do with 90% Silver Coins?” Let us
enlighten you that some of the 90% Silver coins can be worth around
$24,000 and probably more. When you are stepping into the world of 90%
silver coins, it is necessary to understand what they are and what is
their history?
fascinating. The most prominent silver coins from those age are the
Dollars and Half Dollars.
Wondering, What age?
The 90% silver coins were the ones produced before 1965 and are also known
as Junk Silver coins. They are sold with the grades from coin grading
services like NGC and PCGS but also in bags with the face value based on
their current silver bullion content which is $100, $500, and $1,000.
What is Junk Silver?
Do you have an old, rusty vintage car in your backyard? Even if you don’t
you understand that they are classic and are worth more than they seem.
Let’s apply this to silver coins.
Prior to 1965, the coins were produced with 90% (.900) silver and were
used for circulation with legal tender status, meaning monetary
transactions. Some of those coins still survive today and are valuable for
collectors, enthusiasts, and investors.
Why so?
These silver coins have a value more than their face value, since they
contain silver, a highly desirable investment in the market. Along with
bearing worth more than the face value, these
90% silver coins
are a old-school method of safe and affordable investment of your
hard-earned money.
History of 90% Silver Coins
The 90% silver coins were produced prior to 1965. Struck from .900
silver, these coins were dimes, quarters, dollars, and half dollars.
Silver being used in coins for circulation was normal back then.
However, in the Coinage Act of 1965 completely prohibited the use of
silver in dimes and quarter along with reducing the content from 90%
to 40% in the hald dollars.
If that was not enough, in 1970, another law removed the use of any
silver in the half dollars. However, this decision couldn’t be
criticed since it was made to cope with the rising demand for silver
in industrial activities as well as coinage. Considering the rising
want for silver, the US government decided to put a cap on the silver
spot price at $1.29 per oz in government sales.
The most affected coins in this ruckus were the dollars and the half
dollars. Let’s discuss them in detail and understand the necessary
value of each one.
Dollars
I) Morgan Dollar
There are not enough positive adjectives to describe the Morgan Silver
Dollar. Undoubtedly, one of the best American coinage ever created by
the US Mint. Minted from 1878 to 1904, one year in 1921, and as a
commemorative since 2021, these coins are highly in-demand.
And why would that be?
Its history, design, symbolism, and sheer beauty are reasons that make
the Morgan Dollar, the great coin it is. Designed by and named after
George T. Morgan, this silver coin beared the effigy of Lady Liberty
(obverse) with the iconic heraldic eagle (reverse).
Based on the mintmark, condition, and year of the mintage; today the
Morgan Dollar value ranges from $41 to $1,700.
II) Peace Dollar
Its like studying the master and its successor. The Peace Dollar,
actually succeeded the Morgan Dollar in 1921. It was then struck from
1921 to 1928, in 1934 and 1935, and as a commemorative since 2021. Its
story of introduction is a rollercoaster ride of its own.
The design was to be selected through a competition! Anthony de
Francisci, a Italian-sculptor modelled his wife as Lady Liberty, since
he couldn’t get a model. As the moniker, the coin was issued to send a
message after the devastating effects of the World War, being the
first coin to directly portray its purpose in the design.
Based on the condition, grade, clarity, and year, the peace dollar
value can range from as low as $35 to hundreds and thousands of
dollars.
Half Dollars
I) Kennedy Half Dollars
Remember us saying that the 90% silver coin can be worth around
$24,000? That was the MS-type 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar! They were
first minted in 1964 and are still being produced.
The 1964 mintage year was the only year when the coin accumulated a
weight of 12.50g with 90% silver and 10% copper. Since, the coin was
issued as a memorial for the Late Former President John F. Kennedy,
plus the 90% silver, this half dollar became a world renowned and
desired.
The Kennedy half dollar can be valued from $1.10 to $2,000, while some
going as high as $24,000.
II) Franklin Half Dollars
The first coin to feature the to feature a personality other than the
President is the Franklin Dollar. Featuring one of the founding father
of America, Benjamin Franklin, this coin was minted from 1948 to 1963.
It was designed by John R. Sinnock, but it had to be completed by his
successor, Gilroy Roberts.
It depicted the bust of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the
Liberty Bell on the reverse. This half dollar was minted in the
facilities of Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
The Franklin half dollar value ranges from $13 to a staggering $14,400
which was sold at a auction on August 11, 2020.
III) Walking Liberty Half Dollars
The Walking Liberty half dollar is unarguably one of the most iconic
and desired coins in the market. Struck from 1916 to 1947, designed by
Adolph A. Weinman, the Lady Liberty came to be known as the iconic
Walking Liberty design. This design is inspired from the Baltimore
sculptor Union Soldiers and Sailors Monument created by the designer
himself.
Apart from its design, the Walking Lilberty Half Dollar value ranges
from mere $10 to as high as thousands of dollars. Today, the
circulated Walking liberty half dollar value is between $14 to $50.
Why Should You Invest in 90% Silver Coins?
As discussed and clearly mentioned, neglecting 90% silver coin will be
regretful. They might not seem much, but they pack great value and
long-term demand. Since, these coins are still available to collect and
invest in, investors and collectors prefer them for value preservation.
Final Thoughts!
By far, the 90% silver coins have been a collectors and investors’
heaven for valuable, reliable, and durable bullion with longevity. It’s
not easy to find all of these in the contemporary bullion world! From
the Morgan Silver Dollars to the Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollars,
the selection is rare that protects value.
You, as a clever investor, should invest in 90% silver coins or Junk
silver and explore the options at BOLD Precious Metals! We look forward
to looking you at the checkout page with the silver bullion of your
preference.