Apr 9, 2026
After silver just recorded its strongest year since 1979 (1), it's time to raid that old change jar. Be on the lookout for silver minted before 1964 because these coins have the highest amount of silver. Given their age, these coins won't be the ones lying around on counters or lining pockets.
They might be stored in boxes in basements, attics, sheds and makeshift storage spots that date the age of these coins. But it's a worthwhile quest. As of April 7, 2026, silver is sitting at $71.60 per ounce (2).
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Most of these coins were made with 90% silver, containing 0.715 troy ounces per $1 (3) face value. Pricing is based on their melt value. Here's a quick calculation: Melt value = spot price x silver content x face value. Based on the April 7 spot price, that $1 in coins would be worth roughly $52.
In an economy where every dollar (or dime, quarter or half dollar) counts, households who can hunt down "junk silver" might be in for a payday.
Cash doesn't always depreciate
These old silver coins aren't valuable because they're rare or few in circulation. Coins today don't contain silver, but they did before the Coinage Act of 1965, in response to rising silver prices and coin hoarders.
When referring to junk silver, it's most often dimes (Roosevelt and Mercury), quarters (Washington and Standing Liberty quarters) and half dollars (Franklin, Walking Liberty and the 1964 Kennedy half dollar).
1964 isn't a hard cut off, as the Kennedy half contained 40% silver up until 1970 (4), so don't be quick to disregard by dates alone.
Check the date on each silver coin, look at the design, and see if there's a solid grey edge around the perimeter. Modern coins have a copper color. Do a weight and sound check. As a dense metal, silver coins are heavier and produce a higher-pitch ring when dropped on a surface.
For example, a 90% silver dollar is 26.73 grams (5). A clad dollar is 22.68 grams.
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A fun family financial project
Given junk silver is usually stored in places with plenty of family memories, make it a weekend exercise. A scavenger hunt and learning experience, for any kids in the family. Share lessons about money and the value of these family heirlooms.
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Ask your extended family and talk to the older generations who might be unaware of the value of their stored coins. Check their old change from international vacations or if they immigrated, as British coins contained silver, too.
If you find old silver coins, estimate the melt value and decide whether you want to hold or sell. You could monitor the daily price and make a move when it's up.
If you're interested in buying junk silver, there are precious metals dealers, online bullion retailers, and local coin shops. Compare dealer pricing at various places, get a second or third opinion, check reviews and take your time.
These old coins are an accessible way to own physical silver, offering quick liquidity of a growing asset and a fun conversational piece. Best check that old family couch, just in case.
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
Silver Institute (1) ; Google Finance (2) ; U.S. Gold Bureau (3) ; APMEX (4) ; YouTube (5)
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Amanda Smith is a freelance journalist and writer. She reports on culture/society, technology, and health. Her ability to hold a mirror up to society, to see both the malaise and majesty, has led to assignments with highly respected titles such as The Guardian, Business Insider, MIT Tech Review, and National Geographic.
