Guides · Silver coin melt values
Silver Coin Melt-Value Cheat Sheet
Melt value is the silver inside a coin. To estimate it, multiply the coin’s actual silver weight (ASW, in troy ounces) by today’s silver spot price.
Example: a roll of 50 silver dimes holds 50 × 0.0723 = 3.62 troy oz of silver.
US silver coins: actual silver weight
| Coin | Years | Silver | ASW (troy oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimes (Mercury, Roosevelt) | 1964 and earlier | 90% | 0.0723 |
| Quarters (Washington and older) | 1964 and earlier | 90% | 0.1808 |
| Half dollars (Walking Liberty, Franklin, 1964 Kennedy) | 1964 and earlier | 90% | 0.3617 |
| Kennedy half dollars | 1965–1970 | 40% | 0.1479 |
| Jefferson “war nickels” (large mintmark above Monticello) | 1942–1945 | 35% | 0.0563 |
| Morgan and Peace silver dollars | 1878–1935 | 90% | 0.7734 |
| Eisenhower dollars, S-mint silver collector issues | 1971–1976 | 40% | 0.3161 |
| American Silver Eagle | 1986–present | 99.9% | 1.0000 |
War nickels are listed for their silver content only. Apex Gold Silver Coin does not buy pennies or nickels, including war nickels, unless they are a rare date and already graded. Here’s why.
Quick rule for 90% coins: $1 face value of dimes, quarters or halves holds about 0.715 troy oz of silver (slightly less for worn coins).
Good to know
- Silver dollars get their own offer. Morgan and Peace dollars are priced separately from 90% dimes, quarters and halves, and some dates carry collector value above melt.
- Don’t clean coins. Cleaning can lower collector value.
- Keep collections together. Bring rolls, sets and albums as they are.
- Silver prices move every day. Call (336) 505-9503 for today’s pricing or a free soft estimate.
These guides are general information, not financial or professional advice. They are a baseline reflecting our opinion, and Apex Gold Silver Coins is not liable for any errors or for decisions made based on this information. Prices and values change; bring your items in for a current offer.
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Bring it in. We test it. Get paid.
No appointment needed. Apex Gold Silver Coin, 605 Walnut St SW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Monday to Friday 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 12 to 3 PM.
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