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90% Silver Coins

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90% Silver Coins at Provident Metals

Modern silver bullion such as coins, bars, and rounds, all have at least a .999 pure silver purity. However, there was a time before modern silver bullion when silver circulation coins were issued with 90% silver content. In the United States in particular, this went on for nearly 130 years. Learn more about 90% Silver Coins, right here at Provident Metals.

Background of 90% Silver Coins

When the US Mint first started issuing coins in 1792, these strikes were done in either copper or a silver and copper mixture. The inclusion of copper gave these circulation coins durability to better resist wear and tear.

From 1794 to 1836, most denominations under the $1 (USD) that the US Mint issued were comprised of 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper. In 1836, the silver content in American coins began to change with the introduction of the Seated Liberty design on the dime, quarter, half-dollar, and dollar. Along with the design change, the US Mint upped the silver content to 90%.

This new 90% silver and 10% copper mixture was used until 1964. Nowadays, collectors and investors purchase 90% Silver Coins as a more affordable option to invest in silver in bulk.

Examples of 90% Silver Coins

The era of 90% Silver Coins debuted with the Seated Liberty design in 1836 and ran until 1964. US Mint coins issued prior to 1836 will have a different composition, with silver content being lower than 90%. Some popular options you can look out for are the following:

  • US Dime: Seated Liberty, Barber Coinage, Mercury/ Winged Liberty, Roosevelt Dime (through 1964 only).
  • US Quarter: Seated Liberty, Barber Coinage, Standing Liberty, Washington Quarter (through 1964 only).
  • US Half Dollar: Seated Liberty, Barber Coinage, Walking Liberty, Benjamin Franklin, Kennedy Half Dollar (through 1964 only).
  • US Dollar: Seated Liberty, Morgan Dollar, Peace Dollar (last date mark 1935).

Why is it called “Junk Silver”?

When looking to invest in 90% Silver Coins, you’ll often hear the term “Junk Silver.” This term is used as 90% Silver Coins offer no numismatic value in terms of collectability. People buy 90% Silver Coins simply for the silver value of the coin.

Buying 90% Silver Coins at Provident Metals

Call the Provident Metals customer service team at 1-800-313-3315 with any inquiries you may have about 90% Silver Coins. Our team is additionally available via email or through our online chat feature as well.