Junk Silver

Gold Bullion Offers Secure Investment for Turbulent Times

In decades past, junk silver coins — which contain 90% silver — served as legal tender for everyday necessities like food and clothing.

These days, people purchase junk silver for both investment and survival purposes.

While junk silver coins do not contain an even amount of bullion (like 1-oz American Silver Eagles) they possess qualities that sometimes make them preferable to bullion coins.

Note: It is called junk silver when a coin’s value is based solely on its metal content. This is different from scrap silver.

Why Buy Junk Silver Coins?

Besides investment purposes, people buy junk silver coins (like pre-1965 half-dollars, quarters and dimes) as a means of survival: in case of a total collapse of the U.S. dollar.

Other reasons include:

  • Hedge Against Inflation – A 90% junk silver quarter was worth 25 cents in 1964. Today, it's worth over 20 times as much!
  • Bartering Tools – One ounce silver and gold coins may be difficult to trade for everyday items in an emergency. Junk silver comes in smaller quantities, which is more conducive to bartering.
  • Low Premiums – Since its value is based strictly on silver content, junk silver coins sell for lower premiums than bullion coins like the American Silver Eagle.

Ninety-percent junk silver coins are available individually, or in bags containing a particular face value, or legal tender value. A $5 face value of pre-1965 quarters, for example consists of 20 quarters. Each $1 face value of quarters contains .715 ounces of silver.

How Do I Buy Junk Silver?

At Provident Metals, you can purchase as little as $1 in face value of junk silver coins, all the way up to $1000.

Investors large-and-small have access to a wide variety of junk silver, including:

  • Dimes – Pre-1965 U.S. Dimes containing 90% silver (Liberty Head, Mercury, Roosevelt designs)
  • Quarters – Pre-1965 U.S. Quarters containing 90% silver (Liberty Head, Standing Liberty, Washington designs)
  • Half-Dollars – Pre-1965 U.S. Half-Dollars containing 90% silver (Liberty Head, Walking Liberty, Franklin, Kennedy)
  • Dollars – Morgan and Peace designs containing 90% silver, minted from 1878 to 1935
  • Kennedy Half-Dollars (1965-1970, 1976) and War Nickels (1942-1945) – Contain 40% and 35% silver, respectively.

Where Can I Buy Junk Silver Coins?

To see our current stock of junk silver coins, browse our website for up-to-date prices and availability. Our secure online ordering system makes purchasing junk silver quick, simple and safe — and your coins will arrive in just days. If you prefer to place an order by phone, call (800) 313-3315 to speak with one of our expert representatives.