OLD COINS & NOTES COLLECTION: World Silver Coins

US Silver Coins

90% Silver Dimes, Quarters, and Half Dollars. Roosevelt and Mercury Dimes, Washington Quarters, and Walking Liberty Franklin and Kennedy Half-Dollars minted in 1964 and earlier are 90% silver. The value of most circulated coins minted in the 1920′s through 1964 is primarily from their silver content.

Roosevelt Dimes

(Years containing 90% silver: 1946-1964) If circulated, these coins are not normally worth sorting by date. Uncirculated coins of this series command a premium.

Mercury Dimes (sometimes called Winged Liberties)

(Years of issue: 1916-1945) The Mercury Dimes from 1916-1931 may be worth a closer look. While many of these dates are worth only a small premium over the common price, there are some notable exceptions. Any of the years that are uncirculated, or nearly uncirculated, could be worth a substantial premium. Even in low grade, some dates will be worth substantial premiums. Here are the key dates and coins to look for:

Date/Mint Mark Usual Range of Values
1916-D $200-$1000+
1921 $20-$200+
1921-D $20-$200+

Except for 1931, circulated dimes from the 1930′s and 1940′s are normally not worth sorting. Also of note is a seldom found over-date variety of the 1942/1 and the 1942/1-D. These are normally worth $200-$500+. All uncirculated coins from this series will bring a premium and each require individual evaluations.

Washington Quarters

(Years containing 90% silver: 1932-1964) Most circulated quarters in this era are common and trade in relation to their silver content value. All uncirculated coins in this series are worth more. The coins from the 1930′s and 1940′s may also be worth more if they are exceptionally nice circulated examples. Here are the key dates and coins to look for:

Date/Mint Mark Usual Range of Values
1932-D $40-$200+
1932-S $40-$100+

Kennedy Half Dollars

(Year containing 90% silver: 1964) The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars, in circulated condition, are common and trade in relation to their silver content value. Rolls of uncirculated coins may be worth a slight premium. Kennedy Half Dollars dated 1965-1969 are 40% silver and also trade in relation to their silver content value.

Franklin Half Dollars

(Years of Issue: 1948-1963) The Franklin Half Dollars are generally common in circulated condition. Uncirculated examples, especially of the earlier years, are worth more (often $15-$30 per coin).

Walking Liberty Half Dollars

(Years of Issue: 1916-1947) Walking Liberty Half Dollars may be worth a small premium. Uncirculated or lightly circulated coins from this series will be worth more. There are a number of dates in the series that bring a premium even in circulated condition. Here are the key dates and coins to look for:

Date/Mint Mark Usual Range of Values
1916 $15-$50+
1916-D $15-$50+
1916-S $40-$200+
1917-D (mint mark on obv.) $15-$50+
1917-S (mint mark on obv.) $15-$150+
1919 $15-$100+
1919-D $15-$100+
1919-S $15-$100+
1921 $50-$500+
1921-D $90-$500+
1921-S $15-$300+
1938-D $15-$30+

Most of the other Walking Liberty Half Dollars, in lower circulated conditions, trade near their silver content value.

Jefferson Nickel, Wartime Silver Alloy (1942-1945) 56% Copper, 35% Silver, 9% Manganese