Common Coins that are Made of Silver (including Dimes & Quarters)

Kennedy Half Dollars

Kennedy Half Dollars started production in 1964, and as one might guess, feature the late John F. Kennedy. The production of these coins saw a shift from 90% silver like previous coins to 40% silver content, to being completely made of copper and nickel. Here is a breakdown of the production:

1964

The first year of issue for the Kennedy Half Dollar was 1964. These coins were made of 90% silver, similar to the composition of earlier silver coins.

These coins have the same intrinsic value as the half dollars above and would use the same calculation.

Value of a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar: Weight in Troy Ounces * Purity * Price of Silver = (.3617) x (.9) x ($23.04) = $7.50

1965-1970

From 1965 to 1970, Kennedy Half Dollars were minted with a reduced silver content of 40%. These coins are often referred to as “40% silver” or “silver-clad” coins.

Let’s calculate the intrinsic value of a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar coin:

Weight: 12.5 grams, 0.3617 troy ounces

Purity: 40% Silver

Current Price of Silver: $23.04/ounce

Value of a 1965-70 Kennedy Half Dollar: Weight in Troy Ounces * Purity * Price of Silver = (.3617) x (.4) x ($23.04) = $3.33

It’s tough to get too excited about, but $3.33 is still over 600% better than the $0.50 face value, so it’s worth separating them and selling them for their silver.

1971-Present

After 1970, Kennedy Half Dollars are composed of copper and nickel, making them non-silver coins. Without the high silver composition, they offer a negligible intrinsic value and no real collectable value either. In order for your Kennedy Half Dollars to be worth more than their face value, they need to have been minted before 1970. However, there have been special issues and collector sets with silver versions released in some years that we’ll cover below.

Kennedy Half Dollars are collectable, but they rarely fetch high prices like older coins. At Cash for Gold Mailer, we guarantee an offer of 95% of the coin’s intrinsic value, but during times of high demand may pay even more. We’re very knowledgeable about rarer mints and pay a premium for any coins with collectible value!

Hint: The top 5 rarest Kennedy Half Dollars are the 1970-D, 1987-P, 1998-S, 1974-D, and 1964 Accented Hair variations. There are many more that are worth more than standard collectible value, so it’s still worth checking them first (or we will for you), but these are some of the most sought-after years and mintmarks.

Kennedy Half Dollars are still being minted to this day, and they are intended to be used as currency (although they aren’t much). Over the years, there have also been several different special releases for collectors. Below, we’ll cover a few of those special editions of Kennedy Half Dollars:

Special Editions of Kennedy Half Dollars

Silver Proof Sets (1992-Present): The U.S. Mint has issued Silver Proof Sets annually, which include Kennedy Half Dollars struck in 90% silver. These sets typically consist of proof versions of circulating coinage. From an intrinsic value perspective, you would use the same calculation as the older mint coins. However, these have less collectible value and aren’t as rare, so it’s much less likely that you’ll have a coin worth more than its intrinsic or basic collectable value.

Special Mint Sets (1965-1967): During the years when regular mint sets were not produced, the U.S. Mint released Special Mint Sets. Kennedy Half Dollars in these sets were struck with a higher quality finish than regular circulating coins. Their value does not significantly differ from other coins produced during this period.

1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar: In celebration of the United States Bicentennial, special Kennedy Half Dollars were minted in 1975 and 1976. The coins feature a dual date of “1776-1976” on the obverse. Made from copper and nickel, it has no intrinsic value.

200th Anniversary Coinage Set (1993): This set included a Kennedy Half Dollar struck at the West Point Mint with a “W” mintmark, making it the first time a Kennedy Half Dollar bore this mintmark. Made from copper and nickel, it has no intrinsic value.

50th Anniversary Gold Proof (2014): In 2014, the U.S. Mint issued a limited edition 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half Dollar Gold Proof. These coins were struck in 24-karat gold. Of course, these coins will be unmistakably gold in color, so they won’t get lost amongst a pile of basic Kennedy Half Dollars. But weighing in a .75 troy ounces and composed of 24 karat gold, this coin is much more valuable than typical silver dollars. With gold currently at $2042/ounce, the value would be:
Value of the 24k Gold Kennedy Proof: Weight in Ounces * Purity * Price of Gold= (.82285) x (1.00) x (2042) = $1680.26

2015 High Relief Gold Coin: To mark the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Half Dollar, the U.S. Mint issued a special High Relief Gold Coin featuring the original 1964 design. Made from copper and nickel, it has no intrinsic value.

2022 Kennedy Half Dollar Reverse Proof Set: In 2022, the U.S. Mint released a special set containing Reverse Proof Kennedy Half Dollars, showcasing a reverse design inspired by the original 1964 high-relief design. Made from copper and nickel, it has no intrinsic value.

As long as they were produced in 1964 or earlier, silver half dollars are most likely to net you about $7.50 each. It’s always smart to check the year and mintmark to see if you have a rarer issue, thus increasing the collector value of the pieces. Even if you’re not an expert, you can find lists of rare combinations online or run searches for the coins you have to see if they turn up anything interesting. Or, you can just send them in to us for analysis. We’ll let you know if you have anything particular rare, explain our valuations, and make you an offer for your coins.

Silver Quarters

Quarters have been around for a long time. Since 1796, in fact. They were produced with 90% silver and 10% copper, a composition that continued until 1964. As you might imagine, early quarters wouldn’t be considered “common silver coins” and you just won’t find them in circulation anymore. They would have been removed for their collectable value long ago, or realistically they just wouldn’t have lasted this long. In fact, if you find a quarter from 1930 or earlier, it’s a collector piece and you wouldn’t want to sell it to us for its intrinsic value. Here’s a (very) fast overview of old quarters:

1796-1837: Early Draped Bust and Capped Bust Quarters were minted in various years during this period, and they were composed of 90% silver.

1838-1891: Seated Liberty Quarters, featuring Liberty seated on a rock, were minted during these years.

1892-1916: Barber Quarters, featuring the head of Liberty and a depiction of an eagle on the reverse, were minted during this period.

1916-1930: Standing Liberty Quarters were introduced in 1916 and underwent a design change in 1917 to address wear issues.

Washington Quarters

Washington Quarters were first minted in 1932 to celebrate his 200th birthday, and they’ve been the face of quarters ever since. And for that reason, Washington Quarters can sometimes slip into common change piles, as they have the same design as modern quarters. Of course they are 60+ years old now, so they may look a bit older, but the silver quarters are better than your average quarter!

1932-1964: Washington Quarters were first minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Until 1964, Washington Quarters were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.

Let’s calculate the intrinsic value of a Washington Quarters (1932-1964):

Weight: 6.25 grams, 0.2009 troy ounces

Purity: 90% Silver

Current Price of Silver: $23.04/ounce

Value of a 1932-64 Washington Quarters: Weight in Troy Ounces * Purity * Price of Silver = (.1808) x (.9) x ($23.04) = $3.75

At 15x its intrinsic value, that’s a pretty good rate of return. So if you get one of these in your change after buying a coffee, you can basically buy another one for only a quarter!

Obviously, you won’t get rich finding a silver quarter, but they’re fun to look for and can add up. So if you have a few, you might as well send them in with your gold jewelry when you’re selling it!

Hint: A few Washington Quarters to look out for are the 1932-D, 1932-S, 1936-D, 1937-S, 1940-D, 1950 D/S Overmintmark, 1955, and 1955-D variations. Even if it’s not on this list, it’s still worth checking them first (or we will for you), but these are some of the most sought-after years and mintmarks.

In 1965, the U.S. Mint transitioned from silver to a copper-nickel clad composition for quarters as a cost-saving measure. Quarters minted from 1965 to 1970 do not contain silver and are commonly referred to as “clad” quarters. Over the years, other quarter variations have been created, such as the statehood quarters that feature designs of each state. Like the post-1964 Washington Quarters, they are made entirely of copper and nickel.

 

Silver Dimes

Dimes have been around since 1796, like quarters, and they follow a similar production trajectory. They were produced with 90% silver and 10% copper as well, and finally switched at the same time in 1964. Early dimes wouldn’t be considered “common silver coins” and you just won’t find them in circulation anymore. If you find a dime from 1916 or earlier, it’s a collector piece and you wouldn’t want to sell it to us for its intrinsic value. Here’s a (very) fast overview of collectable old silver dimes:

Draped Bust Dimes (1796-1807): The first silver dimes, known as Draped Bust Dimes, were minted from 1796 to 1807. These early dimes featured a design with a draped bust of Liberty on the obverse and a small eagle on the reverse.

Capped Bust Dimes (1809-1837): Capped Bust Dimes succeeded the Draped Bust design and were minted from 1809 to 1837. The design included Liberty with a Liberty cap on the front and a heraldic eagle on the back.

Seated Liberty Dimes (1837-1891): Seated Liberty Dimes were produced from 1837 to 1891. The design featured Liberty seated on a rock on the obverse and various designs on the reverse, including an eagle.

Barber Dimes (1892-1916): Barber Dimes, named after their designer Charles E. Barber, were minted from 1892 to 1916. The design included a bust of Liberty on the front and an agricultural wreath on the back.

On to more common silver coins. Mercy Dimes were first minted in 1916 and are the same color and shape as modern dimes, so you’ll occasionally find one in an old pile of change. Of course they are mostly 80+ years old now, so they may be a bit worse for the wear. Since Roosevelt Dimes look the same as modern dimes, it’s much easier for those to slip into your change. It’s a good habit to check the year of older looking dimes!

Mercury Dimes (1916-1945): Mercury Dimes, featuring a depiction of Liberty with wings on the front (though often mistaken for the god Mercury), were minted from 1916 to 1945. The reverse displayed a fasces and an olive branch. Since these look a bit more unique and are older, you’re less likely to find these since they are easier to identify as unusual.

Let’s calculate the intrinsic value of a Mercury Dimes:

Weight: 2.5 grams, 0.0834 troy ounces

Purity: 90% Silver

Current Price of Silver: $23.04/ounce

Value of a Mercy Dimes: Weight in Troy Ounces * Purity * Price of Silver = (.0834) x (.9) x ($23.04) = $1.73

Hint: A few Mercury Dimes to look out for are the 1916-D, 1921, 1926-S, 1930-S, 1931-D, 1942/1941 Overdates variations. Even if it’s not on this list, it’s still worth checking them first (or we will for you), but these are some of the most sought-after years and mintmarks.

Roosevelt Dimes (1946-1964): The transition to clad coinage occurred after 1964 for circulating dimes, meaning dimes produced from 1946 to 1964 are composed of silver. Since they look just like current dimes, you’ll sometimes find these in circulation.

Roosevelt Dimes have the same weight and composition as Mercury Dimes, so the calculation is the same as above:

Value of a Roosevelt Dimes: Weight in Troy Ounces * Purity * Price of Silver = (.0834) x (.9) x ($23.04) = $1.73

At 17x its intrinsic value, that’s a pretty good rate of return. Worth picking out of your change, but it won’t add up too fast. If you have a few, you might as well send them in with your gold jewelry when you’re selling it!

Hint: A few Roosevelt Dimes to look out for are the 1950-S, 1955, 1964-D, 1964 Special Mint Set, and early proof issues. Even if it’s not on this list, it’s still worth checking them first (or we will for you), but these are some of the most sought-after years and mintmarks.

In 1965, the U.S. Mint transitioned from silver to a copper-nickel clad composition for quarters as a cost-saving measure. Quarters minted from 1965 to 1970 do not contain silver and are commonly referred to as “clad” quarters. Over the years, other quarter variations have been created, such as the statehood quarters that feature designs of each state. Like the post-1964 Washington Quarters, they are made entirely of copper and nickel.

 

Summary of Common Silver Coins

While silver has increased in value over the years, its value for most common silver coins is still quite modest. Silver Washington Quarters and Mercury Dimes can be great finds that are worth more than their face value, and they’re totally worth including if you’re sending us gold or silver for cash.

Don’t underestimate what old coins could be worth either! Since we pay at least 95% of the value of gold and silver coins, you’re getting very good value for your metal value. Request a free mailer kit today to receive a free evaluation and see how much the value of your coins and other precious metals can add up!

To summarize, keep an eye out for the following common silver coins:

• Morgan Silver Dollars
• Silver Peace Dollars
• Walking Liberty Half Dollars
• Franklin Half Dollars
• Kennedy Half Dollars from 1971 and earlier
• Washington Quarters from 1964 and earlier
• Roosevelt Dimes from 1964 and earlier
• Mercury Dimes (1945 and earlier)