1. What is Junk Silver?

Junk silver refers to pre-1965 U.S. coins (dimes, quarters, half dollars) that contain 90% silver but have no numismatic value above their silver content. These coins are valued primarily for their melt value.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the junk silver value formula:

Where:

• \( Face \) — Face value of coins (USD)
• \( 0.715 \) — Ounces of silver per $1 face value
• \( Spot \) — Current silver spot price (USD/oz)

Explanation: The 0.715 factor comes from the fact that $1 face value of 90% silver coins contains 0.715 troy ounces of pure silver.

3. Importance of Melt Value Calculation

Details: Knowing the melt value helps investors and collectors understand the intrinsic value of their junk silver coins and make informed buying/selling decisions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total face value of your coins (e.g., $1 for 4 quarters) and the current silver spot price. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which coins are considered junk silver?
A: Pre-1965 U.S. dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins containing 90% silver.

Q2: Why is it called "junk" silver?
A: The term refers to coins that have no collectible value beyond their silver content, not their condition.

Q3: How much silver is in $1 face value?
A: $1 face value contains 0.715 troy ounces of pure silver (0.7234 oz of 90% silver coins).

Q4: Does the calculator work for 40% silver coins?
A: No, this calculator is for 90% silver coins only. 40% silver coins (1965-1970 halves) have different silver content.

Q5: Where can I find current silver spot prices?
A: Spot prices are available from precious metals dealers, financial news sites, and commodity exchanges.