The History Of 90% Silver Coins

Published on January 24, 2025

Before you think, “What am I going to do with 90% Silver Coins?” Let us enlighten you that some of the 90% Silver coins can be worth around $24,000 and probably more. When you are stepping into the world of 90% silver coins, it is necessary to understand what they are and what is their history?

We assure you that the history of 90% silver coins is absolutely fascinating. The most prominent silver coins from those age are the Dollars and Half Dollars.

Wondering, What age?

We assure you that the history of 90% silver coins is absolutely fascinating. The most prominent silver coins from those age are the Dollars and Half Dollars.

Wondering, What age?

The 90% silver coins were the ones produced before 1965 and are also known as Junk Silver coins. They are sold with the grades from coin grading services like NGC and PCGS but also in bags with the face value based on their current silver bullion content which is $100, $500, and $1,000.

What is Junk Silver?

Do you have an old, rusty vintage car in your backyard? Even if you don’t you understand that they are classic and are worth more than they seem. Let’s apply this to silver coins.

Prior to 1965, the coins were produced with 90% (.900) silver and were used for circulation with legal tender status, meaning monetary transactions. Some of those coins still survive today and are valuable for collectors, enthusiasts, and investors.

Why so?

These silver coins have a value more than their face value, since they contain silver, a highly desirable investment in the market. Along with bearing worth more than the face value, these 90% silver coins are a old-school method of safe and affordable investment of your hard-earned money.

History of 90% Silver Coins

The 90% silver coins were produced prior to 1965. Struck from .900 silver, these coins were dimes, quarters, dollars, and half dollars. Silver being used in coins for circulation was normal back then. However, in the Coinage Act of 1965 completely prohibited the use of silver in dimes and quarter along with reducing the content from 90% to 40% in the hald dollars.

If that was not enough, in 1970, another law removed the use of any silver in the half dollars. However, this decision couldn’t be criticed since it was made to cope with the rising demand for silver in industrial activities as well as coinage. Considering the rising want for silver, the US government decided to put a cap on the silver spot price at $1.29 per oz in government sales.

The most affected coins in this ruckus were the dollars and the half dollars. Let’s discuss them in detail and understand the necessary value of each one.

Dollars

I) Morgan Dollar

There are not enough positive adjectives to describe the Morgan Silver Dollar. Undoubtedly, one of the best American coinage ever created by the US Mint. Minted from 1878 to 1904, one year in 1921, and as a commemorative since 2021, these coins are highly in-demand.

And why would that be?

Its history, design, symbolism, and sheer beauty are reasons that make the Morgan Dollar, the great coin it is. Designed by and named after George T. Morgan, this silver coin beared the effigy of Lady Liberty (obverse) with the iconic heraldic eagle (reverse).

Based on the mintmark, condition, and year of the mintage; today the Morgan Dollar value ranges from $41 to $1,700.

II) Peace Dollar

Its like studying the master and its successor. The Peace Dollar, actually succeeded the Morgan Dollar in 1921. It was then struck from 1921 to 1928, in 1934 and 1935, and as a commemorative since 2021. Its story of introduction is a rollercoaster ride of its own.

The design was to be selected through a competition! Anthony de Francisci, a Italian-sculptor modelled his wife as Lady Liberty, since he couldn’t get a model. As the moniker, the coin was issued to send a message after the devastating effects of the World War, being the first coin to directly portray its purpose in the design.

Based on the condition, grade, clarity, and year, the peace dollar value can range from as low as $35 to hundreds and thousands of dollars.

Half Dollars

I) Kennedy Half Dollars

Remember us saying that the 90% silver coin can be worth around $24,000? That was the MS-type 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar! They were first minted in 1964 and are still being produced.

The 1964 mintage year was the only year when the coin accumulated a weight of 12.50g with 90% silver and 10% copper. Since, the coin was issued as a memorial for the Late Former President John F. Kennedy, plus the 90% silver, this half dollar became a world renowned and desired.

The Kennedy half dollar can be valued from $1.10 to $2,000, while some going as high as $24,000.

II) Franklin Half Dollars

The first coin to feature the to feature a personality other than the President is the Franklin Dollar. Featuring one of the founding father of America, Benjamin Franklin, this coin was minted from 1948 to 1963. It was designed by John R. Sinnock, but it had to be completed by his successor, Gilroy Roberts.

It depicted the bust of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. This half dollar was minted in the facilities of Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

The Franklin half dollar value ranges from $13 to a staggering $14,400 which was sold at a auction on August 11, 2020.

III) Walking Liberty Half Dollars

The Walking Liberty half dollar is unarguably one of the most iconic and desired coins in the market. Struck from 1916 to 1947, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Lady Liberty came to be known as the iconic Walking Liberty design. This design is inspired from the Baltimore sculptor Union Soldiers and Sailors Monument created by the designer himself.

Apart from its design, the Walking Lilberty Half Dollar value ranges from mere $10 to as high as thousands of dollars. Today, the circulated Walking liberty half dollar value is between $14 to $50.

Why Should You Invest in 90% Silver Coins?

As discussed and clearly mentioned, neglecting 90% silver coin will be regretful. They might not seem much, but they pack great value and long-term demand. Since, these coins are still available to collect and invest in, investors and collectors prefer them for value preservation.

Final Thoughts!

By far, the 90% silver coins have been a collectors and investors’ heaven for valuable, reliable, and durable bullion with longevity. It’s not easy to find all of these in the contemporary bullion world! From the Morgan Silver Dollars to the Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollars, the selection is rare that protects value.

You, as a clever investor, should invest in 90% silver coins or Junk silver and explore the options at BOLD Precious Metals! We look forward to looking you at the checkout page with the silver bullion of your preference.