Before coins made purely from base metals, circulating U.S. coins containing 90% actual silver served as trusted legal tender. These “junk silver” coins retain collectible and melt value. For newcomers, buying junk silver coins represents an affordable entry point for accumulating silver. Consider these tips when buying your first junk silver.
Know the Background
Junk silver refers to common-date circulated dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars minted in 1964 or earlier containing 90% pure silver. More silver by weight, Junk silver provides flexible bartering solutions during inflation compared to 99.9% pure coins which leverage collector value. Cheap Junk Silver buys allow first-time investors and collectors to inexpensively accumulate recognizable historic U.S. 90% silver coinage.
Start with Familiar Coins
For those new to buying silver altogether, purchasing a roll of pre-1965 Washington quarters or Franklin half dollars lets you begin collecting U.S. 90% junk silver coins you already recognize. Handling the smaller quarter and half dollar sizes can feel more practical for first-time silver buyers over larger Morgan dollar coins when starting out.
Mix Up Coin Sizes
While starting out collecting 90% silver U.S. coins you’re already familiar with easing the entry, consider diversifying across difference base silver coin sizes like quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars. Buying a mix of junk silver coins in different denominations allows assembling them in various quantities tailored to future bartering needs.
For example, having both 90% silver quarters and half dollars facilitates flexible exchange combinations. Should inflationary pressures call for transacting or bartering silver, having diversity across pre-1965 junk silver coinage of all types aids adapting quantities to trade in exchange for other goods. Having variation allows more flexible saving and bartering options later when exchanging silver.
Research Dealers Thoroughly
Scoring fair market value when buying Cheap Junk Silver means choosing reputable dealers with transparent upfront pricing, secure payment platforms, and guarantees around coin quality. Review dealer ratings, longevity and customer feedback first before providing any payment information or locking orders.
Consider Collectible Value Too
Beyond intrinsic base melt value, circulated vintage U.S. junk silver coins have collectible value. For example, some Barber quarters/Barber half dollars and Carson City Morgan silver dollars command higher premiums among coin collectors. Weigh options between higher-premium collectible silver versus generic bag lots when stocking up on 90% pure junk silver coins providing silver by weight alone.
