90% US Pre-1964 Silver Coins

90% silver coins have a special place in the hearts of collectors and investors alike. Before 1964, the U.S. Mint used 90% silver and 10% copper composition in many of its circulated coins. This combination was highly valued for its silver content until the Mint transitioned to other compositions in the 1960s.

The shift from the 90% silver composition to the less silver-intensive coins led to significant public interest in hoarding these older, higher silver content coins. Their recognition as genuine U.S. currency adds to their appeal among collectors and investors.

Coins like the Morgan Silver Dollars, Washington Quarters, and Mercury Dimes were minted with this 90% silver content. When identifying these coins, the silver-colored rim serves as a key indicator. If the rim shows a silver color, the coin contains 90% silver; whereas, if the rim exhibits a copper tone, it indicates a clad coin without silver content.

Junk silver, despite its name, refers to these circulated coins that hold intrinsic silver value but lack any significant numismatic value beyond their silver content. They’re sought after purely for their silver value, making them a popular choice among those who invest in precious metals.