90% Silver Specifications
Technical details and silver content calculations for pre-1965 U.S. constitutional silver.
Specifications by Denomination
| Denomination | Face Value | Silver Content | Total Weight | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 oz | 2.50 g | 17.9 mm |
| Quarter | $0.25 | 0.1788 oz | 6.25 g | 24.3 mm |
| Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 oz | 12.50 g | 30.6 mm |
The 0.715 Formula
Every dollar of pre-1965 face value contains exactly 0.715 troy ounces of pure silver. This makes calculating silver content simple:
Face Value × 0.715 = Troy Ounces of Silver
$100 Face Value
71.5 oz silver
$500 Face Value
357.5 oz silver
$1000 Face Value
715 oz silver
$1000 Face Value Bag Specifications
A standard $1000 face value bag is the most common unit for trading 90% silver:
| Silver Content | ~715 troy ounces |
| Approximate Weight | ~55 pounds (25 kg) |
| Silver Purity | 90% (0.900 fine) |
| Copper Content | 10% by weight |
| Coin Count (dimes) | 10,000 coins |
| Coin Count (quarters) | 4,000 coins |
| Coin Count (halves) | 2,000 coins |
Eligible Dates for 90% Silver
Not all old U.S. coins are 90% silver. Here are the correct date ranges:
Dimes: 1892-1964
Barber (1892-1916), Mercury (1916-1945), Roosevelt (1946-1964). All 90% silver.
Quarters: 1892-1964
Barber (1892-1916), Standing Liberty (1916-1930), Washington (1932-1964). All 90% silver.
Half Dollars: 1892-1964
Barber (1892-1915), Walking Liberty (1916-1947), Franklin (1948-1963), Kennedy (1964 only). All 90% silver.
Important: Kennedy Half Dollars
Only 1964 Kennedy halves are 90% silver. The 1965-1970 Kennedy halves are 40% silver (different product). Post-1970 halves contain no silver.
90% Silver vs Modern Bullion
Understanding how 90% silver compares to .999 fine bullion:
| Attribute | 90% Silver | .999 Bullion |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 90% (0.900) | 99.9% (0.999) |
| IRA Eligible | No | Yes |
| Typical Premium | 2-5% | 4-6% |
| Divisibility | Excellent | Limited |
| Recognition | U.S. Coinage | Mint Specific |
Learn more about constitutional silver at Monex Junk Silver Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much silver is in a $1000 face value bag?
A $1000 face value bag of 90% silver coins contains approximately 715 troy ounces of pure silver. This applies regardless of the denomination mix (dimes, quarters, or half dollars) since all contain the same silver content per dollar of face value.
Why are pre-1965 coins 90% silver and not pure silver?
The 90% silver / 10% copper alloy was chosen for durability. Pure silver would wear too quickly in everyday circulation. The copper content provided strength while maintaining substantial silver value. This alloy was the U.S. standard from 1792 to 1964.
How do I calculate the silver value of 90% coins?
Multiply the face value by 0.715 to get troy ounces of silver, then multiply by the current spot price. For example: $100 face value × 0.715 = 71.5 oz silver × $30/oz spot = $2,145 melt value.
Are all pre-1965 U.S. coins 90% silver?
Dimes, quarters, and half dollars dated 1964 or earlier are 90% silver. Note: Kennedy half dollars from 1965-1970 contain only 40% silver, not 90%. Nickels and pennies never contained silver (except wartime nickels 1942-1945).
Does wear affect the silver content of 90% coins?
Minimal. While circulated coins show wear, the silver content remains very close to original specifications. The 0.715 oz per dollar formula accounts for average wear. Heavily worn coins may have slightly less silver, but the difference is typically negligible.
What's the difference between 90% silver and .999 fine bullion?
90% silver coins contain 90% silver and 10% copper by weight. Modern bullion is 99.9% pure silver. While bullion has higher purity, 90% silver is priced by its actual silver content, so purity percentage doesn't affect per-ounce value. However, 90% silver is not IRA-eligible.
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