This reference covers common circulation issues and selected collector exceptions. It is a quick screen, not a substitute for coin-specific identification.
Common silver years at a glance
Dimes and quarters struck for normal circulation through 1964 generally have 90% silver. Kennedy half dollars are 90% in 1964 and 40% for regular 1965–1970 issues. Wartime nickels with the large reverse mint mark are 35% silver. Classic Morgan and Peace dollars are 90% silver.
When a date is not sufficient
Not all 1942 nickels are silver, not all 1976-S coins use silver, and some modern silver proofs share dates with non-silver circulation coins. Confirm the specific strike, finish and mint-product variant.
Use the right measure
Find the coin’s fine silver content and multiply by your entered silver spot price. For large circulated face-value lots of pre-1965 dimes/quarters/halves, a wear-adjusted convention may be more appropriate.
Save suspicious coins for research
Any unusual date or mint mark, error, proof, or very well-preserved coin should be considered separately before bulk sale.
Put the formula to work
Open our multi-coin calculator to enter coin quantities and your own silver or gold spot quotation. For mixed lots, save a private collection and print a metal-content worksheet.
See the source and calculation methodology for published nominal fine-metal weights and additional research references.