| A worthless silver coin for collecting purposes is | | | | silver value. These coins minted before 1966 |
| any circulated silver coin that is only in fair | | | | contained 80% silver. In 1967, they transitioned to |
| condition and has value to collectors beyond the | | | | 50% silver by minting both 50% and 80% coins, |
| value of the silver bullion it contains. | | | | but by 1968, they were all 50%. |
| This is an unofficial term used in the United States | | | | While not as common as in the past, many junk |
| and Canada. Junk silver is not scrap silver. These | | | | silver coins are still in circulation in the United |
| coins can still be spent in the US and Canadian | | | | States and Canada. People wishing to collect junk |
| markets for the value stamped on the coin. | | | | silver can purchase these coins for a small |
| However, coin collectors call them "junk" because | | | | premium over the price of silver at the current |
| they have little numismatic, or trading, value. | | | | time. Especially during periods when the economy |
| The Mercury and Roosevelt dimes, the | | | | is stable, this has become an affordable way to |
| Washington quarters, and the Franklin and | | | | invest in silver at levels below bullion prices. |
| Kennedy half dollars are the most popular US | | | | Because these coins are legal tender, they will |
| coins collected for junk silver. These coins, minted | | | | never fall below their face value, regardless of |
| before 1964, contain 90% silver composition, with | | | | how low silver may fall. The current values for |
| 0.7 troy ounces of silver per each dollar of face | | | | the coins listed above range from $.90 to around |
| value. Kennedy half-dollars minted from 1965 to | | | | $11 US. The Morgan Dollar and the Peace Dollar |
| 1970 contain 40% silver composition, so they are | | | | have the highest value, and the Mercury and |
| collected but are not as popular. The Peace Dollar | | | | Roosevelt dimes have the lowest. |
| (minted from 1921 to 1928, then again in 1934 | | | | Junk silver coins have become a popular collectible |
| and 1935) is also collected for its silver value, | | | | among survivalist. These individuals have |
| which is high at a little over 90%. However, these | | | | speculated that a disaster or crisis will eventually |
| are more rare and may have collectible value | | | | occur which will render the paper currency |
| beyond the value of the silver. | | | | worthless and that silver will be the currency of |
| Circulated Canadian coins - dollars, half dollars, | | | | choice because of its inherent value. |
| dimes and quarters - may also be sought for their | | | | |