How coin melt value is calculated
Melt value is the intrinsic metal value of a coin — what the metal inside is worth at current spot prices, independent of numismatic premium or condition. The formula is straightforward:
Melt value = metal content (ozt) × spot price ($/ozt)
Worked example — 1964 Washington Quarter
A Washington quarter dated 1932–1964 contains 6.25 grams of 90% silver alloy.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Gross weight | US Mint spec | 6.25 g |
| Silver content | 6.25 g × 0.900 | 5.625 g Ag |
| Convert to troy oz | 5.625 g ÷ 31.1035 g/ozt | 0.1808 ozt Ag |
| Melt value at $30/ozt | 0.1808 ozt × $30.00 | $5.42 |
| Melt value at $60.73/ozt (Oct 2026 snapshot) | 0.1808 × $60.73 | $10.98 |
Worked example — 1 oz American Gold Eagle
The Gold Eagle contains exactly 1.0000 troy oz of gold regardless of its 33.93 g gross weight (the extra weight is copper/silver alloy).
| Gold spot | Melt value |
|---|---|
| $4,000/ozt | $4,000.00 |
| $4,134.80/ozt (Oct 2026 snapshot) | $4,134.80 |
Silver coin reference table
| Coin | Years | Silver (ozt) | Melt at $60.73 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roosevelt / Mercury Dime | 1916–1964 | 0.0723 | $4.39 |
| Washington Quarter | 1932–1964 | 0.1808 | $10.98 |
| Walking Liberty / Franklin / Kennedy Half | 1916–1964 | 0.3617 | $21.96 |
| Kennedy Half (40% clad) | 1965–1970 | 0.1479 | $8.98 |
| Morgan / Peace Dollar | 1878–1935 | 0.7734 | $46.95 |
| War Nickel (35% Ag) | 1942–1945 | 0.0563 | $3.42 |
| American Silver Eagle | 1986–present | 0.9990 | $60.67 |
Spot price used: $60.73/ozt silver as of October 7, 2026 snapshot (gold-api.com). Values recalculate live when you use the calculator.
Melt value vs numismatic value
Melt value is a floor, not a ceiling. Coins in good condition, key dates, or from scarce mints can sell for multiples of melt. Before melting or selling any coin, check a current price guide (PCGS or NGC price guides list retail values by grade). The 1932-D and 1932-S Washington quarters, for example, are worth hundreds of dollars in melt-value metal but thousands of dollars as collector coins.
Troy ounce vs avoirdupois ounce
All precious metal prices are quoted in troy ounces. One troy ounce = 31.1035 grams. One regular (avoirdupois) ounce = 28.3495 grams. The troy ounce is about 10% heavier. Never use an avoirdupois ounce when calculating precious metal melt values — it will understate the result.
Data sources
Coin weights and compositions are from US Mint coin specifications and the Coinage Acts of 1873 and 1965. Spot prices from gold-api.com, refreshed every 10 minutes during your session.
Disclaimer
Melt value is not what a dealer will pay — expect 70–95% of melt. This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Verify critical figures before any transaction.