How junk silver is calculated
The silver content in US constitutional silver coins follows a simple formula derived from US Mint coin specifications. For 90% silver:
Silver (ozt) = face value ($) × 0.7234
This 0.7234 figure comes from the dime's exact weight: 2.5 g × 0.900 ÷ 31.1035 g/ozt = 0.07234 ozt per dime × 10 dimes per dollar = 0.7234 ozt per dollar face. All 90% US coin types share the same relationship.
Constitutional silver conversion table
| Coin type | Silver % | Per $1 face (ozt) | Per coin (ozt) | Melt at $60.73 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimes (1916–1964) | 90% | 0.7234 | 0.0723 | $4.39 ea. |
| Quarters (1932–1964) | 90% | 0.7234 | 0.1808 | $10.98 ea. |
| Halves (1916–1964) | 90% | 0.7234 | 0.3617 | $21.96 ea. |
| Dollars (Morgan, Peace) | 90% | 0.7234 | 0.7734 | $46.95 ea. |
| Kennedy Half (1965–1970) | 40% | 0.2958 | 0.1479 | $8.98 ea. |
| War Nickel (1942–1945) | 35% | 1.1252 | 0.0563 | $3.42 ea. |
Spot price: $60.73/ozt silver (October 7, 2026 snapshot). Use the calculator above for live prices.
The 0.715 vs 0.7234 distinction
You may see 0.715 ozt quoted for $1 face of 90% silver. This is a practical dealer figure that accounts for slight weight loss from coin wear. New, uncirculated coins yield the theoretical 0.7234 ozt. When buying bags of circulated junk silver, the industry standard is 0.715 ozt per dollar face. This calculator uses the theoretical 0.7234 (precise); adjust manually if buying worn coins.
Worked example — $100 face of 90% silver quarters
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Silver content | $100 × 0.7234 ozt/$ | 72.34 ozt Ag |
| Melt value at $60.73/ozt | 72.34 × $60.73 | $4,391.60 |
| Dealer at 80% of melt | $4,391.60 × 0.80 | $3,513.28 |
Sources
Coin specifications from the US Mint. The 35% war nickel composition is specified in the Coinage Act of 1942 (Public Law 77-603). Silver spot from gold-api.com.