Junk silver holds a unique charm and value that has captivated collectors and investors for generations. Its name can be a bit of a misnomer but make no mistake—junk silver can fetch you a pretty penny! So what is considered junk silver, and is it worth collecting? Keep reading to find out!
What Is Considered Junk Silver?
Junk silver refers to coins minted pre-1965 that are worth their content of silver. They were once commonly used in everyday transactions before the transition to base metals like copper and nickel due to rising silver prices.
Junk silver coins include war nickels, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars. The term “junk” simply refers to the fact that these coins generally don’t hold any numismatic value due to their lack of rarity or collector-grade condition. However, they possess intrinsic value thanks to their silver content.
What’s the Difference Between Junk Silver and Bullion?
People collect pure bullion, junk silver, and even junk silver as bullion. The primary, and most significant difference, is that pure bullion is .999 pure and junk silver is .900 pure.
Should You Collect Junk Silver?
One of the most compelling reasons to collect junk silver is because of its intrinsic value. Unlike paper currency, which can be susceptible to inflation and devaluation, junk silver will (almost) always retain its value, and potentially rise in value,because of its silver content. Historically, precious metals have been a way to protect oneself against economic uncertainty and inflation. By holding junk silver, you have a tangible asset that can retain value, and potentially grow in value, even in challenging economic times.
Additionally, junk silver collections can encompass a wide range of coins, each with its own unique characteristics and history. Whether you’re interested in Mercury dimes, Barber quarters, or Kennedy half-dollars, there’s a diverse selection of coins to choose from. This variety allows collectors to curate collections that reflect their personal interests and preferences.
Start Your Junk Silver Collection at David’s Jewelry & Coin Exchange
If you’re looking to start a junk silver collection, we’re here to help! Buying and selling coins and bullion is our passion, and with over 30 years of coin broker experience, we’ve come to learn a lot about it. Give us a call or stop by to get in touch today!
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We are so proud of our team member Will Cooper and his recently published article “Generation Z’s New Collecting Style” in the July 2020 issue of The Numismatist magazine. In his article, Will discusses Generation Z’s collecting style of combining technology and numismatics (the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money and related objects) and how they have revolutionized the hobby entirely using social media platforms.
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