Are you interested in getting started with investing in silver but wondering where to begin? If you find yourself wondering about the difference between junk silver and bullion silver or don’t have a clue what some of the common collectible silver coins are, you’ve come to the right place. Below are some of the most popular options for those entering the collectible silver market, brought to you by the experts from First National Bullion and Coin. San Diego collectors trust us for our industry knowledge and high-quality service.

Bullion Silver

The three bullion coins listed below are minted by their respective federal governments and are valid legal tender. Investors collect them both for their tendency to increase in value and for their aesthetic appeal. 

Morgan Silver Dollar

The U.S. minted Morgan silver dollars from 1878 to 1904 and for the single year 1921. With a silver content of 90 percent, the Morgan silver dollar held approximately the same value as the Spanish dollar used by American colonists before the establishment of a national mint. This “Wild West” dollar designed by George T. Morgan is the most popular coin on the American market.

Silver American Eagles

These are the only silver bullion coins in the world whose silver content, weight, and purity are guaranteed by the U.S. government. Circulated coins may sell for a dollar over the current exchange price for silver, while uncirculated coins are worth approximately two dollars over the current exchange price (spot price). Silver American eagle bullion coins with mint marks from the years 1986 and 2001 sell at a premium thanks to their relative rarity.

Silver Canadian Maple Leafs

Canada’s government-issued equivalent of the silver American eagle bullion coin sells for about the same price as its American counterpart if uncirculated. The Canadian coins tend to increase in value a little more rapidly than their American counterparts, though, due to the lower numbers of bullion coins minted by Canada. 

Junk Silver

These U.S. circulating coins are classed as “junk silver” because their value to coin collectors is relatively low compared to the value of the silver content they contain. Coins in this category vary in value according to the going exchange rate for silver. Junk silver coins are typically sold by the roll or the bag. 

Half-Dollars

Kennedy half-dollars from 1964 are worth a premium if uncirculated. The value of circulated 1964 Kennedy half-dollars is only in relation to their silver content. Kennedy half-dollars made from 1965 through 1969 are only 40 percent silver.

Franklin half-dollars were composed of 90 percent silver from 1948 to 1963. Although these coins are common, uncirculated coins may be worth a premium, especially those from the 1940s.

Lightly circulated and uncirculated Walking Liberty half-dollars are generally worth a premium. Various mint marks are worth higher premiums, with the most valuable being 1921-D, ranging in value from $90 to $500. 

Washington Quarters

U.S. quarters were composed of 90 percent silver between 1932 and 1964. Circulated coins from the 1930s and 1940s may be worth a premium if they’re in exceptionally fine condition, and all uncirculated coins from this period are worth appraising. Those with the mint marks 1932-D and 1932-S have the most value.

If you live in San Diego, silver bars and coins of the highest quality are available at First National Bullion and Coin. We buy and sell all kinds of precious metals, including silver, platinum, gold, and palladium. San Diego collectors who are looking for trustworthy dealers and high-quality service should give us a call at 858-666-6570 to speak with one of our precious metals experts. 

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.