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90% Silver Coins
90% Silver Coins
90% silver coins, often referred to as "junk silver," are U.S. coins minted before 1965 that contain 90% pure silver. These coins, which include dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars, were once used in everyday transactions but are now valued primarily for their silver content. While they no longer hold significant numismatic value, 90% silver coins are popular among investors looking for affordable ways to invest in physical silver. Their lower premiums over the spot price of silver make them an attractive option for those wanting to diversify their portfolios with silver that is easily recognizable and divisible. Many collectors also appreciate these coins for their historical significance and tangible connection to America's monetary past.
Notable Examples of 90% Silver Coins
ROOSEVELT DIME
The Roosevelt Dime, produced in silver from 1946 to 1964, was created to honor the 32nd president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt's efforts to combat polio through the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, later known as the March of Dimes, inspired the coin's design. This dime symbolizes his contributions to finding a cure for polio.
MERCURY DIME
The Mercury Dime, often called the "Winged Liberty Head Dime," was minted from 1916 to 1945. The obverse portrays Lady Liberty with a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought, while the reverse depicts a fasces bound with an olive branch, representing unity and peace. Despite its nickname, the coin is a celebration of Liberty, not the Roman god Mercury.
MORGAN SILVER DOLLAR
The Morgan Silver Dollar, featuring the renowned design by George T. Morgan, remains one of the most iconic U.S. coins. The obverse showcases Lady Liberty, while the reverse features a detailed rendition of a bald eagle grasping arrows and an olive branch. This historic coin, known for its beauty and affordable price, continues to be a favorite among collectors. The Morgan Dollar was issued from 1878 until 1921.
SILVER PEACE DOLLAR
The Silver Peace Dollar, designed by Anthony de Francisci, is a timeless symbol of post-World War I peace and American strength. The obverse features a striking profile of Lady Liberty wearing a radiant crown, while the reverse displays a majestic bald eagle perched on a rock, holding an olive branch to signify peace. Issued from 1921 to 1935, the Peace Dollar is cherished by collectors for its historical significance and elegant design.
WALKING LIBERTY HALF DOLLAR
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar features a striking depiction of Lady Liberty walking with the sun rising at her back, holding olive and laurel branches. On the reverse, a majestic American Eagle stands with its wings outstretched, poised to take flight. Issued from 1916 until 1947, This coin is a timeless symbol of American freedom and strength.
STANDING LIBERTY QUARTER
Widely considered one of the most beautiful quarters, the Standing Liberty Quarter, issued from 1916 until 1930, features a powerful image of Liberty holding a shield for defense and an olive branch symbolizing peace. The 1916 release of the coin depicts Liberty with a bare breast, a design later changed due to public objection. The reverse shows a bald eagle in flight surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original colonies.
FRANKLIN HALF DOLLAR
In honor of founding father Benjamin Franklin, the Franklin Half Dollar was minted from 1948 until 1963 with his portrait on the obverse, along with the inscriptions "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the year of minting. The reverse features the iconic Liberty Bell with a small eagle to the side, symbolizing both freedom and American heritage.
1936 RHODE ISLAND HALF DOLLAR
The Rhode Island Half Dollar commemorates the 300th anniversary of the founding of Providence. The obverse depicts Roger Williams arriving on shore with a Bible, welcomed by a Native American. On the reverse, the state seal, featuring an anchor and the word "HOPE," reflects Rhode Island’s maritime history.
1925 LEXINGTON HALF DOLLAR
The Lexington Half Dollar, struck to honor the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, is a prized collectible with a limited mintage of 162,000. The obverse features "The Minuteman," symbolizing the American Revolutionary militia, while the reverse shows the historic Belfry, where the victory signal was sounded. This silver coin is a treasure for history enthusiasts.
1934 TEXAS INDEPENDENCE CENTENNIAL HALF DOLLAR
Celebrating Texas' independence, the Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar is considered one of the most intricate early commemorative coins. Designed by Texas sculptor Pompeo Coppini, the obverse displays an eagle clutching an oak branch against a large star. The reverse depicts Winged Victory kneeling, holding both a laurel branch and a representation of the Alamo, with heroes Sam Houston and Stephen Austin immortalized in the design.
1946 IOWA CENTENNIAL HALF DOLLAR
This coin celebrates the 100th anniversary of Iowa’s statehood and features the Old Stone Capitol on the obverse. The reverse showcases an eagle from the Iowa state seal holding a ribbon in its beak with the words "Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain," making it a symbol of Iowa's proud history.
1936 LONG ISLAND TERCENTENARY HALF DOLLAR
The 1936 Long Island Tercentenary Half Dollar commemorates the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Long Island. The obverse features the faces of an Algonquin Native American and a Dutch settler, symbolizing peaceful coexistence. The reverse depicts a Dutch sailboat, reflecting the island's rich maritime history.
1938 NEW ROCHELLE CENTENNIAL HALF DOLLAR
Minted to celebrate the 250th anniversary of New Rochelle, this half dollar was designed by Gertrude K. Lathrop. The obverse shows John Pell, the landowner, leading a calf, one of the payments for the land sold to settlers. The reverse highlights the fleur-de-lis, an element of New Rochelle's coat of arms, symbolizing the city’s heritage.
1928 HAWAII HALF DOLLAR
The 1928 Hawaii Half Dollar commemorates the 150th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s discovery of Hawaii. The obverse features Captain Cook, with the inscription "CAPT. JAMES COOK DISCOVERER OF HAWAII," while the reverse shows a Hawaiian warrior chief extending a welcoming hand, with a romantic coconut tree in the background, capturing the spirit of discovery and hospitality.
1893 ISABELLA QUARTER DOLLAR
The Isabella Quarter Dollar, one of the earliest U.S. commemorative coins, was minted for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Championed by Mrs. Potter Palmer, the coin features Queen Isabella of Spain on the obverse, representing her role in funding Christopher Columbus’s voyages. The reverse highlights the Santa Maria, Columbus’s flagship, celebrating the Age of Exploration.
The Appeal of Collecting 90% Silver Coins
Collecting 90% silver coins offers a unique opportunity to own pieces of history while investing in tangible assets. These coins, minted before 1965, are highly prized for their silver content, historical significance, and beautiful designs. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a new collector, 90% silver coins like the Morgan Dollars, Mercury Dimes, and Walking Liberty Half Dollars provide both aesthetic and financial value. As their silver content makes them attractive to investors, their legacy and artistry continue to captivate collectors worldwide.
If you're interested in starting or expanding your collection, explore our wide range of 90% silver coins at Bullion Exchanges. Contact us today, and our team will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect pieces for your collection or investment needs.