Collector education
Silver Coin Melt Value Guide
Understand silver coin melt value, actual silver weight, troy ounces, spot price, and why melt value is different from collector value.
What melt value means
Melt value estimates the value of the precious metal inside a coin. It is calculated from the coin's actual silver weight and the current silver spot price. For example, a 90% silver dime contains less than a tenth of a troy ounce of silver because the coin also contains copper and weighs less than a full ounce.
Melt value is a floor, not always the price
Common circulated silver coins often trade near melt value plus a premium, but better dates, high-grade coins, proof coins, toned coins, and certified coins may trade above metal value. Damaged or heavily worn coins may trade closer to melt.
Use actual silver weight
Collectors usually use ASW, or actual silver weight, measured in troy ounces. Do not multiply the total coin weight by the silver price unless the coin is pure silver. Most U.S. circulating silver coins are 90% silver, wartime nickels are 35% silver, and 1965-1970 Kennedy halves are 40% silver.