How & Where to Sell Silver Coins “Near Me” or Online
Selling silver coins can be a rewarding one, considering what the price of silver has done since hitting a 10-year low in March 20201. In recent months, the silver price has nearly tripled from the $12 low.
Whether your decision to sell silver coins is a rewarding one will ultimately be based on the offers you receive. Those offers will vary, depending on whether you choose to sell silver coins “near me,” or sell silver coins online to a trusted buyer like Cash for Silver USA. We will help you understand your options so you can decide where to sell silver coins for the highest payout.
If you have silver coins you want to sell, we can provide a free professional appraisal and present you with a competitive offer. To request your complimentary, fully insured Appraisal Kit, please fill out the following form:
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Understanding the Value of Silver Coins
Silver coins have been a part of the U.S. currency system since the Colonial era.2 Back then, a range of coins, both domestically produced and from overseas, were in circulation.
There is a category of silver coins often referred to as “junk silver.”3 These coins do not hold collectible value. But it’s important to note that junk silver coins are not worthless. Their worth is determined by their face value or melt value.
Every silver coin holds real value that can be turned into cash should you decide to sell your silver coins. As a coin seller, you want the highest possible payout based on the silver value and the demand associated with the coin’s condition, scarcity, and grade.
The value of silver coins can range quite significantly. At the very least, any silver coin will be worth its “melt value” — the market value of its silver content at any moment. However, other elements can affect the worth of a specific coin.
So, how can you determine the worth of your silver coins without being a professional coin collector? Learning these factors can help you maximize your payout, whether you're selling a single coin or an entire collection.
Factors Influencing the Worth of Your Silver Coins
Important factors that determine the value of your silver coins include:
Amount of silver – The greater the silver content relative to other metals, the higher the coin’s value.
Mintage number – The number of coins struck by the mint, though it may not reflect the number of surviving coins.
Number of existing coins – This is the number of coins that survive. Due to the historical tendency to melt down silver coins for their bullion value, some coin issues are rarer than their mintage number suggests.
Rare characteristics – “Error coins,” created by a mint production mistake, frequently command far higher prices.
Condition – What is the current physical condition of the coin? (Avoid cleaning old collectable coins, as it can decrease their market value.)
Demand – The number of collectors interested in the coins can impact their market price.
Premium – Premium coins are those that have a value beyond their silver content, like the Morgan and Peace silver dollars.
Identify Where Coins Were Minted
The mintage of a coin can impact its value. Some coins are in higher demand and are rarer than others because fewer were minted in certain years.
Almost every coin will have a mint mark indicating the location of the mint that produced it. A total of six mints were accountable for the production of all U.S. coins:5
Carson City – CC (no longer operational)
Denver – D
New Orleans – O (no longer operational)
Philadelphia – P
San Francisco – S
West Point – W
If you’re uncertain whether you have a valuable collectible or merely “junk” silver, seek the services of a professional appraiser or coin dealer. You can ship your coins to us, and our certified appraisers will evaluate the coins for free and make you an offer.
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The design and composition of various denominations of silver coins have changed over the years. Whether they are still being produced or have been relegated to history, these precious metal coins have long been popular among both investors and collectors.
Brief Timeline of U.S. Silver Coins:
1792: The United States Mint first begins producing coins.1
1794: The very first silver coin, the Flowing Hair silver dollar, is introduced.3
Until 1964: The composition of all silver half dollars, quarters and dimes is 90% silver.
1965: As the price of silver increases, new, more cost-effective compositions are introduced. Dimes and quarters are made only from copper and nickel, and half dollars become only 40% silver.2
1971: The Kennedy half dollar is switched to the same copper and nickel alloy as dimes and quarters.2
1976: Few 40% silver collectible coins (quarters, half dollars and Eisenhower dollars) are minted for the U.S. bicentennial.4
1977: The U.S. Mint ceases production of silver coins.5
1986: Silver is reintroduced in the form of the American Silver Eagle.6 This new, 99.9% pure silver coin is made in both bullion and collectible proof versions, giving it value in multiple markets. This coin is still in production today.
1992: The U.S. Mint briefly produces a limited number of 90% silver proof sets for Kennedy half dollars,7 Roosevelt dimes8 and Washington quarters.9
The following is an extensive list of U.S. silver coins you can sell, including years run, Actual Silver Weight (ASW) and other information.
ASW of 0.03834 troy ounces (1.1926 grams)
One of the first coins ever produced by the U.S. mint
Flowing Hair Half Dollars (1794-1795)
ASW of 0.77144 troy ounces (23.99 grams)
The first U.S. silver dollar ever minted, it’s extremely desirable to collectors
Bust Dollars (1795-1804)
ASW of 0.77144 troy ounces (23.99 grams)
Bust Half Dimes (1796-1837)
ASW of 0.03863 troy ounces (1.2015 grams)
Composed of roughly 89% silver
Bust Dimes (1796-1837)
ASW of 0.07726 troy ounces (2.4 grams)
A smaller version containing the same amount of silver was introduced in 1828
Bust Half Dollars (1796-1839)
ASW of 0.38572 troy ounces (11.99 grams)
The “Capped Bust” design was the first to consistently show the 50 cent face value
Draped Bust Quarters (1796-1838)
ASW of 0.19286 troy ounces (5.99 grams)
The first quarter ever minted in the U.S.
Seated Liberty Half Dimes (1837-1873)
ASW of 0.03877 troy ounces (1.206 grams)
The Seated Liberty is one of the longest running coin designs, with multiple variations across different denominations
Seated Liberty Dimes (1837-1891)
ASW of 0.07726 troy ounces (2.4 grams)
Seated Liberty Quarters (1838-1891)
ASW of 0.1933 troy ounces (6 grams)
Seated Liberty Half Dollars (1839-1891)
ASW of 0.38658 troy ounces (12.024 grams)
Seated Liberty Dollars (1840-1873)
ASW of 0.77345 troy ounces (24.057 grams)
Three Cent Silvers (1851-1873)
ASW of 0.0193 troy ounces (0.6 grams) from 1851 to 1853
ASW of 0.0217 troy ounces (0.675 grams) from 1854 to 1873
Commonly called “trimes”
Trade Dollars (1873-1885)
ASW of 0.78763 troy ounces (24.498 grams)
Named for the fact that the coin was made specifically to meet export demands
Twenty Cents (1875-1878)
ASW of 0.14468 troy ounces (4.5 grams)
Unpopular and easily confused with the quarter, it did not last long
Morgan Silver Dollars (1878-1921)
ASW of 0.77344 troy ounces (24.06 grams)
Named for George Morgan, the coin’s designer
Barber Half Dollars (1892-1915)
ASW of 0.3617 troy ounces (11.25 grams)
All denominations of Barber coins are named for their designer, Charles Barber
Barber Dimes (1892-1916)
ASW of 0.07234 troy ounces (2.25 grams)
Barber Dimes Barber Quarters (1892-1916) (1892-1916)
ASW of 0.18085 troy ounces (5.625 grams)
Commemorative Quarters, Half Dollars and Silver Dollars (1892-Present)
ASW varies depending on the coin, but can often be estimated based on other coins of equal face value
May commemorate a president, historical figure, event or other concept
Standing Liberty Quarters (1916-1930)
ASW of 0.18085 troy ounces (5.625 grams)
Modified slightly in 1917 to cover an exposed breast present in the original design
Mercury Dimes (1916-1945)
ASW of 0.07234 troy ounces (2.25 grams)
Officially called “Winged Liberty” and nicknamed for its similarity to the Roman god Mercury
Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916-1947)
ASW of 0.3617 troy ounces (11.25 grams)
Peace Dollars (1921-1935)
ASW of 0.77344 troy ounces (24.06 grams)
Designed in part to commemorate the end of the first world war
Washington Quarters (1932-1964)
ASW of 0.18085 troy ounces (5.625 grams)
Initially designed as a limited run commemorative coin
Wartime Jefferson Nickels (1942-1945)
ASW of 0.05626 troy ounces (1.75 grams)
Minted during World War II using 35% silver
Can also be identified by a letter marked on the reverse (P, D or S)
Roosevelt Dimes (1946-1964)
ASW of 0.07234 troy ounces (2.25 grams)
Commemorates the life and presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963)
ASW of 0.3617 troy ounces (11.25 grams)
One of the only coins to feature a non-presidential figure
Kennedy Half Dollars (1964-1970)
ASW of 0.3617 troy ounces (11.25 grams) in 1964
ASW of 0.14789 troy ounces (4.6 grams) from 1965-1970
The 1964 version was 90% silver
Eisenhower Dollars (1971-1978)
ASW of 0.3161 troy ounces (9.83 grams)
Not all Eisenhower Dollars are 40% silver; those that are have an “S” mintmark
American Silver Eagles (1986-Present)
ASW of 1 troy ounce (31.1 grams)
The only coin that is almost exclusively made of silver (99.9%)
Popular Silver Coins
United States dime, quarter, half dollar and dollar coins minted in 1964 and earlier are 90% silver, making them desirable coins for their silver content. Examples of these silver coins that frequently sell for the value of their precious metals include:
Mercury silver dime (1916-1945)
Roosevelt silver dime (1946-1964)
Washington silver quarter (1932 & 1934-1964)
Walking Liberty half dollar (1916-1947)
Franklin half dollar (1948-1963)
Kennedy half dollar (1964)
The United States’ official silver bullion coin—the Silver Eagle (1986-current)—is a highly desired coin as well, at 99.93% silver content.
Some silver coins do have substantial value as collectibles, due to their historical importance or other unusual characteristics. What follows is a quick look at some of the more well-known silver coins that are traded on the collector’s market.
Seated Liberty Half Dollar
Issued from 1839 to 1881, the Seated Liberty half dollar is a perennial favorite among silver coin collectors. The obverse of the coin, designed by noted engraver Christian Gobrecht (1785-1844), features the Goddess of Liberty seated upon a rock. This design also appeared on other coins issued by the U.S. Mint during the middle years of the 19th century, including the half dime, the dime, the quarter, and the silver dollar.
Various modifications were made to this basic design over the years, such as the addition of arrows and rays on the reverse (beginning in 1853) and the inclusion of the motto “In God We Trust” (beginning in 1866).
Many Seated Liberty half dollars can be purchased for under $100, but certain rare varieties can sell for substantially more. The most valuable of these silver half dollars is the so-called “1853-O Without Arrows.” Only four are known to exist. In 2012, one of these rare silver coins sold for $218,000 at auction.
Capped Bust Half Dollar
The Capped Bust half dollar was made from 1807 to 1839. Its obverse design, created by German immigrant John Reich, shows a side profile view of Lady Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap. The Capped Bust design was quite popular and it was shared by the dime (beginning in 1809), the half dime (from 1829), and the quarter (from 1815) during this era.
In 1836, the Capped Bust half dollar underwent a slight reduction in weight and size. It also acquired a reeded edge. Capped Bust coins of both varieties are in high demand among collectors.
Flowing Hair DollarThe Flowing Hair dollar was the very first dollar coin produced by the U.S. government, and as you might expect, it is quite valuable these days. Designed by Robert Scot (1745-1823), who served as Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, it features a bust of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
This rare coin was produced for only a brief span of time: The first ones were minted in 1794 and the last ones in 1795 (when the vast majority were made). Relatively few of these coins have survived to the present day. Out of the 1,758 Flowing Hair coins created in 1794, only about 140 are still around.
American Silver Eagle
First released in 1986, the beautifully designed American Silver Eagle is the only silver bullion coin currently issued by the United States Mint. Its obverse design is a modification of the Walking Liberty half dollar (1916-1947), which features a full-length depiction of Lady Liberty in mid stride, carrying oak and laurel branches. Although it has a face value of $1, it is worth more than the spot price of its silver—sometimes far more.
Unlike the other collectible coins we have mentioned in this section, American Silver Eagles are quite common. Literally hundreds of millions have been produced since the first ones appeared in ’86. If you want to get into coin collecting, Silver Eagles are a good way to start, as it’s easy to find them at a reasonable price.
Quite a few coin collectors make it their mission to get a Silver Eagle from every year. 1996 Silver Eagles are especially sought after due to their relative scarcity. Only 3.6 million were made in ‘96 (as compared with over 30 million for some years)
How to Sell Silver Coins
When you decide to sell silver coins, you have two main options: Sell your silver coins locally or sell silver coins online.
How to Sell Silver Coins “Near Me”
To find where to sell silver coins “near me,” go to your favorite search engine and enter search terms like “places that buy silver coins,” “buyer of silver coins,” or “best place to sell silver coins near me.” This will turn up businesses in your area.
When you find those places that buy silver coins “near me,” you next need to decide if you want to drag your coins around the city to those local silver buyers. If you choose to sell to a local establishment, here are 7 steps on how to sell silver coins:
Organize Your Silver Coins: Make sure to separate the coins by type, year, and mint mark. This organization will ensure a smoother selling process.
Calculate Value: Research the current price of silver and calculate the melt value of your coins based on the silver content. Remember that coins with rare dates, mint marks, and high grades might be worth much more than their melt value.
Determine Which Coins to Sell: You can sell your entire collection at once or keep any coins with extra collectible value to sell separately. When making your decision, consider your financial goals and the current silver market.
Consider Getting Coins Appraised: A knowledgeable coin dealer or professional grading service can help identify any particularly valuable coins and give you a realistic idea of the worth of your collection.
Compare Multiple Offers: Contact multiple potential buyers and get quotes for your coins. Pay attention to factors such as reputation, professionalism, and the prices offered. You are not obliged to take the first offer you receive.
Negotiate: Once you have the offers, negotiate for the best price for your coins. Highlight any key selling points like rare dates or mints, or exceptional conditions. Don’t hesitate to walk away if the offer doesn’t meet your expectations.
Close the Sale: After agreeing on a price, complete any required paperwork and arrange for secure payment, delivery, or pickup of your coins. Always request a detailed receipt for your records.
You have to do so much when you choose to “sell silver coins near me.” Selling to a local silver coin buyer might not always be the best decision. Here’s why: Stores have overhead that online silver buyers do not. Also, they will likely want to resell the coins, so they will have to lower your offer to make a profit that they are comfortable with. When you compare multiple offers, include online buyers of silver coins, like Cash for Silver USA, especially if you want the best price possible for your silver coins.
How to Sell Silver Coins Online
Like trying to find a local buyer of silver coins, you can look for online buyers of silver coins by searching “sell coins online for cash” or “sell silver coins online.”
When you find a reputable, trustworthy online silver coin buyer, you will likely follow these three steps to sell silver coins online:
Find a Reputable Buyer
Look at their Better Business Bureau rating and customer reviews. We have an A+ BBB rating and many five-star reviews from our customers.
Consider Selling Silver Coins Online
When you sell silver coins, it is a good idea to get multiple offers. While the common view is if you need money fast, you should sell locally, Cash for Silver USA pays out quickly, within 24 hours of receiving your gold and silver coins.
Research the Value of Your Coins
While the value is primarily based on the gold or silver content and weight, coins with numismatic or historical value might be worth more than the metal content.
The process should be that simple.
Where to Sell Silver Coins
Naturally, anyone would want to sell silver coins if they have value. However, selling them to a reliable and knowledgeable buyer is important.
The positive aspect is that numerous options for selling your silver coins are available. However, it’s important to note that not all these options are equally beneficial.
Local Coin Dealers, Pawn Shops, or Jewelry Stores
An easy way to sell your aged silver coins is to approach a local pawn shop or jewelry store, as these businesses are typically interested in purchasing such valuables. But, these establishments might not offer you an amount that reflects the market value of your coins.
Multiple reasons contribute to this, the main one being the necessity to balance the costs associated with operating a physical store, including rent, utilities, insurance, and security. Unless the business specifically deals with coins, its offers are often inadequate.
Additionally, difficulties may arise if your silver coins are in a deteriorated state. Many dealers might decline to propose an offer on damaged or otherwise defective coins.
Sell Silver Coins Online
Using an online buyer like Cash For Silver USA enhances the probability of receiving the payment you’re entitled to, with minimal effort required. Advantages of selling silver coins online include:
Larger Payouts: Online buyers typically provide larger payouts as their business expenses are lower, allowing them to make higher offers without impacting their profits.
Free Appraisals: Online buyers, especially those specializing in valuable metals, are more likely to offer free, current appraisals than pawn shops that often rely on outdated market data.
Quick Cash: One key advantage of dealing with an online coin buyer is the speed of the transaction. An offer is often made within 24 hours of receiving your silver coins.
Access to More Dealers: Online trading also broadens the selection of dealers you can access. Online buyers can be located virtually anywhere. Physical stores restrict you to a specific geographic area.
Greater Opportunities: Also, online dealers frequently accept coins that jewelry shops commonly reject, such as those with severe damage, thus giving you expanded selling options.
Simple Process: Selling to an online buyer is remarkably convenient. The entire transaction can be conducted from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for travel or time spent in traffic.
Cash For Silver USA is the perfect buyer for your silver coins. So far, we have assisted thousands of customers and disbursed millions of dollars. We also deal in gold, platinum, and palladium valuables.
Sources:
1. macrotrends, Silver Prices - 100 Year Historical Chart, https://www.macrotrends.net/1470/historical-silver-prices-100-year-chart. Retrieved April 26, 2025.2. Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia – Money in Colonial Times, https://www.philadelphiafed.org/education/money-in-colonial-times. Retrieved March 18, 2024
3. Wikipedia – Silver as an investment, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_as_an_investment. Retrieved March 18, 2024
4. American Numismatic Association – Mintmarks on U.S. Coins, https://blog.money.org/coin-collecting/mintmarks-on-united-states-coins. Retrieved March 18, 2024
5. Wikipedia – United States Mint, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Mint. Retrieved March 18, 2024
6. Wikipedia – American Silver Eagle, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Silver_Eagle. Retrieved Jan. 12, 2024
7. Wikipedia – Australian Silver Kookaburra, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Silver_Kookaburra. Retrieved March 18, 2024
8. Wikipedia – Australian Silver Kangaroo, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Silver_Kangaroo. Retrieved March 18, 2024
9. Wikipedia – Vienna Philharmonic (coin), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_Philharmonic_(coin). Retrieved March 18, 2024
10. Wikipedia – Britannia (coin), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britannia_(coin). Retrieved March 18, 2024
11. Wikipedia – Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Silver_Maple_Leaf. Retrieved March 18, 2024
12. Wikipedia – Chinese Silver Panda, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Silver_Panda. Retrieved March 18, 2024
13. Gibraltar National Mint — The Royals (Dogs), https://www.gibraltarnationalmint.gov.gi/the-royals-dogs-silver-5.html. Retrieved March 18, 2024
14. Wikipedia — Libertad (coin), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertad_(coin). Retrieved March 18, 2024
