Junk Silver Dimes
If you want to buy Silver in the form of 90% Silver, look for Mercury or Roosevelt dimes minted in 1964 or earlier. These coins were struck in a 90% Silver alloy and boast a melt value of nearly $1.25. You will sometimes hear of dimes, and other 90% Silver coins, referred to as “junk Silver.” This is merely a colloquial term and we assure you these coins are not junk. They have a considerable metal content and a fair melt value, making them an excellent way to begin investing in Silver.
Silver Dime Years
Determining if the dime in your possession is Silver is easy and takes just a few moments. You will be looking for the following:
- The mintage year. Mercury and Roosevelt dimes produced in 1964 or before has 90% Silver content.
- Whitish color and lustrous glow. While the year of mintage is the easiest giveaway, the lustrous appearance of these coins helps assure you of their metal content.
- The coin’s edge will be Silver all the way through, with no line of other metal at its core.
Value of Dimes that Contain Silver?
There are some dimes with numismatic value that are especially appealing to collectors, but investors’ primary interest in dimes will be for their junk Silver value based on their 90% Silver metal content. Dimes that contain Silver are an easy way to collect valuable Silver at a low premium, while also offering the opportunity to own beautiful Silver coins.
While knowing what year dimes are Silver is a must for in-the-know buyers, it is comforting to know APMEX will take care of your due diligence in all the products we sell. Buying 90% Silver dimes is exciting and convenient with APMEX.
How Much Silver is in a Mercury Dime?
One of the most collectible coins ever minted in the U.S. is the Mercury Dime. Originally known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, it was minted from 1916 through 1945. The whimsical design features Lady Liberty in profile, wearing a winged Phrygian cap. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this image was often confused with the Roman god Mercury, and through the years this coin became exclusively known as the Mercury Dime. The reverse design showcases fasces, the symbol of authority held by the lictors who escorted Roman magistrates. This particular fasces is surrounded by an olive branch.
The Value of Mercury Dimes
In addition to its popular design, the Silver Mercury Dime is highly collectible because of its physical composition. In total, there are 77 different combinations of mint and date within the Mercury Dime series. Each coin is made up of 90% Silver and 10% copper. With a total weight of 2.5 grams, each coin contains .0723 ounces of Silver. While the current price of Silver fluctuates, in today’s market, the value of the Silver in a Mercury Dime far exceeds face value.
