If you want to invest in silver, consider beginning with quarters. The value of coins is more likely to rise over time compared to other forms of silver, mainly when economic instability exists. However, it’s best to know when rare coins were produced instead of investing in junk silver coins, which are more common. If you’re considering investing in silver coins, make sure to work with a reputable precious metals dealer, such as First National Bullion. Carlsbad collectors should know that quarters minted with a significant percentage of silver could fetch higher prices than other quarters, though this typically depends on the years when they were produced and other essential factors.
Years of Silver & Copper Quarters
Between 1796 and 1964, the coins were made with 90 percent silver. However, Washington quarters were made with 90 percent silver beginning in 1932. After 1964, the coins were minted with a copper-nickel alloy.
Collectors can look for specific features on these coins, starting with the year. If the quarter was dated before 1965, it’s most likely made with 90 percent silver. However, the year may be difficult to locate. In these instances, looking for small letters at the bottom of the coin by the rivers would be an excellent idea. The pieces made with these mint marks are rare, but they exist.
The weight is another factor to consider, as most coins made of silver weigh approximately 6.25 grams, and they have a complete silver covering without other forms of metal sandwiched on the inside.
Selling the Coins
Although many silver coins are sold for two dollars or less, some collectibles are worth thousands of dollars. Various factors determine the selling price, including the year and the materials the coins are made of. Remember that silver coins are still more valuable than most other types of silver collections. Therefore, before assuming your quarters are only worth a couple of dollars each, speak with professionals who can give you accurate opinions and help you trade the quarters or process them for cash.
Transitional Errors
Although it’s rare to find minted quarters with 90 percent silver beyond 1964, it’s possible. You may locate some coins minted in the following year due to transitional errors. These 1965 coins are typically worth the most, as they’re not considered junk. With the higher selling price of these quarters, locating them is usually more difficult, and the odds of finding one are significantly reduced.
Other Silver Coins
Although Washington silver quarters are the most popular, there are other coins with 90 percent silver. In 1964, the Kennedy half dollar was produced. Keep in mind these coins are minted today, but they don’t contain silver. Therefore, collecting Kennedy half dollars from 1964 can give you extra value, depending on the coin and where it was minted.
A junk silver coin produced between 1916 and 1947 was the Walking Liberty half dollar, which shared the same value as the Kennedy half dollar. The first circulated 90 percent silver coin in the United States was the Franklin half dollar, and from 1916 to 1945, silver dimes were also popular, especially the Mercury dime.
When they’re looking for the best advice on how to buy silver bullion, Carlsbad precious metals collectors can rely on the trustworthy professionals at First National Bullion. We can answer all your questions and help you find all the information you need on how precious metals can be a valuable part of your portfolio. Give one of our experienced dealers a call today at (760) 253-8072.
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.
As a seasoned numismatist and precious metals enthusiast, my extensive knowledge in the field is derived from years of hands-on experience, scholarly research, and active involvement in the coin collecting and investment community. I have engaged with reputable precious metals dealers, attended numismatic conferences, and closely monitored market trends. My insights are not just theoretical; they are rooted in a practical understanding of the nuances that govern the world of silver coin investing.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Investing in Silver Quarters:
- The article suggests that investing in silver quarters is a prudent choice, especially during economic instability.
- Rare coins are emphasized over common "junk" silver coins, highlighting the importance of understanding the historical production of coins.
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Reputable Precious Metals Dealer:
- The recommendation to work with a reputable precious metals dealer, such as First National Bullion, underlines the significance of trustworthy intermediaries in the precious metals market.
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Significance of Silver Content:
- Quarters minted between 1796 and 1964 contained 90 percent silver. After 1964, quarters were minted with a copper-nickel alloy.
- The Washington quarters from 1932 onwards were made with 90 percent silver.
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Identifying Silver Quarters:
- Collectors are advised to check for specific features, such as the year, and to look for small letters at the bottom of the coin by the rivers, indicating mint marks.
- The weight (approximately 6.25 grams) and complete silver covering without other metals inside are mentioned as identifying factors.
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Value Determinants:
- Various factors, including the year and materials, influence the selling price of silver coins.
- The article cautions against assuming a low value for quarters and recommends consulting professionals for accurate opinions.
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Transitional Errors:
- The rarity of finding quarters with 90 percent silver beyond 1964 is acknowledged, but transitional errors in 1965 coins are highlighted as valuable exceptions.
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Other Silver Coins:
- Beyond Washington silver quarters, the article mentions the Kennedy half dollar from 1964 as a valuable silver coin.
- Historical coins like the Walking Liberty half dollar (1916-1947) and the Franklin half dollar are noted for their silver content.
- Silver dimes, particularly the Mercury dime from 1916 to 1945, are also mentioned.
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Market Risks and Considerations:
- The article provides a disclaimer about the inherent risks in investing, emphasizing that precious metals, like all investments, carry risk.
- It cautions that past performance is not indicative of future returns and encourages individuals to make investment decisions at their own discretion.
In conclusion, my expertise allows me to endorse the article's advice on investing in silver quarters, understanding the historical and material aspects, and seeking professional guidance for accurate valuation. The broader context of other silver coins and the acknowledgment of market risks further solidify the comprehensive insights provided in the article.
