Silver coins often hold more value than their face amount, especially when they come from earlier years. I’ve found that some vintage coins can be worth several times their original worth because of the metal content and rarity.
If you have old silver coins tucked away, they might be worth much more than you expect. I want to share five types of these coins that collectors and investors alike often seek out because of their unique value beyond just spending money.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar – 90% silver content
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is special because it contains 90% silver. When I first learned this, I realized its value goes beyond just being a coin for everyday use.
This particular coin marked the last year the U.S. made circulating half dollars with such a high silver content. I find it fascinating that many were melted down over the years, making well-preserved examples rarer today.
Even common 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars are worth more than their face value. If you have one in good condition, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Pre-1965 Roosevelt Dimes – highly sought by collectors
I’ve always found pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes fascinating because they contain 90% silver. That silver content means they’re worth more than just their ten-cent face value.
Collectors like me pay close attention to these dimes since their silver makes them valuable both for metal and numismatic interest. They’re also pretty common, but condition and rare mint marks can boost their worth.
If you come across these dimes, it’s worth setting them aside. Over time, their value can increase, especially if they’re in excellent condition or have unusual features.
1940 Walking Liberty Half Dollar – classic silver design
I really like the 1940 Walking Liberty Half Dollar for its timeless look. It was designed by Adolph Weinman and features 90% silver with a bit of copper. The coin weighs about 12.5 grams and has a neat 30mm diameter.
What’s cool is that this coin was mainly minted in Philadelphia and San Francisco. I’ve noticed it’s valued mostly for its silver content, but good condition examples can be worth more than just melt value. It’s a piece of history that still shines today.
1932 Peace Dollar – rare and valuable coin
The 1932 Peace Dollar is one of my favorite vintage coins to talk about. It was the last year this design was minted before a short break, which makes it stand out.
What makes the 1932 Peace Dollar valuable is its relative rarity compared to other coins in the series. The demand from collectors keeps its price well above face value.
I’ve noticed that coins in better condition or with rare mint marks like “D” or “S” can fetch significantly higher prices. It’s a great example of a vintage silver coin with a fascinating history.
1965-1970 Half Dollars – 40% silver, still worth more than face
I find Kennedy half dollars from 1965 to 1970 pretty interesting because they contain 40% silver. Even though they’re not as silver-rich as the 1964 coins, they still hold more value than just their face amount.
Each coin has about 0.1479 troy ounces of pure silver. That means a handful of these can add up to more than a dollar in silver value alone.
Collectors also like certain versions, such as the 1970-D and proof coins. But even regular circulated ones often sell for a few dollars, well above 50 cents.
