Silver Dimes | How Rare Are They and Are They Worth Collecting?

The history of the U.S. currency is longer and more storied than the average civilian imagines. A lot of changes have occurred in the 200 or so years that the country has been producing its own currency. 

One such example – did you know that the United States made dimes made of 90% silver all the way up until 1965? That’s right; silver dimes used to be the standard in this country between 1920 and the mid-1960s. 

If you happen to have coins from this era, you may be curious as to their actual value. Are they rare and worth collecting, or are they too common to have true value? Read on, and we’ll walk you through what you need to know about this form of silver currency.

How Rare are Silver Dimes?

Every dime minted prior to 1964 in the United States is made from 90% silver. That includes mercury dimes, barber dimes, and the quite well-known Roosevelt dimes that were made during the war effort.

In 1965, the United States mint decided to stop using silver to produce dimes. The Coinage Act was passed, and they instead swapped over to copper-nickel alloy, which was more affordable to produce. That copper-nickel alloy dime is still in use today. 

The truth is, silver dimes aren’t all too rare due to the massive amount that was produced in the first half of the twentieth century.

Certain silver coins might have more value to collectors, especially if they are in perfect condition. Mercury dimes, for example, tend to gather more interest because of their iconic design and a relatively small time in production. 

However, most silver coins will only be worth their weight in silver. It’s for this reason that many who practice precious metal investment refer to silver coins as junk silver. 

Are Silver Dimes Worth Investing In? 

While the term junk silver may sound negative, many collectors actually find an investment in junk silver to be a smart move. A silver dime at today’s precious metal prices is worth around $1, so this kind of coin certainly isn’t without any value. 

Investing in silver dimes for your coin collection can actually be a smart way to diversify your portfolio. It’s also an easy way for novice investors to get into the gold and silver trade.

Junk silver is a highly liquid asset, and just about anyone can afford to start investing. An investment in junk silver is a great way to dip your toes into the market and get comfortable.

Depending on the length of your investment and the conditions of the market, it is possible to sell your silver dime investment at a profit. Holding onto silver can also be a great way to stabilize yourself against broader economic uncertainty and inflation. 

Silver Dimes and Precious Metal Investing

If you’re looking to get into precious metal investing, you might be curious about silver dimes and junk silver in general. Maybe you even have some silver dimes in your possession already.

The above information can help you to understand the value of these coins and why investing in junk silver might be a beneficial move for you. 

Need more investment advice and information? Have further questions? Reach out to us anytime for more assistance.