C.W. Coins Basic Guide to Valuable Coins

If you’ve ever wondered “Are my coins worth a lot of money?” or whether the spare change in your pocket—or the jar in your closet—could be worth more than face value, you’re not alone! At C.W. Coins, we help people every day figure out what makes certain coins valuable. Whether you're a beginner or just starting to sort through some old coins, this basic guide will cover what to look for, especially when it comes to 90% silver coins and other everyday collectibles.

What Coins Are 90% Silver?

Many U.S. coins minted before the mid-1960s contain 90% silver, making them highly sought after for both their metal content and collectible value. Here's a breakdown:

U.S. 90% Silver Coins to Look For:

• Dimes (1946–1964 Roosevelt, 1916–1945 Mercury)

  • These dimes were made of 90% silver until 1964. After that, dimes were switched to a copper-nickel composition.

• Quarters (1932–1964 Washington)

  • Pre-1965 Washington quarters are also 90% silver and worth well over face value based on current silver prices.

• Half Dollars (1964 Kennedy, 1948–1963 Franklin, 1916–1947 Walking Liberty)

  • 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars are 90% silver.

  • From 1965–1970, Kennedy Halves dropped to 40% silver, so those are still worth holding onto.

• Silver Dollars (1878–1935 Morgan and Peace Dollars)

  • These classic silver dollars are big, heavy, and contain about .773 ounces of pure silver.

Other Valuable Coins to Watch For

Silver isn’t the only thing that makes a coin valuable. Here are some other coins you might want to keep an eye out for:

Wheat Pennies (1909–1958)

Wheat pennies are easy to spot by the "wheat stalks" on the reverse. Most are worth a few cents to a few dollars, but certain key dates (like 1909-S VDB) can be worth hundreds or even thousands. The main dates to look for are 1909 S VDB, 1914 D and 1931 S.

Buffalo Nickels (1913–1938)

These iconic nickels with a Native American on the front and a buffalo on the back are popular among collectors, especially with clear dates. Most are worth just a few times face value (25-50 cents), but some more scarce dates and varieties carry a hefty premium!

War Nickels (1942–1945)

These nickels contain 35% silver and can be spotted by the large mintmark above the dome on the reverse side.

Proof and Error Coins

Coins with minting mistakes (like double strikes or off-center images) can command high prices. Proof coins—specially made with extra sharp details and mirror-like surfaces—are also desirable.

Why Silver Coins Are Still Popular

Even with fluctuating silver prices, 90% silver coins are always in demand. They're a great way to own physical silver in small, recognizable amounts, and they make excellent starter pieces for any collection.

Ready to Find Out What Your Coins Are Worth?

At C.W. Coins, we specialize in appraisals, buying collections, and helping you understand exactly what you have. Whether you’re sorting through a family heirloom or just checking your change, we’re here to help.

👉 Contact us today for a free evaluation