What Is Constitutional Silver?

If you’re new to stacking silver or just dipping your toes into precious metals, you’ve likely come across the term “constitutional silver.” But what exactly does it mean? Why do silver stackers, preppers, and collectors alike hold it in such high regard?

At NumisMaverick, we specialize in U.S. coins, and we’re here to break down exactly what constitutional silver is, why it matters, and which coins fall into this essential category of physical silver.

What Is Constitutional Silver?

Constitutional silver refers to U.S. dimes, quarters, and half-dollars minted before 1965, which contain 90% silver and 10% copper. These coins were issued as everyday currency by the U.S. Mint and circulated freely across the country until silver was removed from coinage due to rising bullion prices.

The term “constitutional” is used by some to emphasize the idea that these coins were lawful money under the U.S. Constitution, backed by real, intrinsic value — silver — rather than fiat promises. Others simply use it as a more traditional-sounding alternative to the more generic term “junk silver.”

Importantly, constitutional silver is not junk. While the term “junk silver” historically referred to 90% silver coins with little to no collector (numismatic) value, that doesn’t mean these coins are worthless — far from it. They’re a highly liquid, recognizable form of fractional silver that plays a unique role in both stacking and prepping.

Why Constitutional Silver Matters

1. Recognizable and Trusted

Constitutional silver coins were once regular pocket change in the United States. Everyone from baby boomers to Gen Xers has seen or used them. That recognition makes them trusted and easily tradable, especially in uncertain times.

2. Fractional Value

Unlike 1 oz silver rounds or bars, constitutional silver comes in small denominations, making it ideal for bartering or micro-transactions in a worst-case scenario. Whether you’re prepping for economic instability or just like the flexibility, you can’t beat the practicality of dimes and quarters.

3. No Reporting Requirements

For private investors, constitutional silver provides a layer of discreet ownership. As long as you stay under certain thresholds (such as not exceeding $1,000 in face value of 90% silver when selling), there’s no 1099-B reporting required. This gives it a unique privacy edge over many modern bullion products.

4. Hedge Against Inflation

Each pre-1965 dime contains about 0.0723 troy ounces of silver. Quarters and half-dollars contain proportionally more. While their face value may be 10¢, 25¢, or 50¢, their intrinsic silver value is far higher, especially when silver prices rise. This makes constitutional silver a reliable store of value over time.

Which Coins Are Constitutional Silver?

Here’s a list of the most common 90% silver coins you’ll find under the umbrella of constitutional silver:

Dimes (10¢)

• Mercury Dimes (1916–1945)
  Named for their winged Liberty design, these are some of the most iconic silver coins in U.S. history. A favorite among collectors and stackers alike.
• Roosevelt Dimes (1946–1964)
  The post-war successor to the Mercury dime. These are often the most affordable and available silver dimes.

Quarters (25¢)

• Standing Liberty Quarters (1916–1930)
  Elegant and short-lived, these quarters feature Lady Liberty holding a shield and olive branch. Less common in circulation today but still stackable.
• Washington Quarters (1932–1964)
  By far the most common constitutional quarters, especially the 1940s–1964 dates. Durable, familiar, and easy to stack.

Half Dollars (50¢)

• Walking Liberty Half-Dollars (1916–1947)
  A beautiful and highly respected coin design. Often carries a small premium due to collector interest but still used for stacking.
• Franklin Half-Dollars (1948–1963)
  Featuring Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, these are an undervalued and classic piece of American coinage.
• Kennedy Half-Dollars (1964 only)
  Only the 1964 Kennedy half contains 90% silver. Later versions from 1965–1970 are 40% silver and not considered “constitutional” by purists, though still stackable.

Note: Earlier series like Barber dimes, quarters, and halves, as well as Morgan and Peace dollars, also contain 90% silver. However, they often carry additional numismatic value and are not typically sold at “melt value.” We’ll cover those in a future article.

How Much Silver Is in Each Coin?

Here’s a quick reference table of how much silver is in common constitutional coins:

A full $1 face value in 90% silver (e.g., 10 dimes, 4 quarters, or 2 half dollars) equals approximately 0.715 troy ounces of pure silver.

How Constitutional Silver Is Sold

When buying or selling constitutional silver, it’s usually priced by:

• Face value (e.g., “$10 face” of dimes)
• Weight in troy ounces
• Multiples of $1 face (most commonly $5, $10, $50, or $100)

Because the coins are worn from circulation, most dealers use the average silver content of 0.715 oz per $1 face instead of the theoretical 0.723 oz when brand new.

Example:

• Silver spot price = $30/oz
• $10 face = 7.15 oz silver
• Bullion value = 7.15 x $30 = $214.50

Dealers may add a small premium to this melt value depending on supply and demand.

Tips for Buying Constitutional Silver

1. Stick with Common Dates
   Unless you’re a collector, there’s no need to pay up for key dates or rare mintmarks. Bullion value is king here.
2. Buy in Bulk When You Can
   Premiums are lower when buying $50 or $100 face at once. Even better if you’re buying locally or privately.
3. Check for Counterfeits
   While rare, counterfeits exist. Buy from trusted sources like NumisMaverick, and always use a scale and magnet if in doubt.
4. Storage Matters
   Airtight tubes, canvas bags, or ammo cans are all popular. Just make sure it’s organized and moisture-free.

Constitutional Silver vs. Bullion Silver

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Stack Constitutional Silver

Constitutional silver is real money in your hands. It’s durable, divisible, and universally recognized in the United States. Whether you’re:

• Building a hedge against inflation
• Preparing for grid-down scenarios
• Looking to diversify your silver stack
• Or just appreciating a piece of American history

…constitutional silver checks all the boxes.

At NumisMaverick, we believe in tangible value, small government, and financial privacy. Constitutional silver fits perfectly within that framework — and it’s one of the best tools for stacking wealth outside the system.

Want to get started? Check out our available inventory, or reach out via [Proton Mail] if you’re looking for specific dates or denominations.