Silver Dollar Values: Collectible vs. Investment Asset

From a numismatic, or collector’s, standpoint, silver dollar values can be complicated. From an investor’s point of view, however, the focus is narrowed to silver content only due to the obvious subjectivity involved in the values of collectible coins.

We see nothing inherently wrong with holding on to collectible silver, but when it comes to silver as investment asset, we steer clear. Essentially we consider, perhaps unfairly, the numismatic value to be an unnecessary premium.

There plenty of resources for learning about dollar values for coins minted in the 19th and early 20th century.

When we think of silver dollars from the investment standpoint, we mainly consider Peace dollars minted in the United States after 1921, but before 1965. However, from 1971 through 1976 the U.S. Mint also produced dollars composed of 40% silver aimed at the collector market. These also may contain a premium.

These Peace dollars have lately surged in popularity due to retail shortages in other forms of silver bullion, like silver eagles and silver rounds. Bags of “junk silver,” 90% silver coins minted before 1965, are still relatively easy to find in coin shops and can be purchased with minimal premiums. Of course, they may consist of various silver coin denominations, but silver dollars can make up any portion of a “junk bag”.

As investors, we like 90% silver for a number of reasons, but primarily because the silver content is easy to calculate. Some argue that, because of the clear face value, these coins could easily be re-circulated in the event of a currency crisis.

To reiterate, for our purposes as silver investors, silver dollar values should be based on the silver content only—generally 90% silver coins minted between 1921 and 1965.

To learn about Numismatic Coins, click here.

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