fallback snapshot Aug 2, 2026 · current Gold API reference loads automatically
Sources and review: Reviewed by MeltOffer on . Reference price: Gold API XAG/USD. Unit factors: NIST precious-metals conversions. Fineness terminology: FTC Jewelry Guides, 16 CFR § 23.5.
Compare up to three written buyer offers.
How to compare buyer quotes and published payout benchmarks.
The 0.715 troy-ounce shortcut
A circulated $1 face-value mix of pre-1965 US dimes, quarters, and half dollars is conventionally estimated at 0.715 troy ounce of silver. Multiply face value by 0.715 and silver spot for melt value.
Worked example
$10 face value of circulated pre-1965 dimes, quarters, or halves contains an estimated 7.15 troy ounces of silver. Multiply 10 × 0.715 × the selected silver reference price; the calculator performs that calculation and can compare a buyer's quote.
Check dates before selling by weight
The shortcut is for common circulated 90% silver coins. Key dates, scarce mint marks, and better-condition coins can carry collector value far above melt, so inspect them first.
Silver coin melt-value table
These rows use contained silver only; collector value can be higher. Values update with the same live silver price as the calculator.
| Coin or face value | Silver (ozt) | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| Roosevelt/Mercury dime | 0.07150 | $4.12 |
| Washington quarter | 0.17875 | $10.31 |
| Kennedy/Franklin/Walking Liberty half | 0.35750 | $20.62 |
| $1 face mix | 0.71500 | $41.25 |
| Morgan or Peace dollar | 0.77344 | $44.62 |
Frequently asked questions
what is melt value
Melt value is the market value of a coin's contained metal before dealer spreads, refining costs, or collector premiums. It is a pricing yardstick, not a guaranteed buyer offer.
what is melt value of silver coins
A silver coin's contained-metal benchmark is its silver content in troy ounces multiplied by the selected silver reference price. Use the current table and calculator for common US 90% silver coins.
how to calculate melt value of silver coins
Calculate silver-coin melt value by multiplying actual silver weight in troy ounces by the selected reference price. For circulated pre-1965 dimes, quarters, and halves, face value × 0.715 × price is an estimated shortcut; use this calculator to run it.
will pawn shops pay melt value
A pawn quote may be below melt, but no universal pawn percentage is defensible. Recognized coins may attract product-specific dealer bids, so compare actual written quotes rather than assuming a buyer-type range.
what is the melt value of a silver quarter / dime / morgan dollar
The benchmark is the selected silver reference price multiplied by 0.17875 ozt for a circulated 90% quarter, 0.0715 ozt for a dime, or 0.77344 ozt for a Morgan dollar. Check collector value before selling.
what is the melt value of a copper penny
At the current baked copper benchmark, a pre-1982 US cent's contained-metal value is about 4.21 cents. The formula is 3.11 grams × 95% × copper price per pound; use the copper calculator for a newer benchmark, but keep the coin intact because 31 CFR Part 82 restricts melting cents for metal recovery.
More silver calculators
Silver by weight and purity · Sterling silver price per gram and ounce · Sterling silverware value · Silver price per gram · Junk silver · US silver coins · World silver coins · War nickels · Silver dimes · Silver half dollars · Silver quarters · Morgan dollars · Peace dollars · Canadian silver dollars
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