October 2025 – Houston, TX - Pre-1965 U.S. silver coins remain highly sought after by collectors and sellers because of their silver content.
Coins minted before 1965 were struck with 90% silver, which gives them lasting value tied directly to bullion markets. Even well-worn coins often carry significant resale potential based on their weight and purity.
Gold Rush evaluates these coins every day to provide sellers in Denver, DFW, and Houston with accurate testing and competitive payouts. Gold Rush Houston Heights Cash for Gold, Cash for Silver, Cash for Diamonds
Why Pre-1965 Silver Coins Carry High Value
In 1965, the U.S. Mint replaced 90% silver with copper-nickel alloys in most circulating coins. The shift reduced intrinsic value in quarters, dimes, and half dollars minted after that year.
Pre-1965 coins, however, retained their silver composition and continue to trade at values far above face.
The bullion content sets the foundation for value. Circulation marks or wear do not erase silver weight, which is why older coins remain a practical way to sell silver. Common examples include Roosevelt and Mercury dimes, Washington quarters, and Franklin half dollars. Sellers can trade even modest stacks of these coins for payouts well beyond their printed denominations.
Silver content drives value, not the shine of the coin.
How Value Is Calculated Based on Weight and Purity
Pre-1965 coins carry 90% silver, which makes them valuable far beyond their face value.
Dealers calculate payouts by multiplying the silver weight of each coin by the current spot price of silver. Every denomination contains a predictable amount of bullion that determines its worth.
Approximate silver content includes:
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Dime: 0.072 troy ounces of silver
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Quarter: 0.18 troy ounces of silver
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Half dollar: 0.36 troy ounces of silver
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Silver dollar (varies by series): around 0.77 troy ounces
Wear on circulated coins may dull their appearance, but it does not significantly reduce silver weight. The bullion content remains intact, making testing essential for precise evaluations. Certified analysis confirms exact composition and provides sellers with fair payouts.
Common Pre-1965 Coins Found in Estates and Collections
Many estates contain silver coins that carry both bullion value and collector appeal.
Roosevelt and Mercury dimes are frequent finds, along with Washington quarters that circulated heavily before 1965. Franklin and early Kennedy half dollars also surface in inherited collections.
Silver dollars are among the most recognizable coins from this period. Morgan and Peace dollars carry strong silver weight, but they also attract collector premiums when mint marks or conditions are rare. These details can push value beyond bullion calculations.
Even pocket change from decades ago can hold surprising value today.
Where to Sell Pre-1965 Silver Coins in Texas and Colorado
Gold Rush provides professional evaluations for silver coins at locations in Denver, DFW, and Houston. Certified specialists test weight and purity with advanced tools, giving sellers accurate results based on current market pricing. Each evaluation is clear, transparent, and designed to reflect real value.
Sellers receive competitive payouts with the option for same-day cash. Relying on face value or casual estimates often leaves money on the table, which makes professional testing the smarter choice.
Bring your pre-1965 silver coins to Gold Rush today for a free evaluation and discover their true worth. Your local gold and jewelry buyer in Houston.
