Silver Coin Values

These silver coin guides provide the melt values of silver coins for the listed countries as well as resource links to world coin prices.

• US Silver Coin Values

• Australian Silver Coin Values

• Canadian Silver Coin Values

• New Zealand Silver Coin Values

• US Silver Set Melt Values

With any coin it is important to remember there are really three values associated with it — face, melt and numismatic. These three values take into account different considerations and thus affect the true value of a coin in wildly different ways.

The face value of a strike is perhaps the easiest to comprehend as it is generally inscribed on the coin in question. It is the legal tender value of that strike as imposed by the issuing authority. Thus, a dime struck by the United States Mint has a face value of US $.10 (one-tenth of a U.S. Dollar) and may be used for commerce transactions with that value.

When determining the true value of coins, the next item to consider is its melt or intrinsic value. This requires knowing what the composition of the piece is and determining what the weights of the specific metals contained within it are worth on the open market. For example, an American Silver Eagle is struck from one ounce of 99.9% fine silver thus its melt value is equal to what one ounce of silver is currently trading for on the open market.

This does not mean coins should actually be melted down to obtain their intrinsic value. In fact, doing so may not only be against the law but would hinder its sale. A complete coin that is easily identifiable is more widely accepted because its composition is known. A chunk of metal would require further testing to determine its intrinsic value.

Finally, one must also consider the numismatic value of a strike. A coin’s numismatic value is based on what it may be worth to other collectors. This generally varies based on factors like the previously mentioned melt value, but it also takes into account the rarity and condition of the coin. For example, coins with perceived rarity in great condition would be worth significantly more than ones with a much higher mintage or one in poor condition.