Pre-1965 U.S. dimes, quarters and half dollars are 90% silver (each $1 face value contains about 0.715 oz of silver); 1965–1970 Kennedy halves are 40% and wartime nickels (1942–45) 35%.
How to use the Silver Melt Calculator
- Silver purity
- Custom purity
- Weight
- Silver price per troy ounce
- Buyer’s payout
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Choose the purity, enter the weight and the current silver price per troy ounce.
Tips
- Use your real spending from bank statements rather than guesses.
- Automate savings so they happen before you spend.
- Revisit your plan once a year or after any big life change.
- Keep an emergency fund before investing for long-term goals.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating irregular expenses such as car repairs, gifts and annual bills.
- Ignoring inflation for long-term goals.
- Taking on high-interest debt to fund wants.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Silver purity | Choose one: Fine silver .999, Britannia .958, Sterling .925, Coin silver .900 (pre-1965 US dimes, quarters, halves) … |
| Custom purity | In % |
| Weight | Units: grams, troy ounces, ounces (avoirdupois), pennyweights (dwt), tola, kilograms |
| Silver price per troy ounce | Amount in your currency |
| Buyer’s payout | In % |
What each result means
- Pure silver in troy ounces = [Pure silver content]÷31.1034768
- Melt value = [Pure silver in troy ounces]×[Silver price per troy ounce]
- Expected offer = [Melt value]×[Buyer’s payout]÷100
Example values
How the main result changes when Custom purity changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Custom purity (%) | Melt value |
|---|---|
| 25 | 142.75 |
| 37.5 | 142.75 |
| 50 | 142.75 |
| 62.5 | 142.75 |
| 75 | 142.75 |
| 100 | 142.75 |
Formula
Pure silver = weight × purityMelt value = pure silver (troy oz) × spot price per troy ounceWorked example
Inputs — Silver purity: Sterling .925; Custom purity: 50 %; Weight: 100 grams; Silver price per troy ounce: $48; Buyer's payout: 85 %.
Results — Pure silver content = 92.5 g; Pure silver in troy ounces = 2.9739; Melt value = $142.75; Expected offer = $121.34.
Frequently asked questions
How much silver is in a pre-1965 quarter?
0.1808 troy oz (6.25 g × 90%).
What does .925 mean?
Sterling silver: 92.5% pure silver.
Is melt value what I'll be paid?
Dealers usually pay a little below melt for scrap and above it for collectible coins.
What formula does the Silver Melt Calculator use?
Pure silver = weight × purity.