One of the most popular ways to invest in silver bullion coins is buying circulated US half dollars minted prior to 1965. These coins, along with Pre-1965 dimes and quarters, are commonly referred to as “junk” silver, or 90% silver.

The term “junk” silver developed in the 1970s. Savvy people began pulling these coins from circulation and trading them at dollar values based on their silver content. Coin dealers applied the term to distinguish this circulated coinage with no collectible value from more collectible coins they wanted to sell at higher prices.

Making the coin prices on “junk” silver more appealing to buyers more interested in the silver content, versus the condition of the coin. Today these coins are widely traded by bullion dealers. They are very popular because they often cost less than other US bullion coins such as US Silver Eagles.

Half dollars, which each contain .358 ounces of actual silver content, are also much smaller than the 1-ounce American Eagles. Preparedness minded investors consider official, recognizable US coins in smaller sizes ideal for use in barter. 90% US silver half dollars are anything but “junk”, despite being referred to that way.