Silver Coins

Silver Coins for Sale at CSN Mint

Looking to buy authentic U.S. silver coins online? At CSN Mint, we offer one of the most trusted and curated collections of silver coins for sale in the United States. From iconic Morgan Dollars and Peace Dollars minted over a century ago, to modern American Silver Eagles struck in .999 fine silver, our catalog spans every era of American numismatic history.

Whether you are a passionate collector building a complete type set, a stacker adding tangible silver to your portfolio, or a first-time buyer looking for the best place to buy silver coins online, CSN Mint offers genuine coins, professional expertise, and secure shipping on every order.

Why Buy Silver Coins?

Silver coins are one of the most accessible and historically resilient ways to own physical precious metals. Unlike paper collections, silver coins offer:

• Intrinsic metal value: Each coin contains a defined weight of silver, making your collection tangible and portable.
• Historical and collector premiums: Rare dates, mint marks, and exceptional grades can command values far above the silver spot price.
• Government-backed authenticity: U.S. Mint-issued coins like the American Silver Eagle are legal tender and internationally recognized.
• Liquidity: Silver coins are among the easiest precious metals to buy and sell at any point in time.
• Inflation hedge: Physical silver has historically held value during periods of currency devaluation.

Explore Our U.S. Silver Coin Collections

CSN Mint's collection covers the full breadth of American silver coinage, from 19th-century classics to the latest U.S. Mint releases. Browse by category below or use the filters above to find coins by year, grade, or price range.

American Silver Eagle

First struck in 1986,the American Silver Eagle is the most popular silver bullion coin in the world. Each coin contains exactly 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver and is legal tender at $1. The obverse features Adolph A. Weinman's beloved Walking Liberty design, first used on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916–1947), while the reverse displays John Mercanti's heraldic eagle. Available in Uncirculated (MS), Proof (PF), Burnished, and Reverse Proof finishes, the Silver Eagle is ideal for both new collectors and seasoned bullion collectors. CSN Mint carries current-year issues, special privy mark editions, and professionally graded examples from NGC and PCGS.

Morgan Silver Dollar

Minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, plus a celebrated modern revival beginning in 2021, the Morgan Dollar is the cornerstone of American coin collecting. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin features a portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. Each contains 0.7734 troy ounces of 90% fine silver. Morgan Dollars were struck at five different mint facilities: Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver. Mint marks dramatically affect value, and an 1893-S, for example, is worth hundreds of thousands in top condition. CSN Mint carries Morgan Dollars from multiple years and mint marks in grades ranging from circulated examples to certified MS70.

Peace Silver Dollar

Introduced in December 1921 to celebrate the end of World War I, the Peace Dollar was designed by sculptor Anthony de Francisci and struck through 1935. The obverse shows a radiant Liberty, and the reverse depicts a bald eagle perched on a rock beneath the word PEACE. Like the Morgan, the Peace Dollar contains 90% silver and 10% copper. The 1921 Peace Dollar, struck for just one year in high relief, is especially prized by collectors. Modern Peace Dollar revivals from the U.S. Mint (2021 onward) have also been issued in proof and reverse-proof finishes.

Kennedy Half Dollar

The Kennedy Half Dollar was first issued in 1964, just months after President John F. Kennedy's assassination, making it one of the most emotionally significant coins in American history. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar contains 90% silver. From 1965 to 1970, composition shifted to 40% silver before transitioning to a copper-nickel clad. Collectors particularly seek the 1964 issue, the 1970-D (never released for circulation), and the 40% silver bicentennial issues of 1976.

Eisenhower Dollar

Minted from 1971 to 1978, the Eisenhower Dollar honors President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the obverse and a stylized Apollo 11 mission insignia on the reverse. While most circulation strikes used a copper-nickel composition, the San Francisco Mint produced 40% silver collector editions from 1971 to 1974 and for the 1976 bicentennial edition. These silver Ikes are highly collectible and increasingly hard to find in top grades.

Silver Commemoratives

Since 1892, the U.S. Mint has issued special commemorative coins honoring historic people, places, and milestones. Silver commemoratives, struck primarily in 90% silver, include issues celebrating the Statue of Liberty, the Civil War Battlefield preservation, the Olympics, and the nation's founding. These coins are typically produced in limited quantities and sold at a premium above face value. CSN Mint carries a curated selection of silver commemoratives that make exceptional gifts for history enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Half Dollars (Pre-1965 Silver)

All U.S. half dollars struck before 1965, including Barber Half Dollars (1892–1915), Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916–1947), and Franklin Half Dollars (1948–1963), contain 90% silver. Walking Liberty Half Dollars are among the most artistically celebrated American coins ever produced, with a design so admired it was adapted for the American Silver Eagle's obverse. Barber and Franklin issues attract collectors who appreciate classic U.S. Mint artistry from the early 20th century.

Barber Silver Coins

Designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, the Barber coinage series includes the Barber Dime, Barber Quarter, and Barber Half Dollar, all minted from 1892 to 1916. Each depicts a helmeted Liberty on the obverse. Barber coins were minted across multiple facilities, and certain date-mint combinations are scarce in high grades, making them a rewarding challenge for dedicated type set collectors.

Seated Liberty Silver Dollar

Struck from 1840 to 1873, the Seated Liberty Dollar is one of the most historically significant silver coins in U.S. numismatics. Christian Gobrecht designed the iconic obverse image of a seated Liberty holding a shield and a liberty pole with a cap. With relatively low surviving populations, particularly in grades above MS63, original Seated Liberty Dollars are genuine numismatic rarities and genuine pieces of 19th-century American history.

90% Silver Coins — What Is Junk Silver?

Pre-1965 U.S. coins, including dimes, quarters, and half dollars struck before the U.S. Mint switched to copper-nickel clad, are commonly known as "junk silver" or "90% silver coins." Despite the name, there is nothing "junk" about them; each coin contains a precise amount of .900 fine silver, making them an affordable and highly liquid way to own physical silver.

Junk silver coins are popular with both stackers, who value them for their silver content close to spot price, and collectors who appreciate owning genuine circulated U.S. currency with real monetary history.

Browse CSN Mint's pre-1965 silver coins in our Kennedy Half Dollars, Half Dollars, and Other U.S. Coins categories. These coins ship securely from Scottsdale, AZ, with tracking on every order.

Understanding Silver Coin Grades: MS, PF, and PR Explained

Coin grades, assigned by professional grading services like NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) and PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), are the universal language of coin collecting. Understanding grades helps you buy with confidence and know exactly what you are getting.

Coins are graded on the Sheldon scale from 1 to 70, where 70 represents a theoretically perfect coin. Most modern bullion purchases involve grades between MS63 and MS70.

At CSN Mint, all graded coins are slabbed and certified by NGC or PCGS, two of the most respected grading services in the world. You can filter the collection above by grade (MS63 through MS70 and PF/PR grades) to find exactly the quality level you are looking for.

Obverse and Reverse Designs of U.S. Silver Coins

One of the most compelling aspects of U.S. silver coinage is the artistry embedded in every coin. Obverse and reverse designs tell the story of the nation at the time of minting, from classical allegories of Liberty to celebrations of exploration, democracy, and military service.

• American Silver Eagle: The obverse depicts the iconic Walking Liberty by Adolph A. Weinman. The reverse (redesigned in 2021) shows a heraldic eagle with a shield, an olive branch, and arrows.
• Morgan Dollar: The obverse shows a left-facing Lady Liberty portrait by George T. Morgan, often considered one of the finest coin portraits ever produced. The reverse displays an eagle with wings spread.
• Peace Dollar: Features Anthony de Francisci's radiant Liberty, modelled after his wife, with the word PEACE inscribed beneath the reverse eagle, a direct message of post-war hope.
• Walking Liberty Half Dollar: Shows a full-length Liberty striding toward a rising sun, widely regarded as the most beautiful U.S. coin design ever produced. This design inspired the Silver Eagle.
• Seated Liberty Dollar: Portrays a seated female figure of Liberty holding a shield and pole. The image was based on a Gobrecht design and used on multiple denominations from the 1830s onward.

These designs transform U.S. silver coins from monetary instruments into works of art, with each one serving as a tangible piece of American history you can hold in your hand.

Silver Coins for Your Precious Metals IRA

A Precious Metals IRA (also called a Self-Directed IRA or SDIRA) allows U.S. collectors to hold physical silver coins and bars as part of a tax-advantaged retirement account. Under IRS regulations, silver held in an IRA must meet a minimum purity standard of .999 fine silver (99.9% pure).

IRA-eligible silver coins available at CSN Mint include:

• American Silver Eagles (all years): Authorized by Congress and explicitly IRS-approved for IRAs regardless of the year of issue.
• 2021-onward Morgan and Peace Dollars: The modern U.S. Mint revival versions in .999 fine silver qualify. Pre-1936 originals do not (90% silver).

To include silver coins in an IRA, you must work with an IRS-approved custodian and an approved depository for storage. The coins must be stored by the custodian, and you cannot hold IRA silver at home without triggering a taxable distribution.

If you would like to discuss silver coins for your IRA, contact CSN Mint's numismatic team at 1-800-975-6351 (Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm MST). Our experts can recommend the right products and connect you with a trusted IRA custodian.

How to Identify Real Silver Coins at Home

Before purchasing silver coins anywhere online, it is important to know how to verify authenticity. While purchasing from a trusted dealer like CSN Mint eliminates this risk entirely, these tests are useful when evaluating coins at shows, estate sales, or private transactions.

• The Magnet Test: Silver is diamagnetic, it does not stick to a magnet. Hold a strong neodymium magnet near your coin. Genuine silver will show zero attraction. A coin that sticks or slides too smoothly (counterfeit silver plate over steel or bismuth) fails this test. Note: This test alone is not conclusive.
• The Ping / Ring Test: Balance the coin on a fingertip and tap it gently with another coin or a key. Genuine silver produces a clear, sustained, bell-like ring that lasts for several seconds. Base metal fakes produce a dull, flat thud. You can compare the sound against verified coins on free apps like CoinTrust.
• The Ice Cube Test: Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal. Place an ice cube on the coin's surface. On real silver, the ice begins melting almost immediately within 1–2 seconds. On base metals or plated coins, the ice melts at a much slower, ordinary rate.
• Weight and Diameter Verification: Every genuine U.S. coin has a published diameter and weight. An American Silver Eagle weighs exactly 31.103 grams (1 troy oz) and measures 40.6mm in diameter. Use a digital scale accurate to 0.01g and digital calipers to verify.
• The Acid Test (professional): Jeweler's silver acid test kits are available online for under $10. A small acid drop applied to an inconspicuous edge reveals the metal composition. Genuine silver shows a creamy-white reaction; base metals produce red, brown, or black reactions.

The safest and simplest approach: buy from a verified dealer. Every coin sold at CSN Mint is authentic, sourced directly from the U.S. Mint, NGC, PCGS, or established numismatic auction houses.

Why Collect U.S. Silver Coins?

U.S. silver coins offer a uniquely compelling combination of collecting value, historical significance, and aesthetic beauty. Here is why collectors and stackers choose silver coins over other asset classes:

• Inherent silver value: Every silver coin contains a measurable weight of precious metal, providing a price floor that purely collectible items lack.
• Historical significance: Owning a Morgan Dollar struck in 1878 or a Peace Dollar from 1921 is owning a tangible artefact from American history, something no stock certificate or digital asset can replicate.
• Scarcity and rarity: Many dates and mint marks are genuinely rare. The 1895-P Morgan Dollar, for example, exists only in proof, with around 880 known. Rarity drives long-term value appreciation independent of silver prices.
• Stacking diversification: Physical silver has a low correlation with equities and bonds. Silver coins add portfolio diversification that financial advisors increasingly recommend.
• Portable wealth: A single tube of American Silver Eagles holds approximately $3,000–$4,000 in silver content alone, in a package you can hold in your hand.
• Intergenerational appeal: Silver coins are one of the most frequently passed down assets in American households, and they make meaningful, lasting gifts.

Comparison of Popular U.S. Silver Coins

What Makes CSN Mint Different?

CSN Mint is America's trusted source for numismatic treasures. For decades, millions of collectors across the country have watched our expert numismatists, including Mike Mezack, present rare and collectible coins to a live audience. That heritage gives CSN Mint a level of numismatic expertise, authenticity, and customer trust that no purely online retailer can replicate.

When you buy from CSN Mint, you benefit from:

• Verified authenticity: Every coin is sourced directly from the U.S. Mint, professional grading services (NGC and PCGS), or established numismatic auction houses. We have never sold a counterfeit coin, and our reputation on national television depends on it.
• Expert curation: Our team of experienced numismatists handpicks every item in our catalog. If it is not worth collecting, we do not carry it.
• Competitive pricing: As a high-volume TV retailer, CSN Mint accesses institutional pricing that we pass directly to our customers.
• Secure U.S. shipping: Every order ships with tracking from Scottsdale, AZ. Orders over $200 qualify for free shipping.
• Personalized service: Call us at 1-800-975-6351 (Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm MST) to speak directly with a numismatist, not a call center agent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Silver Coins

1. What are silver coins?

Silver coins are government-issued coins made with a high percentage of silver. Historically, US coins minted before 1965 contained 90% silver, making them valuable for both collectors and stackers.

2. Why are silver coins valuable?

Silver coins are valuable because they combine metal content with collectible demand. Their worth comes from both the spot price of silver and their rarity, mint year, and condition.

3. How can I identify real silver coins?

You can identify real silver coins by checking the mint year, weight, and sound test. Most US coins minted before 1965 are 90% silver, and trusted dealers can also certify authenticity.

4. What types of silver coins are available in the United States?

Popular US coins made of silver include Morgan Dollars, Peace Dollars, Silver Eagles, and pre-1965 dimes, quarters, and half dollars. Each has unique historical and collectible value.

5. Is it better to buy silver coins for collecting?

Yes, silver coins are highly sought-after for collecting and stacking due to their silver content, historical designs, and popularity among numismatists.

6. How much silver is in a U.S. quarter?

Pre-1965 US quarters contain 90% silver and 10% copper. Each quarter has about 0.18 troy ounces of pure silver, making them worth more than face value.

7. What is the difference between bullion silver coins and collectible silver coins?

Bullion silver coins are bought mainly for silver content, while collectible coins carry additional value from rarity, design, and condition. Both types fall under US coins but serve different purposes.

8. Are silver coins still in circulation?

No, silver coins aren't made for use in the market right now. They are mainly available as collectible or bullion coins from the U.S. Mint or coin dealers.

9. What are the most popular U.S. silver coins to collect?

Some of the most popular include Morgan Silver Dollars, Peace Silver Dollars, American Silver Eagles, and 90% silver quarters and dimes.

10. How to clean silver coins safely?

Collectors generally recommend avoiding cleaning, as it can reduce a coin’s value. Avoid using abrasive cleansers and instead use distilled water and gentle soap if at all possible.

11. Are any U.S. coins 100% silver?

Yes, many modern silver bullion coins, like the American Silver Eagle, are made with 99.9% pure silver. Older coins typically contain 90% silver.

12. Does silver stick to a magnet?

No, silver is not magnetic. Coins that stick to a magnet are probably not made entirely of silver and contain other metals.

13. How do I know if a silver coin is real?

Perform simple tests such as the magnet, ping, or ice cube test, or purchase only from reputable sellers like CSN Mint.