Questions on "S" and Silver Proof being = to 90% silver

[srj19]

Questions on "S" and Silver Proof being = to 90% silver

I think this is partly correct so correct me where I'm wrong.

Proof coins are typically "S" Mint
Most/all "S" minted coin for the halves/dimes/quarters after 1964 likely were made with 90% or "coin silver"
A coin made of 90% coin silver after 64 is just a good (in terms of melt value) as the dates we are all searching for.

I've seen videos on the yearly mint sets, it looked like some are the 90% and some aren't. If you can buy a mint set for any year that is 90% Silver and under melt value you have a deal, no?

I've heard also about the 76 halve "S" mint, is this also 90% or something in between?

Thanks for helping me get a grip on this,
Scott

 

[Diver_Down]

Re: Questions on "S" and Silver Proof being = to 90% silver

First problem is the assumption on proof composition. Most are clad. Impaired proofs (depending on impairment) might carry a slight premium over face. Bicentennials had both clad and silver proofs. Both from San Fran. In addition, there were uncirculated business strikes that also were minted in San Fran. The silver bicentennials (proof and business strike) are 40% silver. The mint didn't start issuing 90% silver proof sets until 1992. They are rare to find. Most likely, proofs found in circulation are the clad variety. Rim check, sound check, and weight will tell the truth of the composition.

 

[DigginThePast]

Re: Questions on "S" and Silver Proof being = to 90% silver

What to look for while roll hunting or buying Proof sets?

You need to be careful when buying Proofs for silver content as it is a little convoluted. As always, knowledge is power.

Prior to 1968 Proof issues were minted at Philadelphia and will exhibit no mint mark (1942-P Silver Wartime Nickel aside). There were also periods when Proofs were not issued at all.

Post 1968 Proof issues have been struck at San Franciso (S) and more recently at West Point (W).

1968-1991 Proofs are not silver with the following exceptions:
-1976-S (Bicentennial) Quarters, Halfs, and Dollars minted in a 40% Silver Clad. Note: For this year, there were Proofs issued both in 40% Clad and Copper-Nickel Clad.
-1971-S, 72-S, 73-S and 74-S Eisenhower 40% Silver Clad. Note: Some 73-S and 74-S Ikes are Copper-Nickel Clad.
-1968-S, 69-S and 70-S 40% Silver Clad Half Dollars.

1992-Current:
The Dime, Quarter and Half Dollar have been offered as Proof issues bearing the "S" mint mark in both the circulating Copper-Nickel Clad composition and in 90% Silver.

As for West Point issues. I believe that any coin you encounter with the "W" will be of a composition primarily of one precious metal or another.

 

[DigginThePast]

Re: Questions on "S" and Silver Proof being = to 90% silver

Oh yeah.......Welcome to TreasureNet Scott!

 

[srj19]

Re: Questions on "S" and Silver Proof being = to 90% silver

Ok, sounds like "fun" figuring out what I have when CRHing. Long story short, watch for "S" as these are the only ones that may contain silver post 64', have I got that right?

Also, when it comes to proof sets, something like this is 90%. Anytime you can buy one of these at below melt for the silver coins seems like money ahead. Are they typically sealed and reliable when purchased on the open market?

http://catalog.usmint.gov/webapp/wc...ctId=16216&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10211

 

[DigginThePast]

Re: Questions on "S" and Silver Proof being = to 90% silver

Ok, sounds like "fun" figuring out what I have when CRHing. Long story short, watch for "S" as these are the only ones that may contain silver post 64', have I got that right?

Also, when it comes to proof sets, something like this is 90%. Anytime you can buy one of these at below melt for the silver coins seems like money ahead. Are they typically sealed and reliable when purchased on the open market?

http://catalog.usmint.gov/webapp/wc...ctId=16216&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10211

Bear in mind I only touched on Proof issues above.

Yes, in a nutshell, Post 1964 "S" Mint might be silver.

Also, I feel I should mention that circulating Half Dollars 1965-1970 were 40% Silver Clad, regardless of mint mark.

As to the link you provided. Yes, if you can locate sets such as those below spot price for the silver contained you might be able to re-sell for a profit. I say might as nothing is certain. It has been my experience that most of the Proof Sets are still sealed and are as stated.

 

[srj19]

Re: Questions on "S" and Silver Proof being = to 90% silver

Sorry meant to say coins after 70' with "S" mint would be the only ones to have a chance at silver.

When it comes to these 90% silver proof sets, how often are they for sale on the open market for prices that make sense for their melt value?

If I encounter a coin while CRH'ing that is S mint, will the edge and the silver ping be the best measures or are there other markings on the count that can assist in determining?

 

[Generic_Lad]

Re: Questions on "S" and Silver Proof being = to 90% silver

Yes, edge searching is the primary way you can determine if it is silver, proof or not. The only instances that edge searching doesn't fully work is with 40% silver coins or really dirty coins. Once you have seen enough 40% silver coins, you start to be able to easily pick out most of them from a quick edge search, but always date search, or sound check half dollars. I also believe that the edges of proof coins generally look different than normal coins, but I haven't seen enough rolled proofs while edge searching to really explain it. If the proof has a copper band through it, unless it is a 40% coin (Ike dollars, 40% silver bicentennial quarter, or 40% silver half dollar) it isn't silver.