United States Circulating Coinage Intrinsic Value Table

This table does not reflect U.S. Mint production costs, but the pure base metal value that composes the coin. Calculations are based on coin weight, metal composition, and base metal prices. The "Metal % of Face Value" column represents the percentage of metal that comprises the denomination's purchasing power. A coin that is over 100% in this category has more base metal value than purchasing power. Table based on March 26, 2013 overseas base metal prices: Copper $3.4374/lb 0.0052 Zinc $0.8678/lb 0.0005 Nickel $7.6279/lb 0.0017 Description Face Value Metal Value Metal % of Face Value 1909-1982 Cent (95% copper) * $0.01 $0.0226866 226.86% 1946-2013 Nickel $0.05 $0.0494381 98.87% 1982-2013 Cent (97.5% zinc) * $0.01 $0.0051366 51.36% 1965-2013 Dime $0.10 $0.0189313 18.93% 1965-2013 Quarter $0.25 $0.0473300 18.93% 1971-2013 Half Dollar $0.50 $0.0946613 18.93% 1971-1978 Eisenhower Dollar $1.00 $0.1893233 18.93% 1979-1981, 1999 SBA Dollar $1.00 $0.0676145 6.76% 2000-2013 Sacagawea Dollar $1.00 $0.0585563 5.85% 2007-2013 Presidential Dollar $1.00 $0.0585563 5.85% * The U.S. Mint issued both compositions in 1982; they can be differentiated by weight (3.11 g copper, 2.5 g zinc). The 1943 steel cent is not included in the table above. Also, a tin alloy is used in one cent pieces from 1864 until 1962, but that value isn't significant enough to calculate. Base metal coins not included above:   1938-1942 Jefferson Nickel,   1913-1938 Buffalo Nickel,   1864-1909 Indian Cent   United States Circulated Silver Coinage Intrinsic Value Table These coins were in standard circulation until silver was removed from all coinage in 1965 and 1970 (40% silver half-dollars). I recognize that the silver Eisenhower dollar was issued as a collectible only, but I'm still categorizing it with this group. This table illustrates how far the metal value has progressed compared to the denomination's purchasing power after the debasement. Table based on March 26, 2013 3:03 AM EDT silver prices: Silver $28.72/oz -0.05 Description Face Value Silver Value Silver % of Face Value 1942-1945 Nickel ** $0.05 $1.6158 3231.79% 1916-1945 Mercury Dime $0.10 $2.0775 2077.58% 1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime $0.10 $2.0775 2077.58% 1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter $0.25 $5.1939 2077.58% 1932-1964 Washington Quarter $0.25 $5.1939 2077.58% 1916-1947 Half Dollar $0.50 $10.3879 2077.58% 1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar $0.50 $10.3879 2077.58% 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar $0.50 $10.3879 2077.58% 1965-1970 Half Dollar (40% silver) $0.50 $4.2474 849.49% 1878-1921 Morgan Dollar $1.00 $22.2134 2221.34% 1921-1935 Peace Dollar $1.00 $22.2134 2221.34% 1971-1976 Eisenhower Dollar (40% silver) *** $1.00 $9.0822 908.22% ** The U.S. Mint issued two compositions of the nickel in 1942. The copper-nickel composition used today and the 35% silver composition listed here. *** The 40% silver version of the Eisenhower dollar was issued as a collectible only, they are generally not found in circulation. The best way to distinguish the two versions is by weight. The copper-nickel version weighs 22.68 grams, the silver Ike dollar weighs 24.59 grams. Silver coins not included above:   1892-1915 Barber Half Dollar,   1892-1916 Barber Quarter,   1892-1916 Barber Dime

"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value --- zero." Voltaire (1694-1778)