Last Updated: January 14, 2026
What if those old silver coins gathering dust in your drawer are worth more by their metal weight than you ever imagined? With silver prices fluctuating and San Francisco’s rich minting history creating a robust local market, selling silver coins by the pound has become a practical option for many Bay Area residents looking to liquidate collections, estate items, or accumulated bullion.
San Francisco’s coin market stands apart from other cities. From the historic “Granite Lady” San Francisco Mint that produced exclusive Silver American Eagles between 1986 and 1992 to today’s established dealers operating in neighborhoods from the Marina District to the Financial District, the city maintains a sophisticated infrastructure for bulk silver transactions. Whether you’re dealing with pre-1965 90% silver U.S. coins, sterling silver pieces, or bullion rounds, understanding how to sell silver coins by the pound in San Francisco, CA can maximize your returns.
Quick Answer: How to Sell Silver Coins by Weight
When you sell silver coins by the pound in San Francisco, CA, dealers typically pay based on the melt value—the pure silver content multiplied by current spot prices. Pre-1965 U.S. dimes, quarters, and half-dollars contain 90% silver and are commonly sold this way. Established dealers evaluate your coins, weigh them, calculate the silver content, and make offers typically ranging from 90-98% of spot value depending on quantity and market conditions.
Key Takeaways:
- Pre-1965 U.S. silver coins (90% silver) are ideal candidates for pound-based selling
- Current silver spot price directly determines your payout—check daily rates before selling
- Established San Francisco dealers like Witter Coin and Robert R. Johnson specialize in bulk purchases
- Larger quantities typically command better percentages of spot price
- Professional authentication ensures you’re not accidentally selling rare numismatic coins as scrap
Understanding San Francisco’s Silver Coin Market
San Francisco’s connection to silver coins runs deep. The San Francisco Mint, established April 3, 1854 during the California Gold Rush, processed over $4 million in gold coins during its first year alone. While initially focused on gold from the Sacramento Valley mines—where over 750,000 pounds of gold was extracted by 1849—the Mint expanded operations to include silver coining. By 1986, it held exclusive rights to produce Silver American Eagles until 1993, creating highly sought-after “S” mint mark coins that today’s collectors prize.
This heritage created a sophisticated local market for precious metals. Today, when you sell coins in San Francisco, you’re tapping into over 170 years of minting expertise and a dealer network that understands both numismatic value and melt value—the critical distinction when selling silver by weight.
The Difference Between Numismatic and Melt Value
Not all silver coins should be sold by the pound. Numismatic value—the collectible worth based on rarity, condition, and demand—can far exceed silver content value. A 1893-S Morgan dollar, for example, ranks as “the king of all Morgan dollars” and commands thousands of dollars despite containing roughly one ounce of silver worth around $30 at current January 2026 prices.
Conversely, melt value applies to common-date coins, damaged pieces, or bullion where silver content determines worth. Pre-1965 U.S. quarters, dimes, and half-dollars—often called “junk silver” in the trade—contain 90% silver and are typically sold by weight. A pound of these coins contains approximately 11.25 troy ounces of pure silver. With silver spot prices around $29-32 per troy ounce in early 2026, that pound yields $325-360 in silver content before dealer margins.
San Francisco’s Established Silver Buyers
The Bay Area supports several long-standing precious metals dealers. Witter Coin, located at 2299 Lombard Street in the Marina District (94123), has served the community since 1960 and explicitly purchases “coin collections, all gold & silver” and “sterling silver,” handling transactions from small lots to estates exceeding $1 million. Their team of professional numismatists authenticates items onsite, ensuring rare coins aren’t mistakenly sold for melt value.
Robert R. Johnson Coin and Stamp Co., established in 1954, similarly buys silver coins, sterling, and bullion by weight, maintaining a reputation for integrity in San Francisco’s precious metals market. Options also include San Francisco Coin Buyers and other established dealers throughout the Financial District and surrounding neighborhoods.
Common Mistakes When Selling Silver Coins by Weight
Many sellers inadvertently leave money on the table or make decisions that reduce their returns. Understanding these pitfalls helps you navigate the process more effectively.
Failing to Check for Rare Dates Before Selling
The most costly error is selling numismatically valuable coins as scrap silver. A Mercury dime might look like just another 90% silver coin worth $2-3 in melt value, but certain dates and mint marks—like the 1916-D—are worth thousands. Similarly, San Francisco-minted coins with the “S” mark often carry premiums, especially those produced at the historic facilities.
Before approaching dealers to sell silver coins by the pound in San Francisco, CA, consider getting a coin appraisal in San Francisco from a certified numismatist. Many dealers offer free preliminary assessments to identify potential rarities in your collection.
Not Monitoring Silver Spot Prices
Silver prices fluctuate daily—sometimes dramatically. Selling when spot prices hit $28 versus $32 per troy ounce means a $45 difference per pound of 90% silver coins. According to Forbes, silver prices in 2025-2026 have been influenced by industrial demand, Federal Reserve policy, and global economic uncertainty, creating volatile but potentially favorable selling opportunities.
Smart sellers track spot prices for several days or weeks to identify favorable selling windows. Dealers base offers on real-time London or New York spot prices minus their margins, so timing matters significantly.
Accepting the First Offer Without Comparison
Dealers’ offers vary based on overhead, current inventory needs, and profit margins. One might offer 92% of spot while another offers 96%—a difference of $14 per pound at $30 silver. When dealing with substantial quantities, shopping multiple dealers in the 94102, 94103, and 94123 zip codes can yield significant additional returns.
Best Practices for Selling Silver Coins by the Pound
Maximizing returns requires preparation and strategic thinking. Follow these professional approaches to ensure you receive fair value for your silver.
Separate Potential Collectibles from Bulk Silver
Before weighing coins for bulk sale, sort through for anything that stands out: uncirculated condition coins, unusual dates, or coins with the San Francisco “S” mint mark from historic production periods. These warrant individual evaluation. Many coin buyers who provide written appraisals can document which pieces merit individual sale versus bulk liquidation.
In our experience working with San Francisco residents, we often see estate collections where a few key coins buried in pounds of common silver are worth more than the entire bulk lot combined. Professional dealers have the expertise to catch these, but separating obvious candidates beforehand demonstrates due diligence.
Understand Silver Content Calculations
Different silver items contain varying silver percentages:
| Item Type | Silver Content | Troy Oz per Pound |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1965 U.S. Dimes, Quarters, Half-Dollars | 90% Silver | ~11.25 troy oz |
| 1965-1970 Kennedy Half-Dollars | 40% Silver | ~5 troy oz |
| Sterling Silver (.925) | 92.5% Silver | ~11.6 troy oz |
| Silver Bullion Rounds/Bars | 99.9% Silver | ~12 troy oz |
Understanding these ratios helps you calculate approximate values before visiting dealers. At $30 per troy ounce spot price, a pound of 90% silver coins contains about $337.50 in silver. Dealers typically offer 90-98% of this value, meaning you’d expect $303-330 per pound depending on quantity and negotiation.
Leverage Quantity for Better Percentages
Dealers offer better percentages on larger lots because processing costs remain relatively fixed whether they’re buying one pound or one hundred. If you have 50 pounds of silver coins, expect offers closer to 96-98% of spot. With just five pounds, offers might hover around 90-92%.
This principle aligns with how San Francisco dealers like Witter Coin handle estates “over $1 million”—substantial transactions command premium treatment. If you’re selling smaller quantities, consider accumulating more before approaching dealers, or accept that lower percentages reflect the economics of small-lot processing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your Silver Coins
Follow this practical roadmap to navigate the selling process smoothly and maximize your returns when you sell silver coins by the pound in San Francisco, CA.
Step 1: Inventory and Initial Sorting
Gather all silver coins and separate them into categories: pre-1965 U.S. silver, 1965-1970 40% silver Kennedy halves, foreign silver coins, and sterling silver items. Weigh each category on a kitchen scale to establish baseline quantities. Note any coins that appear uncirculated, have unusual dates, or bear the San Francisco “S” mint mark from historic production periods between 1854 and the present.
Step 2: Research Current Silver Prices and Dealer Reputations
Check current silver spot prices on financial websites like the Bloomberg Precious Metals page. Calculate expected values using the silver content percentages for your coin types. Research San Francisco coin dealers who specialize in bulk purchases, checking reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings when available.
Step 3: Get Multiple Evaluations
Visit at least three dealers in San Francisco—ideally spanning different neighborhoods from the Marina District (94123) to the Financial District (94104) to capture different market perspectives. Reputable dealers will weigh your silver, test authenticity (often using electronic testers or specific gravity methods), calculate silver content, and make offers typically within 90-98% of spot value.
During evaluations, dealers should explain their calculation methodology and offer percentage relative to current spot prices. Transparency in this process indicates professionalism and fair dealing.
Step 4: Negotiate and Finalize the Sale
Once you have multiple offers, you can use the best offer as leverage with your preferred dealer. Many will match or slightly exceed competing offers to secure business, especially for substantial quantities. Ensure you receive payment via secure methods—cash for smaller transactions or cashier’s checks for larger sales. Reputable dealers provide detailed receipts documenting weight, silver content percentage, spot price used, and total payment.
San Francisco Market Insights: What Makes the Bay Area Unique
San Francisco’s silver coin market operates differently from other U.S. cities due to unique local factors. The concentration of wealth in the Bay Area, combined with the historic San Francisco Mint’s legacy, creates higher demand for both collectible and bullion silver. Dealers here are accustomed to handling significant estates from Pacific Heights, Sea Cliff, and Presidio Heights neighborhoods, where multi-generational coin collections surface regularly.
Interestingly, San Francisco collectors tend to show stronger preference for locally-minted coins bearing the “S” mark compared to coins from Philadelphia or Denver mints—a regional pride that can affect pricing dynamics when individual coins are evaluated rather than sold as bulk silver. This creates opportunity: if your bulk lot contains San Francisco-minted pieces, separating them for individual sale might yield better overall returns.
When our teams work with clients throughout zip codes 94102, 94103, and 94123, we frequently encounter silver inherited from family members who participated in San Francisco’s mid-century prosperity or collected during the silver price spikes of the 1970s-1980s. These lots often mix bullion-grade coins with numismatic treasures, requiring careful separation before bulk liquidation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a pound of silver coins worth in January 2026?
A pound of pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver coins contains approximately 11.25 troy ounces of pure silver. With spot prices around $29-32 per troy ounce in early 2026, the silver content is worth $326-360. Dealers typically offer 90-98% of this value, meaning you’d receive $293-353 per pound depending on quantity and negotiation.
Do San Francisco dealers pay more for coins from the San Francisco Mint?
When selling by the pound for melt value, mint marks don’t affect pricing—only silver content matters. However, if your San Francisco-minted coins have numismatic value (rare dates, excellent condition), they should be evaluated individually rather than sold as bulk silver, where the “S” mark could command significant premiums.
Should I clean my silver coins before selling them by the pound?
No. Cleaning coins destroys numismatic value if any exists and doesn’t affect melt value for bulk sales. Dealers evaluate silver content regardless of tarnish or appearance. If you suspect some coins might be collectible, cleaning them could dramatically reduce their worth.
What documentation should I receive when selling silver coins?
Professional dealers provide detailed receipts showing: total weight, silver content percentage, number and types of coins, spot price reference, percentage paid of spot value, and total payment amount. This documentation is important for tax purposes, as silver coin sales may have capital gains implications that should be discussed with a tax professional.
Are there tax implications when selling silver coins by the pound?
According to IRS guidelines, precious metals sales may be subject to capital gains taxes depending on holding period and profit. Dealers are required to report certain transactions exceeding specific thresholds. Consult a tax professional regarding your specific situation, as this article provides general information only and not tax advice.
Conclusion: Maximizing Returns in San Francisco’s Silver Market
Selling silver coins by the pound in San Francisco, CA offers a straightforward path to liquidity when you’re dealing with common-date coins, damaged pieces, or bullion silver. The city’s rich minting heritage and established dealer network create a professional, competitive marketplace where sellers can achieve fair returns based on silver content.
Success requires understanding the crucial distinction between numismatic and melt value, monitoring silver spot prices for optimal selling windows, and obtaining multiple dealer evaluations to ensure competitive offers. By separating potential collectibles from bulk silver, understanding silver content calculations, and leveraging quantity for better percentages, you position yourself to maximize returns.
Whether you’re liquidating an inherited collection, converting unwanted silver jewelry and coins into cash, or simply capitalizing on favorable silver prices, San Francisco’s dealers from the Marina District to the Financial District stand ready to provide professional evaluations and competitive offers. The key is approaching the process with knowledge, patience, and realistic expectations about both the opportunities and limitations of pound-based silver sales.
Financial Disclaimer: This article provides general information about selling silver coins and should not be construed as financial, investment, or tax advice. Silver prices fluctuate based on market conditions. Consult qualified financial and tax professionals regarding your specific situation before making any selling decisions.
Sources and References
- San Francisco Mint Historical Archives – United States Mint (usmint.gov)
- Bloomberg Precious Metals Market Data – January 2026
- Forbes – Silver Market Analysis and Investment Trends 2025-2026
- Internal Revenue Service – Precious Metals Tax Guidelines
- California Gold Rush Historical Society – Mining and Mint Records