U.S. pre-1965 silver coins, also referred to as “junk bags,” are a popular diversification among silver owners. Generally, silver in this form is sold in $250 face value bags weighing 178.75 fine troy ounces. Items included in this category are U.S. minted silver coins in dime, quarter and half-dollar denominations. $250 face value bags of half-dollars are usually priced at premiums over the dime and quarter bags. Generally speaking, $250 face value bags track the silver spot price and trade at reasonable premiums over their melt value. Though difficult to store and transport, this item remains a standard inclusion in many precious metals portfolios.

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