Let us begin by defining what a “silver dollar” is, and the different meanings of the term “dollar”. The particular meaning of “dollar” that you use has a great big effect on the actual “silver dollar” values. First, there is the original and centuries-old definition of “dollar” which means a very specific weight of almost-pure silver. Second, the newer “silver dollar” is a US-minted silver alloy coin that is intended to be used as currency and legal tender in the United States. The latter contain silver, but not nearly the amount that is specified by the old-world definition of a dollar of silver.

So, a minted and (likely) circulated US coin with silver in it, and having a face value of $1, contains silver but NOT a dollar’s-weight of silver.

And, a minted but uncirculated (but perhaps worn otherwise) round of silver, resembling a coin, that is NOT legal tender, is silver bullion and contains a specific amount of silver in it.

Another diffference is that the circulated US coins will have the familiar look and markings of other US currency, while silver bullion rounds can have any variety of markings, and most will have their weight in troy ounces and silver putiry in number that are minted on the coin faces somewhere.

Silver dollar values and prices, for coins and certificates, vary widely. A silver dollar coin value can range from from a low of melt value, to an extremely high price because it is collectible and rare. Silver certificate dollars no not have a melt value, because linen burns, but these silver certificates are collectors items, and ones that are in excellent condition are prized by collectors because of their numismatic value.

The value of silver dollars is almost always above their melt value. Melt value simply means the sell price of the precious metals in the coin, if you were to melt it down and sell it as metal rather than a coin. Even silver coins that are common, worn, and minted in the past few decades are worth more than their melt value. For example, a Morgan Silver Dollar value, minted in the US in the 1920’s, even if it is circulated and worn and not in a great “collectible” condition, is worth more than the silver that is in it. By the way, this type of worn and non-collectible coin is called junk silver , but don’t let the name fool you, it is not junk! A Morgan dollar value will include not only the value of the silver content of the coin, but also a numismatic value relating to the condition and rarity of the coin. Peace silver dolar values are also of interest, check out a chart of Peace silver dollar values.

The silver dollar prices when you buy silver coins are usually a bit higher than the price that you can sell yours at. This is because the silver coin dealers must have a way to earn money by providing their services. The difference between selling price and buying price is normal, and part of the “cost of doing business” in the silver trade. You’re not getting ripped off, you’re simply paying a reasonable amount for the valuable service that an honest silver coin dealer is providing. They are making sure that you are paying a reasonable price when you buy, and that you are getting paid a reasonable price when you sell silver coins.