Gold & Silver Spot Price Tracker
Live precious metals prices for gold, silver, platinum & palladium — updated in real time from Kitco
Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator
Enter the current silver spot price to see the melt value of common U.S. silver coins instantly.
Melt values are for silver content only. Numismatic value may exceed melt for key dates. See the FRC Coin Price Guide for full values.
Why Spot Prices Matter to Collectors
Whether you're buying your first silver dollar or managing a serious bullion portfolio, understanding spot prices is fundamental. The spot price is the current market price for one troy ounce of a precious metal — it's the baseline from which all coin and bullion prices are calculated.
For coin collectors, spot prices matter in two key ways. First, they set the melt value floor for silver and gold coins — no matter how common a coin is, it's always worth at least its metal content at spot. Second, they directly influence the premiums dealers charge over spot for bullion coins, bars, and rounds. Use our Silver Coin Melt Calculator for more detailed calculations, and our Coin Price Guide for numismatic values above melt.
The Four Major Precious Metals
Gold
The ultimate store of value for thousands of years. Gold spot prices are quoted 24/7 globally. Most U.S. gold coins contain .900 or .9999 fine gold. The American Gold Eagle (1 oz) is the most widely traded gold coin in the United States.
Silver
The most accessible precious metal for collectors. U.S. coins dated 1964 and earlier contain 90% silver. Junk silver bags, Morgan Dollars, and Peace Dollars are all priced relative to silver spot. Silver is also an industrial metal — solar panels, electronics, and medical devices all drive demand alongside investor interest.
Platinum
Rarer than gold, platinum is used in American Platinum Eagle bullion coins. Historically priced above gold, though the relationship has shifted in recent years due to changes in automotive and industrial demand. A key investment and industrial metal worth tracking alongside gold and silver.
Palladium
Relatively new to numismatics but surged past gold in price in recent years due to automotive catalytic converter demand. The U.S. Mint has produced Palladium American Eagles since 2017. Highly volatile and primarily driven by industrial rather than investment demand.
Silver Content of Common U.S. Coins
The table below shows silver content for popular U.S. coins. These figures combined with today's spot price give you the melt value floor for any authentic example — regardless of date, mint mark, or collector grade.
| Coin | Silver Content (troy oz) | Composition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan / Peace Dollar | 0.7734 oz | 90% silver | Most popular series for collectors |
| Walking Liberty / Franklin / Kennedy 1964 Half | 0.3618 oz | 90% silver | Kennedy halves 1965–1970 are 40% silver (0.1479 oz) |
| Washington Quarter (pre-1965) | 0.1809 oz | 90% silver | Commonly found in junk silver bags |
| Roosevelt / Mercury Dime (pre-1965) | 0.0723 oz | 90% silver | Smallest common 90% silver coin |
| American Silver Eagle (1 oz) | 1.0000 oz | .999 silver | Carries premium over spot due to collectibility |
| Standing Liberty Quarter (pre-1930) | 0.1809 oz | 90% silver | Numismatic premium typically exceeds melt value |
Ready to Buy Gold or Silver?
Shop trusted dealers with competitive premiums over spot, insured shipping, and transparent pricing. Always compare at least two sources before purchasing.
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What Drives Precious Metals Prices?
Spot prices respond to a predictable set of global economic forces. Understanding these drivers helps collectors and investors make smarter timing decisions.
The U.S. Dollar
Gold and silver are priced in U.S. dollars, so there's an inverse relationship — when the dollar weakens, precious metals tend to rise, and vice versa. This is why metals are often called a "dollar hedge." Tracking the DXY (U.S. Dollar Index) alongside metal prices gives important context.
Inflation & Interest Rates
Rising inflation historically boosts precious metals as investors seek stores of value. When the Federal Reserve raises interest rates, gold and silver often face headwinds because yield-bearing assets become more attractive. But during periods of negative real interest rates — when inflation outpaces rates — metals tend to rally strongly.
Geopolitical Events
Wars, financial crises, banking failures, and political instability drive "safe haven" demand for gold and silver. The 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and various geopolitical conflicts have all triggered significant precious metals price spikes. Gold in particular tends to move sharply on global uncertainty news.
Industrial Demand
Silver has enormous industrial applications — solar panels, electronics, medical devices — meaning its price is influenced by manufacturing demand in addition to investment demand. Palladium is almost entirely driven by automotive catalytic converter demand, making it especially volatile compared to gold.
Spot Price vs. Dealer Premium
When you buy a gold or silver coin from a dealer, you'll always pay more than spot. That difference is the premium, covering the dealer's costs, profit margin, and the coin's fabrication and distribution costs. Here's what typical premiums look like:
| Product | Typical Premium Over Spot | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Junk Silver (90% coins) | 5–15% | Low fabrication cost, high liquidity |
| 1 oz Silver Rounds (generic) | 8–15% | Low premium, no numismatic value |
| American Silver Eagle | 20–35% | U.S. Mint brand, legal tender, collectible |
| 1 oz Silver Bar | 6–12% | Efficient storage but less liquid than coins |
| 1 oz American Gold Eagle | 3–6% | Most liquid gold coin in the U.S. |
| 1 oz Gold Bar (LBMA) | 1–3% | Lowest premium, institutional grade |
Where to Buy Gold & Silver
JM Bullion
One of the largest online bullion dealers in the U.S. Competitive premiums on gold and silver coins, bars, and rounds. Free shipping on qualifying orders.
Shop JM Bullion →Kitco
World-renowned precious metals dealer and the gold standard for live spot price data. Wide selection of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products with transparent pricing.
Shop Kitco →Money Metals Exchange
Highly rated dealer with a strong selection of junk silver, rounds, and bars. Transparent pricing and a straightforward buying experience with no minimum order required.
Shop Money Metals →eBay — Certified Coins
Find PCGS and NGC certified gold and silver coins from thousands of sellers. Great for numismatic pieces where collector value exceeds melt value — with eBay Money Back Guarantee.
Browse eBay →Birch Gold Group
Specializes in precious metals IRAs and physical gold and silver for long-term wealth preservation. Ideal for investors looking beyond simple bullion stacking.
Learn More →FRC Coin Price Guide
Research the numismatic value of your silver and gold coins — find out whether your coin is worth more than its melt value before you sell or buy.
View Price Guide →Related Precious Metals Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the spot price of gold and silver?
The spot price is the current market price for one troy ounce of a precious metal for immediate delivery. It's set by global commodities exchanges — primarily the COMEX in New York and the London Bullion Market Association — and fluctuates continuously during trading hours. The live prices shown in the Kitco widget above reflect current spot pricing updated in real time.
What is a troy ounce and how does it differ from a regular ounce?
Precious metals are measured in troy ounces, not standard (avoirdupois) ounces. One troy ounce equals 31.1035 grams, while a standard ounce is 28.3495 grams — a troy ounce is about 10% heavier. All coin and bullion weights, including the silver content figures in the table above, use troy ounces. When you see "1 oz silver coin" on a bullion product, it means 1 troy ounce, not 1 standard ounce.
What is the difference between spot price and melt value?
Spot price is the price per troy ounce of pure metal. Melt value is the actual metal value of a specific coin or bar, calculated by multiplying its metal content (in troy ounces) by the current spot price. A 90% silver Morgan Dollar contains 0.7734 troy oz of silver, so its melt value equals 0.7734 × silver spot price. The calculator at the top of this page shows melt values for all common U.S. silver coins. Use our dedicated Silver Coin Melt Calculator for more detailed results.
Should I buy gold or silver?
Both serve different purposes. Gold is primarily a wealth preservation and hedge asset with lower volatility. Silver offers lower entry points, higher volatility, and significant industrial demand alongside investment demand. Many collectors own both. Your decision should depend on your budget, goals, and risk tolerance. We always recommend consulting a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions — this page is for educational purposes only.
How do I know if my old coins are worth more than their melt value?
Many pre-1965 U.S. coins have numismatic (collector) value that exceeds their melt value, especially in higher grades or for key-date issues. Use our Coin Value Estimator for a baseline estimate, and check the FRC Coin Prices guide for detailed series information. For valuable coins, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is recommended before buying or selling.
Where can I buy gold and silver coins at a fair price?
We recommend established online dealers including JM Bullion, Kitco, and Money Metals Exchange, all of which offer transparent pricing relative to spot. eBay is excellent for numismatic coins where you want to compare certified examples. Local coin dealers and coin shows are good options, especially for pieces you want to inspect in person. Always compare premiums across multiple sources before purchasing, and verify current spot price before any significant transaction.
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