What Your Silver Is Worth | Oakton Coins & Collectibles

SELL SILVER IN CHICAGO

Most people aren’t sure what their silver is actually worth.

Unlike gold, silver often comes in many different forms — coins, flatware, jewelry, and industrial items — and value can vary depending on silver content, weight, and market conditions.

At Oakton Coins & Collectibles, we evaluate silver every day. Whether you have a small group of items or a large collection, we can quickly determine what you have and what it’s worth, with no pressure to sell.

Types of Silver We Buy

We regularly purchase:

Silver coins (90% U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars)
Sterling silver (.925 silver items)
Silver flatware and tea sets
Silver jewelry
Silver bullion (bars and rounds)
Foreign silver coins
Scrap silver

From a few items to full estates, we are always happy to take a look.

What Makes Silver Valuable?

The value of silver depends on several key factors:

Silver Content
Silver items are typically marked .925 (sterling), .900 (coin silver), or other percentages.

Weight
Silver is valued based on its weight and purity.

Market Price (Spot Price)
Silver prices fluctuate throughout the day based on global markets.

Type of Item
Coins, bullion, and sterling items can trade differently depending on demand.

Collector Value
Some coins and items may be worth more than their silver content.

Silver Coins (90% U.S. Silver)

One of the most common types of silver we see are pre-1965 U.S. coins.

These include:

Dimes, quarters, and half dollars made of 90% silver

While most are not rare individually, they are widely traded based on their silver content and are easy to buy and sell.

Prices are influenced by the silver market, but real-world buy prices vary based on demand and market conditions.

Sterling Silver (.925)

Sterling silver items are marked “.925” and contain 92.5% pure silver.

We commonly see:

Flatware (forks, spoons, knives)
Serving pieces and tea sets
Jewelry and decorative items

Even damaged or mismatched pieces still have value based on their silver content.

Silver Bullion

We also buy silver bullion, including:

Silver bars
Silver rounds
American Silver Eagles and other bullion coins

Bullion is typically valued close to the current silver price, though premiums can vary depending on the product and market demand.

How We Calculate What Your Silver Is Worth

We use a straightforward process:

  • Identify the type and purity of the silver

  • Weigh the items

  • Reference the current silver market price

  • Apply real-world market conditions

We base our offers on actual dealer pricing, not just theoretical spot prices.

Why Silver Prices Can Vary

Silver prices are more volatile than gold and can be influenced by both industrial demand and investor activity.

In addition, different types of silver items may trade at different levels depending on:

  • market demand

  • refining costs

  • quantity being sold

We take all of this into account when making an offer.

Sell Your Silver in Chicago

If you’re in Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, or nearby suburbs, bring your silver to Oakton Coins & Collectibles for a free evaluation.

We’ll explain exactly what you have and how it’s valued — whether you decide to sell or not.

No pressure, no obligation, just clear information from experienced buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Silver

Is my silver worth anything?
Most silver items have value based on their silver content, though prices vary depending on purity, weight, and market conditions.

Where does silver come from?
Silver forms through similar natural processes as gold and is typically found in the Earth’s crust. It is often mined from ore deposits or recovered as a byproduct of mining other metals like copper, lead, and zinc.

What is sterling silver?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and is commonly marked “.925.”

Are old silver coins valuable?
Many older U.S. coins contain silver and are worth more than face value, even if they are not rare.

Do you buy silver-plated items?
Most silver-plated items have little to no value because they contain very little actual silver.

Is the price based on the spot price?
Spot price is a reference, but real-world buy prices depend on multiple factors including demand and refining.