United States Circulating Coinage Intrinsic Value Table
This table does not reflect U.S. Mint production costs, but the pure base metal value that composes the coin. Calculations are based on coin weight, metal composition, and base metal prices. The "Metal % of Face Value" column represents the percentage of metal that comprises the denomination's purchasing power. A coin that is over 100% in this category has more base metal value than purchasing power.
Table based on May 17, 2013 closing base metal prices:
Copper $3.2977/lb  0.0240 |
Zinc $0.8195/lb 0.0035 |
Nickel $6.7129/lb  0.0168 |
United States Circulated Silver Coinage Intrinsic Value Table
These coins were in standard circulation until silver was removed from all coinage in 1965 and 1970 (40% silver half-dollars). I recognize that the silver Eisenhower dollar was issued as a collectible only, but I'm still categorizing it with this group. This table illustrates how far the metal value has progressed compared to the denomination's purchasing power after the debasement.
Table based on May 17, 2013 5:15 PM EDT silver prices:
Silver $22.17/oz -0.45
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