Silver is also a precious metal that can have both a melt value and collectible value. There are three main types of silver that is sold for scrap value: Silver Coins Silver Jewelry Silver Flatware Silver US coins were used in various denominations during the 1960's and prior. They include the following dates: Nickels - Commonly called war nickels, these were minted from 1942-1945. The easiest way to identify a silver nickel is to look at the back of the coin. If the dome has a "P", "D", or "S" above it, it is 35% silver. Dimes - All dimes prior to 1965 were 90% silver. Quarters - All quarters prior to 1965 were 90% silver. Halfs - Halfs prior to 1965 were 90% silver. From 1965-1970, they were 40% silver. Dollars - all Dollars prior to 1933 were 90% silver. You can use a website to determine scrap value on coins. Check out www.coininflation.com. Older coins also may have numismatic / collector value. Use ebay or PCGS.com to detrmine your coins condition and value from a collector's standpoint. Never clean collector coins, you will dramatically reduce the value! Most flatware is either silver plate or Sterling Silver. Sterling is .925 Silver, or 92.5% silver. Some flatware sets are worth extremely high prices, since silver has skyrocketed in price in 2011. Even a single silver spoon may fetch $3-10.