Based on the provided information, your silver coins are indeed worth something, with their value being primarily determined by their intrinsic silver content. This is often referred to as the coin's "melt value." This value is not static; it is calculated based on the total silver weight of the coin and the current market price, or "spot price," of silver, which fluctuates daily.
Many common U.S. coins minted for circulation before 1965 contain 90% silver and are frequently categorized as "Junk Silver." This term does not imply the coins are undesirable but rather that their value is overwhelmingly tied to their silver bullion content rather than any collectible or numismatic premium. Examples of such coins include Morgan and Peace Dollars, as well as Barber, Walking Liberty, and pre-1965 Kennedy half dollars, quarters, and dimes. Each of these coin types contains a specific and known amount of silver, which provides a definitive base for its valuation.
It is important to understand that this melt value represents a baseline. While many common, circulated silver coins are valued this way, a coin's ultimate worth can be significantly higher if it possesses numismatic value. Factors such as the coin's date, mint mark, rarity, and overall physical condition can make it highly sought after by collectors, elevating its value far beyond the price of its constituent silver. Therefore, while all silver coins have a foundational value based on their metal, a complete assessment should also consider their potential as collectible items.
