Based on the provided information, the value of a pound of silver dollars depends on how that value is being measured, as there are multiple factors to consider.
A key piece of information from the context is that a pound of Morgan silver dollars contains approximately 17 coins. Using this figure, we can determine different types of value.
First, there is the face value. Since each of the 17 coins is a one-dollar coin, the total face value of a pound of silver dollars is simply $17. This is their legal tender value but is not representative of their actual market worth.
Second is the melt value, which is based on the silver content of the coins. Morgan silver dollars are composed of 90% silver. A pound of these coins (approximately 17 coins) contains roughly 13.15 troy ounces of pure silver. The total melt value would be calculated by multiplying this amount of silver by the current market spot price of silver, which fluctuates daily.
Finally, and most importantly, is the numismatic or collector value. This value is determined by the specific coins included in the pound, their dates, mint marks, and, crucially, their condition. The provided context highlights this, referencing coins in "VG+" (Very Good) condition as well as "BU" (Brilliant Uncirculated) condition. Uncirculated coins or those from rarer years will be worth significantly more to a collector than common, heavily circulated coins. Therefore, while the melt value provides a baseline, the actual sale price for a pound of silver dollars will almost always be higher, reflecting this collector premium.
