In the United States, several circulating coins were made of silver for specific years:
- Dimes (10-cent pieces), Quarters (25-cent pieces), and Half Dollars (50-cent pieces): These were made of 90% silver up to and including the year 1964.
- Kennedy Half Dollars: While most circulating coins after 1964 transitioned away from silver, some Kennedy Half Dollars minted between 1965 and 1970 contained 40% silver.
- War Nickels (5-cent pieces): Nickels produced between 1942 and 1945 contain 35% silver, according to Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyers. You can identify these by a mint mark (P, D, or S) located above the depiction of Monticello on the reverse side.
- Silver Dollars: 90% silver dollars were minted until 1935.
– Morgan Dollars: Minted from 1878-1904 and again in 1921.
– Peace Dollars: Minted from 1921-1935.
– Eisenhower Dollars: Proof versions of Eisenhower Dollars were minted with 40% silver between 1971 and 1976.
– American Silver Eagles: These 99.9% pure silver bullion coins have been minted since 1986 and are not intended for general circulation.
In summary, when looking for silver in US coinage, remember:
- Before 1965: Dimes, quarters, and half dollars are 90% silver.
- 1942-1945: Nickels (look for the mint mark above Monticello) are 35% silver.
- 1965-1970: Kennedy Half Dollars are 40% silver.
- Silver Dollars: Morgan (1878-1904, 1921), Peace (1921-1935), and some proof Eisenhower (1971-1976) dollars contain silver.
- Bullion Coins: American Silver Eagles (1986-present) are 99.9% silver, [says APMEX].
Beyond the United States, numerous countries have a rich history of silver coinage, and many still produce silver coins for collectors and investors today. Examples include:
- Canada: Produced 92.5% silver coins from 1858 to 1908 and 80% silver coins between 1920 and 1967. Modern Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins are 99.99% pure silver.
- Mexico: Was and remains a major silver producer and mints various silver coins, including the Mexican Libertad.
- Great Britain: Issued silver pennies from 886 AD, with content changing over time due to various factors like war debt. British coins after 1971 have no silver content. Britannia bullion coins have been minted since 1997.
- Australia: Produced silver florins and shillings until 1963. The last circulating silver coin, the 50 cent piece, was issued in 1966. The Perth Mint now produces silver bullion coins.
- Austria: Famous for the 1780 Maria Theresa Thaler and the modern Austrian Silver Vienna Philharmonic coins.
- China: Used silver in its monetary system, including silver ingots and later silver coins. The Chinese Silver Panda is a modern silver coin.
- Japan: Minted Trade Dollars from 1875-1877.
Are all coins before 1965 silver?
US dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars were minted in 90% silver until 1964. Produced to save nickel for the war effort, war nickels 1942-1945 are 35% silver (silver nickel production started part way into 1942). Half-dollar coins minted between 1965 and 1970 are 40% silver, but from 1971 on, contain no silver.
What year are coins all silver?
Great question! Any United States dime, quarter, half dollar or dollar that is dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90% silver.
Are all 1964 quarters 90% silver?
Good point! If you are looking to acquire silver in the form of U.S. quarters, you need to look for quarters minted in 1964 or earlier. These coins were struck in 90% silver and have a melt value significantly higher than their face value.