Historically, silver was a common material for US coinage, but its use has significantly changed over time.
Most circulating US dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars contained 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition was prized for its durability and intrinsic value. Notable examples include:
- Morgan Silver Dollars (1878-1904, 1921): Containing 0.7734 Troy ounces of silver.
- Peace Silver Dollars (1921-1928, 1934-1935): Also containing 0.7734 Troy ounces of silver.
- Wartime Nickels (1942-1945): These are an interesting exception, containing 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese due to wartime nickel rationing.
The Coinage Act of 1965 significantly altered the composition of circulating US coins.
- 1965-1970: Only half dollars continued to have silver content, reduced to 40%.
- After 1970: All circulating US coinage was officially minted with 0% silver, using less expensive metals like copper and nickel.
Although not for everyday circulation, the US Mint continues to produce silver coins for collectors and investors.
- American Silver Eagle: This bullion coin contains 1 troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver, according to Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyers.
- Silver Proof Sets: Special collectors versions of dimes, quarters, and half dollars are included in these sets, which contain 90% silver.
In summary, if you find US coins dated 1964 or earlier (excluding most nickels), they are likely to contain 90% silver and are worth more than their face value due to their silver content.
What is the silver content of coin 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.
When did US coins stop being 90% silver?
Thanks for asking. L. 89–81, 79 Stat. 254, enacted July 23, 1965, eliminated silver from the circulating United States dime (ten-cent piece) and quarter dollar coins. It also reduced the silver content of the half dollar from 90 percent to 40 percent; silver in the half dollar was subsequently eliminated by a 1970 law.
What coins have high silver content?
I can help with that. Any United States dime, quarter, half dollar or dollar that is dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90% silver. In the early 1960’s, the silver supply for the nation’s coinage was dwindling rapidly.