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United States coins have undergone several changes in composition throughout history, driven by economic factors like metal costs and the need for durable coinage in circulation.
- Penny (Cent): 97.5% zinc with a 2.5% copper plating.
- Nickel (Five Cents): 75% copper and 25% nickel, an alloy known as cupronickel.
- Dime (Ten Cents): A clad coin with a pure copper core bonded between layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy, resulting in an overall composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.
- Quarter (Twenty-Five Cents): Similar to the dime, it has a pure copper core clad with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy, making the overall composition 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.
- Half Dollar (Fifty Cents): Follows the same clad composition as the dime and quarter, with a copper core and 75% copper and 25% nickel outer layers, resulting in 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.
- Dollar Coin: Modern dollar coins (Native American and American Innovation) are made with an outer layer of manganese brass, consisting of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel.
- Early Silver and Gold: Initially, US coins were made with varying amounts of silver and gold.
- Wartime Changes: During World War II, metal shortages led to temporary changes like the steel cent and nickels containing silver instead of nickel.
- Post-1964 Shift: Due to rising silver prices, the Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from circulating dimes and quarters and significantly reduced it in half dollars, leading to the adoption of the current copper-nickel clad composition.
The composition of US coins has evolved from precious metals to more affordable and durable alloys like copper-nickel and copper-plated zinc, a reflection of changing economic realities and technological advancements in coin production.
What is the composition of U.S. coins?
Today’s coins are made from metals such as nickel, copper, and zinc. Instead of using one metal to make a coin, multiple kinds of metal are pressed together into layers. This is called a “clad” coin.
Are all nickels 75% copper?
The pre-war composition returned in 1946; all nickels struck since then have been in 75% copper and 25% nickel. In 1966, a small change was made to the design to add the initials of the designer (FS) to the obverse, underneath Jefferson’s portrait.
When did U.S. coins stop being 90% silver?
Great question! 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.