How Much Silver Is in a Silver Dime?

For many decades, these ten-cent coins contained a notable amount of silver, making them valuable beyond their face denomination. This tradition shifted in 1965, when the U.S. Congress passed the Coinage Act, removing silver from most circulating coinage due to rising silver prices. Consequently, dimes minted after this period are made from a copper and nickel alloy, lacking any precious metal content.

Identifying Silver Dimes

Determining if a dime contains silver involves checking its minting year. All U.S. dimes produced in 1964 or earlier were struck with silver. This includes the Roosevelt dimes minted between 1946 and 1964, Mercury dimes (1916-1945), Barber dimes (1892-1916), and Seated Liberty dimes (1837-1891).

Beyond the date, visual cues can help distinguish silver dimes from their modern clad counterparts. A silver dime will display a solid silver-colored edge, unlike clad dimes which reveal a distinct copper stripe running through their core. Silver dimes also tend to have a brighter, whiter appearance when new and may develop a natural tarnish over time, often appearing darker or with iridescent tones. Additionally, silver dimes weigh approximately 2.5 grams, slightly more than the 2.268 grams of clad dimes. The “ping test” also identifies silver dimes; they produce a clear, sustained ring when gently dropped, unlike the duller thud of non-silver coins.

The Specifics of Silver Content

The majority of U.S. silver dimes, specifically those minted from 1837 to 1964, consist of 90% silver and 10% copper. Earlier dimes, from 1796 to 1837, had a slightly different composition of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper. This alloy was chosen to provide durability for circulation while retaining significant precious metal value.

A standard 90% silver dime, with a total weight of 2.5 grams, therefore contains 2.25 grams of pure silver. When measured in troy ounces, a circulated 90% silver dime holds an actual silver weight (ASW) of approximately 0.0715 troy ounces. This figure accounts for slight wear from circulation.

Calculating Silver Melt Value

The monetary value of the silver within a dime, often referred to as its “melt value,” is determined by multiplying its actual silver weight by the current market price of silver. For example, using the common actual silver weight of 0.0715 troy ounces for a circulated silver dime, one would multiply this figure by the prevailing spot price of silver per troy ounce. This calculation provides the intrinsic metal worth of the coin, which can fluctuate with market conditions.

This melt value reflects only the silver content and not any potential numismatic or collector value a dime might possess due to rarity, condition, or historical significance. While many silver dimes are primarily valued for their metal content, some rare dates or varieties can command prices far exceeding their melt value. The melt value provides a baseline for understanding the commodity worth of these historical coins.