What US Coins Are Silver & How to Identify Them

Understanding the silver content in United States coinage is important for collectors and those interested in intrinsic value. Not all US coins contain silver; it is primarily found in older issues or specific modern bullion and commemorative items. This guide helps identify which coins contain silver and their purities.

Pre-1965 US Silver Coins

Before 1965, most circulating United States dimes, quarters, and half dollars contained 90% silver and 10% copper. To identify these, check the date: any dime, quarter, or half dollar dated 1964 or earlier will possess this 90% silver purity.

The Coinage Act of 1965 changed this composition. Rising silver prices meant the metal content in these coins began to exceed their face value, leading to hoarding and a shortage in circulation. The government transitioned to less expensive metals for general circulation to address this issue.

Visual identification involves examining the date on the coin. For example, a Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, or Kennedy half dollar from 1964 will clearly state that year. Coins like the Mercury dime, Standing Liberty quarter, and Walking Liberty half dollar also fall within this 90% silver category if dated pre-1965. Their silver content usually makes them worth significantly more than their face value.

1965-1970 40% Silver Half Dollars

Following the Coinage Act of 1965, a specific exception was made for the half dollar denomination. While dimes and quarters from 1965 onward had their silver content entirely removed, half dollars continued to contain a reduced amount of the precious metal. These half dollars feature a composition of 40% silver and 60% copper.

This unique silver content applies exclusively to Kennedy half dollars minted between 1965 and 1970. To identify these, look for the date on the coin; if it falls within this range, it contains 40% silver.

Other circulating denominations, such as dimes and quarters, produced during this 1965-1970 period were transitioned to a copper-nickel alloy. Only the half dollar from this specific timeframe contains silver.

Silver Dollar Coins

United States dollar coins have featured silver content across various historical periods. The Morgan Silver Dollar, minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, is composed of 90% silver. Similarly, the Peace Silver Dollar, produced from 1921 to 1935, also contains 90% silver. Both of these historical dollar coins are easily identified by their distinct designs and dates.

More recent dollar coins, specifically the Eisenhower Dollars minted from 1971 to 1978, were made of a copper-nickel alloy for circulation. However, certain special uncirculated and proof versions of the Eisenhower dollar, identified by an “S” mint mark and often sold in special packaging, were struck with 40% silver.

These 40% silver Eisenhower dollars were primarily intended for collectors rather than general circulation. Finding a silver Eisenhower dollar in everyday change is highly unlikely. The distinction between older, high-purity silver dollars and these specific Eisenhower issues is important for accurate identification.

Modern Silver Bullion and Commemorative Coins

Beyond circulating coinage, the United States Mint produces contemporary coins specifically for their silver content, primarily for investment or collection purposes. The American Silver Eagle, first issued in 1986, contains 99.9% pure silver. Its design features the Walking Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, making it easily recognizable as a dedicated silver bullion product.

The US Mint also issues various commemorative silver coins for special events, anniversaries, or themes. Their silver purity ranges from 90% to 99.9%. These commemorative coins are purchased directly from the US Mint or authorized dealers.

These modern silver issues serve as a distinct category from historical circulating coinage. Their primary purpose is to provide a vehicle for silver investment or to commemorate significant events, with their value tied closely to their precious metal content and collector demand.