What Year Coins Have Silver in Them?

While many modern coins are primarily made of base metals, certain historical United States coinage includes silver. Understanding which coins contain silver can be valuable for both collectors and those simply curious about their pocket change. It is important to note that not every silver-colored coin holds actual silver content.

Key Dates for Silver Coins

The presence of silver in United States circulating coinage largely depends on its minting year and denomination. A significant shift occurred in 1965, impacting the composition of most dimes, quarters, and half-dollars. Prior to 1965, most U.S. dimes, quarters, and half-dollars were struck with a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. This high silver content makes these coins considerably more valuable than their face value.

The Coinage Act of 1965 brought about a notable change, removing silver from dimes and quarters entirely for general circulation. However, the Kennedy half-dollar maintained some silver content for a few more years. From 1965 through 1970, Kennedy half-dollars were minted with a reduced silver content of 40%.

Earlier silver dollar coins, such as the Morgan and Peace dollars, also contain 90% silver. These larger denominations, minted primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were not as widely circulated as their smaller counterparts. After 1970, circulating U.S. coins generally contain no silver, with the exception of specific collector or proof issues not intended for general commerce.

Identifying Silver Coins by Appearance

Silver coins often possess a distinct luster that differs from the duller appearance of copper-nickel clad coins. This unique sheen can become more apparent with age and wear.

The coin’s edge is a key visual indicator. Modern clad coins, made from layers of different metals, typically reveal a visible copper stripe along their edge. In contrast, pre-1965 silver coins have a solid, uniform silver appearance on their edge, without any reddish copper visible. For the 40% silver Kennedy half-dollars (1965-1970), the edge might show a more subdued silver stripe with faint traces of copper, reflecting their clad but still silver-containing composition.

The sound a coin makes when gently dropped on a hard surface can also provide a clue. Silver coins tend to produce a higher-pitched, more resonant “ping” sound, while modern clad coins often create a duller thud. Additionally, silver is denser than the metals commonly used in clad coinage, meaning a silver coin might feel slightly heavier for its size compared to a non-silver coin of the same denomination.

Verifying Silver Content

Once a coin is suspected of containing silver based on its date or appearance, a few simple, non-destructive tests can help verify its silver content. One common method is the magnet test. Silver is not magnetic, so a strong magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, will not stick to a genuine silver coin. If the coin is strongly attracted to the magnet, it likely contains a ferromagnetic material and is not silver.

Another effective, non-destructive test leverages silver’s high thermal conductivity: the ice cube test. Silver is the most thermally conductive metal, meaning it transfers heat very efficiently. Placing an ice cube on a silver coin will cause it to melt noticeably faster than an ice cube placed on a regular clad coin, even at room temperature. The ice will seem to “melt into” the silver as heat rapidly transfers from the coin to the ice.

For a more precise, though still non-destructive, verification, a weight test can be performed if a precise scale is available. Each U.S. coin denomination with silver has a specific expected weight. For example, a 90% silver Kennedy half-dollar (1964) weighs 12.5 grams, while a 40% silver Kennedy half-dollar (1965-1970) weighs 11.5 grams. Non-silver half-dollars weigh 11.34 grams. Comparing the coin’s measured weight to these known standards can help confirm its composition.

It is advisable to avoid destructive methods like acid or scratch tests, as these can damage the coin and diminish its value.