What Years Are Silver Dimes?

Dimes are small, yet significant, pieces of American coinage, and their metallic composition has changed over time. Understanding which years of dimes contain silver is important for anyone interested in their potential value beyond face value. This guide will clarify the specific years and designs that indicate a dime contains silver, providing practical methods for identification.

Silver Dimes Before 1965

U.S. dimes minted up to and including 1964 contain silver. These coins are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, a standard alloy for circulating silver coinage in the United States during that period. This composition gives them an intrinsic value tied to the fluctuating price of silver.

Several distinct series of dimes fall into this category. The Barber Dime, minted from 1892 to 1916, features Lady Liberty on the obverse and is made of this 90% silver alloy.

Following the Barber Dime, the Mercury Dime, also known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was produced from 1916 to 1945. This coin also contains 90% silver and 10% copper.

The Roosevelt Dime series began in 1946, honoring President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Only Roosevelt dimes minted from 1946 through 1964 contain 90% silver and 10% copper. After 1964, the composition changed, making these early Roosevelt dimes the last circulating U.S. dimes to contain a significant amount of silver.

Identifying Silver Dimes

Identifying silver dimes primarily involves checking the coin’s date. This date check is the most straightforward and reliable method for determining silver content.

Another practical method is the edge test. Silver dimes will have a uniform silver color around their edge, without any visible copper stripe. In contrast, non-silver dimes minted after 1964 will show a distinct copper band along their edge, revealing their clad composition.

A sound test, sometimes called a “ring test,” can also help differentiate silver dimes. When a silver dime is gently dropped onto a hard surface, it tends to produce a higher-pitched, more resonant “ring” sound. This differs from the duller “thud” typically heard from clad coins due to their copper core. While less definitive than the date or edge test, it can offer an additional clue.

Dimes with No Silver Content

Dimes minted from 1965 onwards do not contain silver. The Coinage Act of 1965 removed silver from dimes and quarters, transitioning to a new clad composition.

Modern dimes, including all Roosevelt dimes from 1965 to the present, are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. This typically consists of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. This layered construction provides a cost-effective and durable coin for circulation. Therefore, any dime found in circulation with a date of 1965 or later, regardless of its design, will not contain silver.