Which Coins Have Silver in Them?

Silver has held a significant role in the history of currency. Its inherent value, malleability, durability, and resistance to corrosion made it an ideal choice for coinage and a reliable store of wealth. This historical reliance explains why certain coins still contain this valuable metal.

United States Silver Coinage

In the United States, a notable period for silver in circulating coinage concluded in 1964. Dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted in 1964 and earlier contained a significant 90% silver and 10% copper composition. These coins are now sought after for their silver content. Each pre-1965 silver dime holds approximately 0.0723 troy ounces of silver, while quarters contain about 0.1808 troy ounces, and half dollars contain about 0.3617 troy ounces.

Following 1964, a transitional period saw a reduction in silver content for some denominations. Kennedy half dollars, minted between 1965 and 1970, feature a 40% silver composition. These half dollars have an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper, bonded to a core of 21% silver and 79% copper, resulting in the overall 40% silver content. Each 40% silver half dollar contains approximately 0.1479 troy ounces of silver.

Beyond circulating coinage, certain silver dollars also hold substantial silver. Morgan Dollars, produced from 1878 to 1921, and Peace Dollars, minted from 1921 to 1935, both consist of 90% silver. Each contains around 0.7734 troy ounces of silver.

Additionally, some Eisenhower dollars issued between 1971 and 1976, specifically those from the San Francisco Mint, were struck with 40% silver. Modern United States silver coinage primarily exists in the form of bullion coins, not intended for general circulation. The American Silver Eagle, first released in 1986, is a prominent example. These coins are struck in one-troy-ounce sizes and are guaranteed to contain 99.9% pure silver, with their content, weight, and purity certified by the United States Mint.

Other Notable Silver Coins

Beyond United States issues, many other countries have historically minted or currently mint coins containing silver. Canadian coinage, for instance, included silver in its circulating denominations prior to 1968. The silver purity in these pre-1968 Canadian coins varied across different denominations and years of issue.

The Mexican Libertad is another widely recognized silver coin in the global market. These modern bullion coins, minted by the Mexican Mint since 1982, are composed of 99.9% pure silver. Mexican Libertads are available in various sizes, from fractional denominations to one-kilogram coins.

The British Britannia coin also represents a significant modern silver issue. From its introduction in 1997 until 2012, the silver Britannia coins were produced with a fineness of 95.8% silver, also known as Britannia silver. Since 2013, the Royal Mint increased the purity of these coins to 99.9% pure silver, aligning with many other international bullion standards. These coins typically feature Britannia, the female personification of Britain, on their reverse.

Identifying Silver Coins

Determining whether a coin contains silver often begins with checking its date. A simple and common method to identify silver coins is the “edge test.” If a coin has a solid silver-colored edge without a visible copper stripe, it is likely a 90% silver coin. Coins with a distinct copper stripe visible on their edge are typically clad, meaning they have a copper core. For 40% silver Kennedy half dollars, the edge may show a more subdued silver appearance with faint traces of copper.

The “ping test” offers an auditory method for identification. When a silver coin is gently tapped, it often produces a distinctive, resonant ring, while non-silver or clad coins tend to emit a duller thud. This difference in sound occurs because silver is a highly conductive metal, allowing sound waves to resonate throughout the coin.

Another useful test involves a magnet, as silver itself is not magnetic. If a coin strongly sticks to a magnet, it contains ferromagnetic metals and is not silver. A genuine silver coin will either not react to a magnet or, with a strong rare-earth magnet, will exhibit a slow, resistant slide if placed on an incline due to silver’s diamagnetic properties. Visual cues also assist in identification; genuine silver coins often possess a distinct sheen and original mint luster that differs from the appearance of clad counterparts.

The Shift from Silver to Clad Coinage

The transition from silver coinage to clad coinage in the United States was largely driven by economic factors in the mid-20th century. During the early 1960s, the market price of silver began to rise significantly, eventually reaching a point where the intrinsic value of the silver in circulating coins exceeded their face value. This situation led to widespread hoarding of silver coins by the public, as their melt value surpassed their transactional value.

The hoarding of silver coins resulted in a severe shortage of coinage in circulation, disrupting everyday commerce. To address this issue and stabilize the nation’s coin supply, the United States Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965.

The new “clad” coinage featured a layered construction designed to mimic the appearance of silver while using less expensive metals. These coins typically consist of a pure copper core sandwiched between outer layers of a copper-nickel alloy. This composite structure allowed the U.S. Mint to produce durable coins at a cost below their face value, ensuring they would remain in circulation.