Which Dimes Have Silver and What Are They Worth?

The U.S. dime has a history that leads many to ask: which ones contain silver? Knowing their composition can help identify valuable finds. This inquiry often arises from discovering older dimes and noticing their distinct appearance compared to modern coinage.

The Shift in Dime Composition

The U.S. dime’s composition changed in the mid-20th century. Dimes contained 90% silver and 10% copper until 1964. Their intrinsic metal value was directly tied to the fluctuating price of silver.

Rising silver prices in the early 1960s led to a decision by the U.S. government. The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from dimes, quarters, and eventually half-dollars. From 1965 onward, dimes were produced as “clad” coinage, consisting of a pure copper core bonded between two outer layers of a cupronickel alloy, which is 75% copper and 25% nickel. This change ensured that the face value of the coin exceeded its metal content, preventing widespread hoarding and coin shortages.

Identifying Silver Dimes

Identifying silver dimes involves checking the mint year. Any dime dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90% silver. This date check is the most straightforward method. Older designs, such as those featuring Lady Liberty, also indicate silver content, though these are less common in circulation today.

Another visual cue is the coin’s edge. Silver dimes display a solid silver-colored edge. In contrast, clad dimes, minted from 1965 onward, reveal a distinct copper stripe or core visible along their edge. While less common for casual identification, silver dimes are also slightly heavier than their modern clad counterparts, weighing approximately 2.5 grams compared to 2.27 grams for clad dimes.

Value Considerations for Silver Dimes

The value of silver dimes extends beyond their ten-cent face value, driven by their precious metal content. Most silver dimes, particularly common dates, are valued based on their “melt value,” linked to the current market price of silver, which causes their base value to fluctuate. This makes them a tangible asset, often referred to as “junk silver” in the numismatic industry, a term that denotes their value for metal content rather than rarity.

Beyond the silver melt value, factors can contribute to a dime’s numismatic or collector value. These include the coin’s rarity, its overall condition, and the presence of specific mint marks. Dimes from low mintage years, those in pristine condition, or coins with known errors can command higher prices from collectors. However, for most common silver dimes, their worth is predominantly determined by the prevailing market price of silver.