Before 1965, American coins contained real silver. Dimes, quarters, and half dollars were struck in 90% silver — giving everyday money genuine intrinsic value.
What Changed
In 1965, rising silver prices made it unprofitable for the U.S. Mint to continue using silver in circulating coinage. The Coinage Act of 1965 replaced silver with copper-nickel clad — the same composition used today.
Why Collectors and Investors Value Them
- Real Silver: Each coin contains a known amount of silver (e.g., a quarter = 0.1808 troy oz)
- Recognizable: Every American knows what a quarter looks like
- Divisible: Small denominations allow precise amounts
- Historical: Each coin is a genuine artifact of American monetary history
- Affordable: You can start collecting for a few dollars per coin
Common Types
- Mercury Dimes (1916–1945): Beautiful Art Deco design by Adolph Weinman
- Roosevelt Dimes (1946–1964): Honoring FDR, designed by John R. Sinnock
- Washington Quarters (1932–1964): The familiar portrait by John Flanagan
- Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916–1947): Widely considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coin designs
- Franklin Half Dollars (1948–1963): Benjamin Franklin on a half dollar
- 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars: The last 90% silver half dollar
Pricing
Constitutional silver trades by face value. \"\$10 face\" = 10 dollars in face value = approximately 7.15 troy ounces of silver.