Silver Coin Facts & Myths: What’s Really Silver — and What’s Not
When people inherit or accumulate older coins, one of the first questions is:
“Is this real silver?”
There are many misconceptions about which coins contain silver, especially around the 1964 cutoff year. Let’s break down the most common facts and myths so you can better understand what you’re holding.
Myth #1: “If It’s Old, It Must Be Silver.”
Not true.
Age alone does not determine silver content.
For example:
A 1965 quarter is over 60 years old — but it contains zero silver.
A 1970 half dollar may look vintage — but most were not 90% silver.
Silver content depends on composition laws in effect at the time of minting — not simply how old the coin is.
Fact #1: 1964 Is the Key Year for U.S. Silver Coinage
The major transition occurred in 1965 when the United States Mint stopped producing most circulating coins in 90% silver.
90% Silver U.S. Coins (1964 and Earlier)
Dimes
Quarters
Half Dollars
Silver dollars (earlier series)
These coins were struck in 90% silver / 10% copper.
If you have:
1964 or earlier dimes or quarters
1964 or earlier half dollars
They are 90% silver.
Myth #2: “If It’s Silver Colored, It’s Silver.”
False.
After 1964, most U.S. coins became copper-nickel clad — meaning they are layered metal with no meaningful silver content.
Coins that look silver but are not:
1965–present quarters
1965–present dimes
Most post-1970 half dollars
Modern nickels (which are not silver despite the name)
A quick edge check helps:
Solid silver coins have a consistent silver-colored edge.
Clad coins show a visible copper stripe on the edge.
Fact #2: 1965–1970 Half Dollars Are Partially Silver
There is one important exception.
Half dollars dated 1965–1970 contain 40% silver.
These are often overlooked because they look similar to later clad versions. However, they do contain some silver — just not the full 90% of earlier issues.
After 1970 (with rare exceptions for collectors), circulating half dollars contained no silver.
Myth #3: “All Pre-1964 Coins Are Silver.”
Not entirely accurate.
For example:
Pennies were never made of silver (except rare errors).
Nickels are primarily copper and nickel — except for special WWII issues.
Fact #3: WWII “War Nickels” Contain Silver
Between 1942 and 1945, the United States Mint altered nickel composition due to wartime metal shortages.
These special nickels contain 35% silver.
How to identify them:
A large mint mark (P, D, or S) appears above Monticello on the reverse.
Regular nickels before and after this period contain no silver.
Myth #4: “All Silver Dollars Are Valuable.”
Some are. Some aren’t.
Silver dollars such as:
Morgan Dollar
Peace Dollar
Contain 90% silver and often carry collectible premiums.
However:
Modern “dollar coins” (Sacagawea, Presidential series, etc.) contain no silver.
Many circulated silver dollars trade close to melt value unless rare or high-grade.
Condition and rarity matter just as much as silver content.
Fact #4: Not All Foreign Silver-Colored Coins Are Silver
Many foreign coins from the mid-20th century were silver — but many later switched to base metals.
Assumptions based solely on appearance often lead to overestimation.
Metal testing, weight verification, and proper identification are essential.
Quick Silver Reference Guide
90% Silver
Dimes, quarters, half dollars (1964 and earlier)
Silver dollars (pre-1936 circulating types)
40% Silver
Half dollars (1965–1970)
35% Silver
War nickels (1942–1945 with large mint mark)
No Silver
1965–present dimes & quarters
Most 1971–present half dollars
Pennies (all standard issues)
Standard nickels (except WWII issues)
Final Takeaway
The biggest misconceptions about silver coins come from:
Confusing age with composition
Judging by color alone
Assuming all “old” coins are precious
The year, mint policy, and composition laws determine silver content — not just appearance.
If you’re unsure whether your coins contain silver, a professional evaluation can quickly determine:
Metal content
Weight and purity
Collector value vs. melt value
Current market pricing
Knowing the facts protects you from underestimating — or overestimating — what you have.
