what american coins have silver in them

[SanGemma]

Ah, thinking of raiding the old piggy bank for some hidden treasure, are we? A splendid idea! The trick to finding silver in your American coins is to become a bit of a time traveler and look for one magic year in particular: 1964.

Based on the clues provided, and a little extra know-how, the golden rule for common coins is this: dimes, quarters, and half dollars dated 1964 or earlier are the real deal, containing a respectable 90% silver. The same goes for silver dollars minted in 1935 or before. After 1964, the U.S. Mint decided to switch to less precious metals for its circulating coinage, saving a fortune and ending the silver era for most everyday coins.

However, there are a few interesting exceptions for the dedicated treasure hunter. The Kennedy half dollar just couldn't let go of its silver heritage right away. From 1965 to 1970, these coins were still made with a 40% silver composition. There were also the "War Nickels," minted from mid-1942 to 1945, which contained 35% silver because nickel was needed for the war effort.

Of course, the U.S. Mint still makes shiny silver coins today, like the American Silver Eagle. But these are modern bullion coins made for investors and collectors, not for buying a soda from a vending machine. So, for the coins you might actually find in circulation, just remember to check the date. 1964 is your silver lifeline.