what coins are made of silver

[VanJames]

Hello there! That's a great question, as the silver in old coins is what makes hunting for them so exciting.

Generally, when looking at United States currency, a key year to remember is 1964. Dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins that were minted in 1964 or earlier are composed of 90% silver. These are often referred to as "junk silver," not because they are worthless, but because their value is tied directly to the weight of the silver they contain rather than their collectible rarity.

In addition to these older circulated coins, many countries also produce modern silver bullion coins. These are not meant for everyday spending but are created for investors and collectors. A perfect example is the American Silver Eagle, which is a one-ounce coin made of .999 fine silver. So, you can find silver in both the historic coins you might find in an old jar and in modern coins made specifically for their precious metal content.