what is a silver dollar coin

[FinnLee]

A silver dollar coin is a United States coin with a face value of one dollar that is composed, in whole or in part, of silver. Historically, the term refers to the large dollar coins minted for general circulation from 1794 until 1935. These coins, including iconic series such as the Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Seated Liberty, Morgan, and Peace dollars, were struck from a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper.

The minting of silver dollars intended for circulation ceased after the Peace dollar series ended in 1935. Subsequent dollar coins produced for widespread public use, such as the Susan B. Anthony or Sacagawea dollars, were made from base metal alloys like copper-nickel.

However, the United States Mint did produce dollar coins containing silver after 1935, although these were not intended for general circulation. A notable example is the Eisenhower dollar, which was minted from 1971 to 1978. While the circulating version of this coin was a copper-nickel clad coin, the Mint also issued special collector's editions that were composed of 40% silver. Therefore, the term "silver dollar" most commonly describes the pre-1936, 90% silver currency, but can also encompass later issues made specifically for the numismatic market.