what us coins are all silver

[VanAlex]

Well, if you're hoping to find a solid silver coin in your pocket change from this year, you're a few decades too late to the party! But don't despair, because a little rummaging through old coin jars might just yield some precious metal. The main rule of thumb for U.S. coins is to look for the magic date: 1964.

Generally speaking, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins minted in 1964 or earlier are the real deal, containing a respectable 90% silver. Collectors lovingly refer to these as "junk silver," which is a bit of an insult considering they're worth far more than their face value.

However, the government didn't just quit silver cold turkey. There are a few interesting exceptions. During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, the U.S. produced special "War Nickels" made of 35% silver to conserve nickel for the war effort. Additionally, if you find a Kennedy half dollar dated between 1965 and 1970, you've found a coin with 40% silver content. After that, silver was pretty much kicked out of general circulation coins. So, check those dates before you spend them