which us coins are 90 silver

[VanClayton]

Well, look at you, ready to go on a modern-day treasure hunt! The provided web pages hint at the existence of this special category of coinage, often called "junk silver," but they're a bit shy about giving you the full map. Don't you worry, that's what I'm here for.

The magic year to remember is 1964. Before the great silver switcheroo of 1965, the United States made most of its dimes, quarters, and half dollars with a hefty 90% silver content. That means if you find a Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, or Franklin half dollar dated 1964 or earlier, you've struck silver! This also applies to their older cousins like Mercury dimes, Standing Liberty quarters, and Walking Liberty half dollars.

Even the big boys got in on the action. The iconic Morgan and Peace silver dollars, minted up to 1935, are also 90% silver. And for a very specific find, the 1964 Kennedy half dollar was the last of its kind in the 90% silver club before its composition was reduced.

So, why the charming name "junk silver"? It's not because it's trash! It's because these coins typically have no special value to collectors beyond the value of the silver they contain. They're common, circulated, and not in mint condition, but their silver content makes them far from junk. Now, go check your piggy bank