Roosevelt and Mercury Dimes, Washington Quarters, and Walking Liberty Franklin and Kennedy Half-Dollars minted in 1964 and earlier are 90% silver. The value of most circulated coins minted in the 1920′s through 1964 is primarily from their silver content.
When was the last silver coin made?
1964
US dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars were minted in 90% silver until 1964. Produced to save nickel for the war effort, war nickels 1942-1945 are 35% silver (silver nickel production started part way into 1942). Half-dollar coins minted between 1965 and 1970 are 40% silver, but from 1971 on, contain no silver.
How long does a silver coin last?
So, clearly, a coin can potentially last a good 50 years or longer in circulation.
When was the tenth anniversary of the US coin?
Rare anniversary coins are one of the most important traditions of the US Mint. They are loved by serious collectors and amateurs alike. The US Mint celebrated the tenth production anniversary of these coins in 1996. Commemorative coins were minted for the occasion. Some were silver proof coins with a P mint mark.
When was the first silver half dollar coin made?
The Half Dollar coin had silver in it until 1970. Many people spend the Half Dollars from 1965 to 1970 or sell them in rolls of halves they take to the bank, not realizing they are 40% silver. How to detect: If the Half Dollar is dated 1964 or earlier, it is 90% silver.
Are there any key dates for Morgan silver dollars?
As any Morgan dollar enthusiast could attest, there are many key dates in this silver dollar series! Count the myriad rare varieties listed by numismatic authors Leroy C. Van Allen and A. George Mallis as published in their 1971 work Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars, and the number easily crosses into the hundreds.
When did the US Mint start making silver coins?
When Franklin Roosevelt’s executive order declaring private ownership of gold and silver bullion as unlawful was finally rescinded in 1971, conservatives began pushing for the US Mint to reintroduce precious metal coins suitable for investment. The effort took years, but eventually found success.
