silver-content-by-date
Purpose
Quick reference table for identifying coins with silver content or collectible value based on date alone. Use this when searching through pocket change or coin rolls.
Silver Content Reference Table
| Coin | Key Dates | Composition | Approximate Melt Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimes | Pre-1965 | 90% silver | ~$2 |
| Quarters | Pre-1965 | 90% silver | ~$4 |
| Half Dollars | Pre-1965 | 90% silver | ~$8 |
| Half Dollars | 1965-1970 | 40% silver | ~$4 |
| Nickels | 1942-1945 | 35% silver | ~$1.50 |
| Eisenhower $1 | 1971-1976 (S mint only) | 40% silver | ~$8-12 |
| Peace $1 | 1921-1935 | 90% silver | ~$25+ |
| Morgan $1 | 1878-1921 | 90% silver | ~$25+ |
Melt values fluctuate with silver spot price. Values shown are approximate as of 2026.
Collectible by Date (Not Silver)
| Coin | Key Dates | Why Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| Pennies | 1909-1958 | Wheat reverse design |
| Pennies | 1943 | Should be steel (silver color) - bronze is error worth $100K+ |
| Pennies | 1944 | Should be copper - steel is error worth $75K+ |
| Eisenhower $1 | 1977-1978 | All clad, no silver versions exist |
How to Identify Silver Coins
The Edge Test
The fastest way to identify silver content:
- 90% Silver: Solid gray/silver edge, no visible layers
- 40% Silver: Mostly gray edge, may show faint layer
- Clad (no silver): Visible copper-colored stripe/band on edge
War Nickels (1942-1945)
Not all 1942 nickels are silver. Look for:
- Large mintmark (P, D, or S) positioned above Monticello dome on reverse
- Regular nickels have small mintmark to the right of building
- If no large mintmark above dome = no silver
Eisenhower Dollars
Only S-mintmark Eisenhowers contain silver:
- 1971-S, 1972-S, 1973-S, 1974-S, 1976-S
- Check below Eisenhower’s bust for mintmark
- No mintmark (Philadelphia) or D (Denver) = no silver
- 1977 and 1978 = all clad, no silver versions made
Weight Reference
If you have a scale, silver coins weigh more:
| Coin | Clad Weight | Silver Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Dime | 2.27g | 2.50g (90%) |
| Quarter | 5.67g | 6.25g (90%) |
| Half Dollar | 11.34g | 12.50g (90%) / 11.50g (40%) |
| Eisenhower $1 | 22.68g | 24.59g (40%) |
Quick Search Protocol
When searching a roll or pile of coins:
- Check dates first - Quick visual scan for key years
- Check edges - Any solid silver edge = keep
- Check mintmarks - Especially on nickels (1942-45) and Eisenhowers
Dates to Pull Immediately
| Coin | Pull if dated… |
|---|---|
| Dime | 1964 or earlier |
| Quarter | 1964 or earlier |
| Half Dollar | 1970 or earlier |
| Nickel | 1942-1945 (check for large mintmark) |
| Penny | 1958 or earlier (wheat cents) |
| Eisenhower $1 | Any with S mintmark |
Historical Context
Why 1965?
The Coinage Act of 1965 removed silver from dimes and quarters due to:
- Rising silver prices making coins worth more than face value
- Silver hoarding by the public
- Shortage of circulating coins
Half dollars kept 40% silver through 1970 as a compromise, then went full clad in 1971.
Why War Nickels?
During WWII (1942-1945), nickel was needed for military equipment. The mint switched to a 35% silver alloy. The large mintmark was added so these could be easily identified and removed from circulation after the war to reclaim the silver.