Silver dimes are a great way to start collecting silver coins. But what dimes are made of silver? We all know that modern coins are made of copper-nickel alloy.
You might think that silver currency is a thing of the past, but in reality, silver coins were produced as recently as 1964!
Well, you see, when it comes to silver coins like dimes, quarters, and half-dollars, they’re often referred to as “junk silver.”
So basically, the coin doesn’t have any numismatic value, but since it’s made of silver, it still holds some value due to its silver content.
What Dimes Are Made of Silver?
1. Barber Dime (1892 – 1916)
The Barber dime was minted from 1892 to 1916. Charles Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, created it.
On the obverse, you’ll notice Lady Liberty’s profile, while the reverse displays a wreath and the denomination “one dime.”
2. Mercury Dime (1916 – 1945)
The Mercury dime was minted from 1916-1945. Adolph Weinman designed this dime, which depicts Liberty wearing a winged cap.
Despite being nicknamed “the Mercury dime” due to its resemblance to the Roman god Mercury, it represents Liberty.
3. Roosevelt Dime Type 1 (1946 – Date)
The Roosevelt Dime was first minted in 1946. John R. Sinnock designed the Roosevelt Dime to pay tribute to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The reason behind this was his contribution towards establishing the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, later known as the March of Dimes.
The foundation aimed to raise funds for polio research and to assist those affected by the disease.
What Quarters Are Made of Silver?
If you have a quarter dated before 1965, it’s safe to say that it’s a silver quarter since all quarters before that year were made of silver. Yes, some Bicentennial quarters were made with silver, but not all.
The ones that were made of silver have an S mintmark, which means that they were struck at the San Francisco Mint.
Please note that these quarters have been crafted using 40% silver. Additionally, there exist silver-proof quarters that consist of 90% silver. However, typically, these quarters are sold in a set and are not commonly found in circulation due to their higher value than their face value.
When Did They Stop Making Silver Coins?
In 1965, The Mint stopped producing silver coins. The Mint changed the composition of quarters, dimes, and half dollars to a copper-nickel alloy, still used in coins today.
I must say that collectors do not appreciate the new compositions. However, it is imperative to note that valuable and rare coins are still being produced today!
Before you go…
So there you have it! You see, different aspects affect a coin’s value! Even if your coin isn’t made of pure silver, other factors can still affect your coin’s value! The best thing to do is ensure that your coins are well protected and properly stored because you never know which will become valuable in the future!
Check out my next article: “What is a Slick Coin?“
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