how old do coins have to be to be silver or copper for pennies?

[seemore1]

I am new. Just went on my first hunt today. Found 24 pennies and 1 dime and about 85 pieces of assorted junk. I did not find any old coins but I don't know
how old they have to be to be silver or real copper, not clad?
Thanks
Craig

 

[chuck ky]

1964 was the last year for silver. don't know for copper but if you find a penny thats been buried very long it will be corroded if its zinc. last year for wheat pennies was 1958.

 

[norton4]

n/t

 

[tulare tokens]

n/t

 

[GRAY GHOST]

hi seemore, and welcome. they stopped making silver coinage in 1964. so, since 1965 all issues have been clad. the composition of the cents was changed in 1982 to zinc. there are 7 different cent varieties for that year! whatever you do, don't spend or throw away any coinage you find until you know what's going on with it. get yourself a copy of the red book, available at any bookstore or coin shop. if you ever find a coin you think to be very rare or old, don't clean it! rinse it with water and protect it. time and experience will teach you a lot in the future. any questions? there are plenty of good and talented people on here willing to help you. good luck, and hh,

 

[mattockman]

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[scubadetector]

Everyone is right EXCEPT for one small fact. Halves were 40% silver until 1968. Actually 1969 but they were not released to the public. Any dimes, quarters and halves 1964 and before were silver. Also nickles durring WW2 were some silver. Hope this helps a little more.

 

[seemore1]

Thanks for all the help.
Craig

 

[jim tn]

n/t

 

[Southwind]

Small correction. Halves were 40% silver from 1965-1970.