Im very new to this...Silver question ?

[andrew9091]

Ive only been hunting for two months...Ive read some posts about silver coins and non silver coins ? What are considered silver coins ? Is there a date or something to look for ?
Thanks so much !!!
-Andrew

 

[CladJunkie]

1964 was the last year that circulating U.S. coins were struck in 90% silver.
The composition of U.S. coins has changed considerably over the past few decades. Because of a growing worldwide silver shortage, the Coinage Act of 1965 authorized a change in the composition of dimes, quarters, and half-dollars, which had been 90 percent silver. Silver was eliminated from the dime and the quarter. The half-dollar's silver content was reduced to 40 percent and, after 1970, was eliminated altogether. This applies ONLY to coins minted for everyday use with the general public. The US Mint is still minting yearly sets of SILVER PROOF Coins that you can buy.

 

[MNCoinhunter]

And I think 1968 was the last year that Canada used silver. And their coins were 80% silver. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Uncle Willy]

1964 was the last year for silver coins. From then on ( except for special issue ) they were all clad.

Bill

 

[widebody]

[size=large]And just in case you don't know already, 1959 and newer pennies are called memorials up to 1982 and zincs after that. from 1958 and older to 1909 are wheat pennies. would recommend getting the red book of coins. but only after you've committed yourself to the hobby. makes very interesting reading on our coins.

HH [/size]