I'd like to know when the silver content changed in the nickel, dime, and quarter.?

Question

At one time, these coins were pure silver.

Answer 1

beginning with the 1965 mintage there was no longer silver in the dimes or quarters. Nickels only had silver in them in the mintages of 1942 thru 1945. In 1942 both silver and non-silver nickles were minted. The silver nickles can be distingished from the non-silver by the placement of the mint mark. On the silver nickles the mink mark was placed on the reverse above the dome of Montecello.

The coins were never pure silver. They were an alloy of silver and copper 90% silver 10% copper.

Silver content of the half dollars was reduced to 40% in 1965 and remained at that level until 1970 at which time it was eliminated.

Answer 2

First-coins having silver were the Dollar, the half dollar, the quarter and the dime. The only time the nickle had silver was during WWll whenthe mineral nickle was needed for the war effort.

Coins minted after 1964 have a reduced silver content and this was reduced again in the late '70's. Like the copper in pennies was removed in the '80's or 90's. Now they are mostly zinc with a copper wash

Silver coins are available at usmint.com for apremium price.

Answer 3

I think in the 60's. I can tell the difference in the sound of the jingle. I keep my ears peeled for silver dimes and quarters. I'm not sure that nickels actually ever changed, but I think the date you're looking for is 1963.

Answer 4

I think 1964, but not absolutely sertain