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Information on Silver Coins

The U.S. Mint struck silver coins for general circulation from 1793 until 1964 when the metal became too expensive for wide use. Silver coinage in the United States, which featured several different designs, is highly sought by collectors.

Types
- The U.S. Mint struck silver nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollar coins. It continues to make 1 oz. silver bullion coins. Several designs proved popular and were used for multiple denominations through the years, including "flowing hair" Liberty, seated Liberty and Barber or Liberty head.
Composition
- Most silver coins struck by the U.S. Mint were made of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper and had a reeded edge.
Locations
- Over the years, silver coins were minted in facilities in New Orleans; Denver; Philadelphia; West Point, New York; and San Francisco.
Fun Fact
- Although silver mintage was largely discontinued in 1965, the Kennedy half dollar continued to be composed of a silver alloy until 1970. From 1965 to 1970, the core of the coin contained about 21 percent silver and 79 percent copper while the outer layer featured 80 percent silver and 20 percent copper.

Coin Collecting