US dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars were minted in 90% silver until 1964. Produced to save nickel for the war effort, war nickels 1942-1945 are 35% silver (silver nickel production started part way into 1942). Half-dollar coins minted between 1965 and 1970 are 40% silver, but from 1971 on, contain no silver.

Are all coins before 1965 silver?

Most coins minted in the United States before 1965 were 90% silver and 10% copper. ... All other U.S. denominations other than pennies and nickels at one time were struck using 90% silver. In 1965, Public Law 88-36 reduced the amount of silver in coins from 90% to 40%.

What years did coins contain silver?

From 1946 to 1964, they were minted in "post-silver" coins which contained 50-percent silver. In 1966, the "round" 50-cent coin contained 80-percent silver. Swiss 1/2 Franken, 1 Franken and 2 Franken minted from 1874 to 1967 contained 83.5 percent silver.