The fastest way to screen a coin jar is to separate coins by denomination and date. But the cutoffs differ across nickels, half dollars and collector issues.
Dimes and quarters: the 1964 test
Common U.S. Roosevelt dimes and Washington quarters struck for circulation through 1964 were 90% silver. Regular circulation coinage starting in 1965 used copper-nickel clad designs instead. Older Barber, Mercury and Standing Liberty pieces also contain silver, although collector premiums can matter.
Half dollars need two groups
Standard 1964 Kennedy half dollars contain 90% silver. Circulation Kennedy half dollars dated 1965–1970 have 40% silver content. Regular circulation half dollars starting in 1971 generally have no silver; later special collector issues require their own verification.
War nickels are the odd exception
Silver wartime Jefferson nickels contain 35% silver, but not every nickel dated 1942 qualifies. Identify the large P, D or S mint mark above Monticello on the reverse to recognize the silver alloy run.
Silver dollars and modern bullion
Historical Morgan and Peace dollars contain approximately 0.7734 fine troy ounces of silver. Some special-issue Eisenhower dollars are 40% silver, but ordinary circulation versions are not. American Silver Eagle bullion coins contain a full troy ounce of fine silver.
Always check the issue
Proof strikes, silver-clad collector sets, mint special products and errors create exceptions. Dates are the starting point; finishes, mint marks and origin can be decisive.
Put the formula to work
Open our multi-coin calculator to enter coin quantities and your own silver or gold spot quotation. For mixed lots, save a private collection and print a metal-content worksheet.
See the source and calculation methodology for published nominal fine-metal weights and additional research references.