How can I tell if a coin is silver?
Date and Denomination
For U.S. coins, the easiest way is to know the silver content by date. Dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted in 1964 or earlier are 90% silver. Half dollars from 1965 through 1970 are 40% silver. Nickels from 1942–1945 (War Nickels) contain 35% silver and have a large mintmark above Monticello.
Other denominations: dollar coins from 1935 and earlier are 90% silver, and some later silver dollars like the 1971–1976 Eisenhower dollars are only 40% silver in certain collector versions. Always verify with a reliable guide.
- Dimes, quarters, half dollars: 1964 and earlier = 90% silver
- Half dollars: 1965–1970 = 40% silver
- War Nickels: 1942–1945 = 35% silver
- Silver dollars: 1935 and earlier = 90% silver
Physical Tests
Silver coins have a distinctive white metallic color and a characteristic ring when dropped on a hard surface. The edge of a silver coin is usually solid white, while clad coins show a copper core. A magnet will not stick to silver, but many non-silver metals are also non-magnetic, so this test alone is not definitive.
For a more accurate test, you can use a silver testing kit with acid, but that can damage the coin. Weighing the coin can also help: a silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while a clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams.
- Look for white metallic edge
- Listen for a high-pitched ring
- Magnet test: silver is non-magnetic
- Weigh: silver quarter = 6.25g, clad = 5.67g
Common mistakes
- Assuming any shiny silver-colored coin is silver—many modern coins are clad with a silver-colored alloy.
- Relying solely on the magnet test; many non-silver metals are also non-magnetic.
- Forgetting that 1965–1970 half dollars are 40% silver, not 90%.
