Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.

By Fine Rare Coins
Contributor profile | More stories

Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

How to Tell the Difference Between Silver and Clad Minted Coins

Thursday, May 16, 2013 1:17

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.

Whether your goal is to assemble or liquidate a coin collection, it’s a valuable skill to be able to tell the difference between silver and clad minted coins so that you know if you’re selling silver coins. In earlier years, the metallic content of coins played a critical role in determining its overall worth and value. However, as the price of precious metals began to rise, many countries stopped using silver in the composition of their coins. As you proceed with your goal of buying or selling silver coins, it’s helpful to be able to tell the difference between silver and clad minted coins. Here’s how to do that:

Composition of Silver and Clad Minted Coins

When it comes to the difference between silver and clad minted coins, the distinction lies in the metallic composition of each. Whether these are dimes, quarters, half dollars, or dollar coins, a majority of U.S. silver coins minted in 1964 or earlier are composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. On the other hand, half dollar coins that that were minted between 1965 and 1970 are composed of 40 percent silver and 60 percent copper. Clad minted coins have a copper core and an outer layer that is made of copper and nickel.

Value of Silver and Clad Minted Coins

Silver holds intrinsically more value than copper or nickel. Having said that, it isn’t difficult to understand why many countries have ceased the use of silver altogether in their production of coinage. However, it is this very fact that makes silver coins more attractive in the eyes of coin collectors and coin investors.

Dates of Silver and Clad Minted Coins

All in all, the easiest way to distinguish between silver and clad minted coins is to confirm the date of production of the coin. All U.S. dimes and quarters that were minted in 1964 and earlier contain silver. Conversely, all dimes and quarters minted after this year, with the exception of some commemorative and proof coins, were minted without silver. For half dollars, all coins minted from 1971 onwards contain no silver.

Physical Differences between Silver and Clad Minted Coins

When it comes to weight, silver coins are heavier than clad minted ones. As a concrete example, silver Washington quarters weigh 6.25 grams while clad Washington quarters are approximately 5.7 grams. The exterior of both also differ in the aging process as the tone of silver coins changes (tarnishes) while a copper tint appears on clad coins. The sound is also different for each when both coins are dropped.
Silver coins have a higher pitched sound and ring to them, while non-silver coins have more of a dull thud.
Whether your intent is selling silver coins or purchasing them to expand your personal collection, it is useful to be able to learn how to tell the difference between silver and clad minted coins. In order to do so, familiarize yourself with the composition, value, dates and physical differences of each.

Submitted by Guest Blogger:

Atlanta Gold and Coin Buyers

Source: http://finerarecoins.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-to-tell-difference-between-silver.html

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!

Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST

Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST

Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST

Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!

HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.

Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.

MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)

Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!

Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.

Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).

Comments

Online:
Visits:	1,599,496,467
Stories:	8,139,410