How to Tell the Difference Between Silver and Clad Minted Coins
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:
Source: http://finerarecoins.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-to-tell-difference-between-silver.html
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