The terminal date for the production of circulating United States dimes composed of 90% silver was 1964. These coins, often referred to as “silver dimes,” hold intrinsic value based on their precious metal content and are distinct from subsequent issues made primarily of clad metal. A notable example is the Roosevelt dime, first minted in 1946, which transitioned to a copper-nickel clad composition starting in 1965.
The significance of this cutoff year stems from the escalating cost of silver in the early 1960s. As the value of silver approached the face value of the coin, the United States government opted to replace silver with a less expensive alloy. This decision preserved the monetary system’s stability and prevented the widespread hoarding and melting of circulating coinage. The older coins are sought after by collectors and investors due to their silver content and historical importance, embodying a tangible link to a bygone era of precious metal coinage.
