United States dimes produced in 1964 and earlier contained 90% silver and 10% copper. These coins are often sought after for their intrinsic metal value, exceeding their face value due to fluctuations in the price of silver.
The silver content in these coins makes them valuable to collectors, investors, and those interested in precious metal commodities. Historically, the Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from circulating dimes and quarters, replacing it with a clad composition of copper and nickel. This change was driven by rising silver prices and the government’s need to conserve its silver reserves.