Dimes produced in the United States prior to 1965 contain 90% silver. These coins, often referred to as “silver dimes,” hold intrinsic value beyond their face value due to their precious metal content. The presence of silver distinguishes them from subsequent issues, which are composed of a copper-nickel clad alloy.
The significance of these pre-1965 dimes lies in their silver composition, making them attractive to collectors, investors, and those interested in precious metals. They represent a tangible store of value and a historical artifact reflecting a time when circulating coinage contained precious metals. The removal of silver from circulating coinage stemmed from rising silver prices during the mid-1960s.