The composition of United States five-cent pieces minted prior to 1965 is a topic of considerable numismatic interest. These coins, often referred to by their face value, possess a metallic makeup distinct from those produced afterward. Specifically, they contain a significant proportion of a precious metal, giving them intrinsic value beyond their nominal worth. For instance, these coins may contain 90% silver and 10% copper.
The inclusion of this precious metal in coinage represented a historical standard that reflected the economic realities of the time. The inherent value of the coin’s metallic content provided stability and confidence in the currency. This practice was discontinued due to rising costs associated with these metals, leading to a shift toward base metal compositions. This change significantly altered the intrinsic and investment value of pre-1965 coinage.