1-866-646-8465
CHARTS
0

Your Cart:

Subtotal: $0.00

The Difference Between Pure Silver Coins and Clad Coins

Quarters (Clad Coins) vs Silver American Eagles (Silver Coins)

From the 1920's to 1964, the jingle jangle of pocket change sounded different in America. It even felt different. When you pulled out a few quarters to pay for a soda, you were paying with real silver coins made from 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.

Thanks to an increasing demand for silver and changing economic conditions, these silver coins were highly desired! So much so that people began hoarding everyday pocket change with the hopes of turning a profit.

In 1964, however, the U.S. Mint decided that it was no longer economically feasible to continue issuing American coinage with a silver content of up to 90%. It would be the final year 90 percent silver coins were minted. The spot price of silver was just too close to the denomination of the coins being produced. Instead of spending their pocket change, people were stockpiling it.

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson changed the course of American coinage. He signed the Coinage Age of 1965 on July 23 and in his remarks at the ceremonial signing of the Act, he explained:

“The new dimes and the new quarters will contain no silver. They will be composites, with faces of the same alloy used in our 5-cent piece that is bonded to a core of pure copper. They will show a copper edge…

Now, all of you know these changes are necessary for a very simple reason—silver is a scarce material. Our uses of silver are growing as our population and our economy grows. The hard fact is that silver consumption is now more than double new silver production each year. So, in the face of this worldwide shortage of silver, and our rapidly growing need for coins, the only really prudent course was to reduce our dependence upon silver for making our coins.”

With that, the U.S. Mint began production and circulating clad coins—silver-colored coins with absolutely no silver in them.

1 oz Silver American Eagle Coin, front


Silver Eagles can act as building blocks for your precious metals portfolio by increasing your portfolio’s diversity, as silver can move independently of stocks and other asset classes. These coins are highly liquid, making them easy to buy and sell. What’s more, they feature the very symbol of our nation’s freedom—the American Eagle. Call 1-844-307-1589 to see how you can enjoy the beauty and artistry of the American Silver Eagle Coin in the palm of your hand.

Clad Coins vs. Silver Coins

What is a clad coin? Clad coins have multiple layers of a silver-colored, nickel-copper alloy. A clad coin is essentially a piece of copper sandwiched between two layers of nickel and zinc. It's the metal composition you'll find in your pocket change today. So, while a clad coin may look shiny and silvery, it doesn't contain an ounce of silver!

So, did the introduction of silvery clad coins mean the end of fine silver coins? Far from it. Circulating silver coinage may have seen its last day, but pure silver bullion coins have been minted for saving—not spending—since the 1980s.

Mexico was the first nation to issue a silver bullion coin, the Libertad, in 1982. The Libertad was followed shortly after by the Silver American Eagle in 1986 and the Silver Canadian Maple Leaf in 1988. In 1989, China hopped on the silver bandwagon with the Silver Chinese Panda Coin.

These pure silver bullion coins were minted as legal tender, but with the intent that they would be held onto, not spent. They were meant to satiate citizens’ desire for pure, powerful silver. The silver coins that circulated in American coinage were never made with the same silver content as silver bullion coins—.999 pure silver.

How can you tell the difference between a silvery clad coin and a silver coin? Compare the coin types and you'll see that it's pretty obvious!

  • Coin Weight: Given their greater silver content, silver bullion coins and previously circulated silver coins feel much heavier than clad coins.
  • Coin Appearance Over Time: Silver coins will tarnish if left exposed to open air or moisture. Clad coins will develop a coppery tint as they age.
  • Coin Edges: To identify a clad coin, look at its edge. This part of a coin is also called its “third edge.” You'll see a distinct, copper-colored core. A pure silver coin will not have a visible core.
  • Coin Sound: Silver coins and clad coins also make different noises when knocked or dropped—two things we certainly don't recommend doing! Take our word for it: silver coins have a higher pitched, ting-tang ring to them. Non-silver coins and silver-colored clad coins make more of dull thud sound.

Enhance Your Wealth Protection with a Precious Metals IRA

Staying up to date on all things precious metals has never been easier. Discover how portfolio diversification with a precious metals IRA can enhance your wealth protection. Find hundreds of free special reports, articles, videos, and other useful tools to help you become a more educated precious metals owner—absolutely free.

Shopping for Silver Coins

Whether you're shopping for new silver coins or simply re-evaluating your current collection, you'll find it helpful to know the difference between pure silver coins and silver-colored clad coins. Contrary to popular belief, all that shines isn't silver… or gold for that matter. Without an ounce of silver content, clad coins do not offer the same benefits as silver bullion coins. Take Silver American Eagles, for instance.

Silver American Eagle Coins can act as building blocks for your precious metals portfolio by increasing your portfolio’s diversity, as silver can move independently of stocks and other asset classes. Silver bullion coins represent tangible wealth.

If you're ready to shop pure silver coins, call U.S. Money Reserve at 1-844-307-1589 or shop silver coins online. Knowledgeable Account Executives are standing by to answer your questions about silver, American coinage, and the future of precious metals!

Recent Articles

5 Reliable Resources to Help Track Gold Prices

5 Reliable Resources to Help Track Gold Prices

Originally published in 2019 Some people track team points in their fantasy football leagues. Others carefully note the comings and goings of Washington, D.C., insiders. Almost everyone likes to know which Hollywood movies are big hits—or bigger misses. But you? You...

How to Safely Store Your Gold and Silver

How to Safely Store Your Gold and Silver

You bought gold and silver to help keep your family financially safer in times of turmoil. But now it’s up to you to safeguard your gold bars and silver coins until that time comes, which could be in 10 days, 10 years, or some time far in the future. How you store...

What Is Silver Used for? 10 Fascinating Uses for Silver

What Is Silver Used for? 10 Fascinating Uses for Silver

Silver might not always get the glory and attention that gold does, but it remains one of the most useful precious metals in the world. Solar technology, electronics, soldering and brazing, engine bearings, medicine, cars, water purification, jewelry, tableware, and...

Can an IRA Account Be Gifted?

Can an IRA Account Be Gifted?

One of the most important reasons we work to grow our wealth is to leave something behind for our loved ones. For my parents, this was not an option. They were entrepreneurs and immigrants who were not aware of all their savings and retirement options. Thankfully, I...

Gold Stocks vs. Physical Gold — What Is the Difference?

Gold Stocks vs. Physical Gold — What Is the Difference?

You want to buy gold to help diversify your portfolio, but you’re not sure whether you should buy physical gold vs gold stocks. You may be asking yourself: Are they essentially the same thing? Does your portfolio experience the same benefits if you buy physical gold...

Can You Buy Gold and Silver From a Bank?

Can You Buy Gold and Silver From a Bank?

Central banks are among the largest buyers of gold and have some of the largest gold holdings, yet it’s very rare for customers to be able to buy gold at banks. In fact, it’s unusual for typical banks to sell any precious metals. And even when they do, their selection...

Start diversifying today

   1-866-646-8465

As one of the largest distributors of precious metals in the nation, U.S. Money Reserve gives you access to our highly-trained team.

U.S. Money Reserve Gold Kit and Global Gold Forecast Special Report Thumbnail
The Ultimate Guide

Free Gold Information Kit

Sign up now to receive the ultimate guide to gold ownership, unlock special offers, and more.