Did You Know Pre-1965 Dimes Are 90% Silver? #junksilver

Key Concepts

• Junk Silver Dimes
• Pre-1965 Dimes
• 90% Silver Purity
• Post-1965 Dimes
• Constitutional Silver
• Hyperinflation
• Silver Content in Circulation

Junk Silver Dimes Explained

Charlotte Krasco explains that "junk silver dimes" refer to dimes minted prior to 1965. These dimes are significant because they are composed of 90% silver. In contrast, newly minted silver is typically 99.99% pure.

Composition and Identification

• Pre-1965 Dimes: Contain 90% silver. Visually, the rim of these coins appears entirely silver, with no visible copper.
• Post-1965 Dimes: Contain no silver. They are coated in a silver-like material but have a distinct copper line visible on the rim, indicating their composition.

Terminology and Rationale

• Constitutional Silver: This term is used because the U.S. Constitution designates gold and silver as legal money.
• Junk Silver: The term "junk" is applied because these coins are not valued for their numismatic (collector) appeal or pristine condition. They have been circulated and may show signs of wear.

Use and Practicality of Junk Silver

Krasco expresses a preference for a variety of silver sizes, including dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars, but generally avoids pieces larger than one ounce.

Hyperinflation Scenario

In a scenario of hyperinflation, Krasco notes the practical advantage of using smaller denominations like dimes. If one needs to make a purchase requiring change, using two dimes is more practical than trying to break a quarter. Stores are unlikely to provide silver as change; instead, one might receive non-silver items like a candy bar or a pen.

Acceptance of Silver Forms

Krasco is not overly concerned about the confiscation of silver, as it is utilized in various industries. Therefore, she is amenable to holding silver in any form, including bars, and emphasizes that the primary value lies in its silver content rather than its specific form.

Conclusion

Junk silver dimes, minted before 1965, are a practical form of silver investment due to their 90% silver content. They are referred to as "constitutional silver" and "junk silver" because of their historical monetary designation and circulated condition, respectively. In economic downturns or hyperinflation, their smaller denominations offer greater utility for everyday transactions compared to larger silver pieces. Krasco advocates for holding silver in any form, prioritizing its intrinsic silver value.