Certain circulating coinage produced by the United States Mint prior to 1965 contained 90% silver. These coins, primarily dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollars, represent a tangible form of precious metal held within a denomination typically used for daily commerce. An example would be a twenty-five cent piece minted in 1964, possessing a significantly higher intrinsic value based on its silver content compared to its face value.
The appeal of these coins lies in their dual nature as both currency and a store of value. Historically, they served as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Their silver composition provided a degree of stability absent in fiat currency. The historical context of their production also contributes to their collectibility and inherent value, particularly among numismatists and precious metal investors.
