What is not a Silver Dollar
Most dollars minted after 1964, when 90% silver coins were replaced with a copper-nickel
clad composition, are NOT silver dollars. However, some dollars that were minted as
Proofs, or minted with an "S" or "W" mint mark to designate the San Francisco and West
Point mints are composed of silver, either 90% or 0.999. The later bullion coins like
American Silver Eagles, are marked on each coin with 0.999 1 oz. silver, whereas some
silver Eisenhower dollars were struck with 40% silver and contain 0.3161 oz. silver.
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U.S. Commemorative dollars from 1983 to 2018 were struck with 0.900 fine silver and
contain 0.7736 oz. silver. From 2019 to date commemorative dollars were struck with
0.999 fine silver and contains 0.858 oz. silver.
If you are in doubt, a good way to tell if your dollar contains silver or copper-nickel is to look
at it's edge. If the edge shows copper, there is NO precious silver metal in your coin!
Susan B. Anthony dollars, golden colored Sacagawea dollars from 2000-2008, and golden
colored Presidential dollars from 2007-2016 coin NO precious silver metal. Golden
colored Native American dollars from 2009-date contain NO silver metal. Similarly, golden
colored American Innovation dollars from 2016 to 2032 will contain NO silver metal.