Fun Facts About Copper-Nickel Clad Coins

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The United States first began minting copper-nickel clad coins in 1965.

That was after several years of rising silver prices and a severe coin shortage that the U.S. Mint partly blamed on people hoarding silver coins from circulation.

  • The dime and quarter were first struck in copper-nickel clad in 1965.
  • The half-dollar was made with a 40% silver & 60% copper composition from 1965 to 1970. Half-dollars made for circulation since 1971 have been struck in copper-nickel clad.
  • The last 90% silver dollar made for circulation was struck in 1935. In 1971, when production of dollar coins fully resumed, the dollar coin was struck in copper-nickel clad for circulation.

Copper-nickel clad coins from the 1960s and 1970s still circulate and can be found in everyday pocket change.

Except for errors, virtually all worn copper-nickel clad coins are worth only face value. They are, however, very easy to collect.

Copper-nickel clad coins, like these quarters, were first introduced to circulation in 1965.

You can easily complete sets of copper-nickel clad Roosevelt dimes and Washington quarters from pocket change, spending just face value to accomplish those goals!

Here’s what you need to know about clad error coins.

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12 thoughts on “Fun Facts About Copper-Nickel Clad Coins”

  1. Hello,To The One That Has The Lady Dime.I Have One Of Those I Had Two But I Miss Place The Other One.Is It very Rare…. Sign Willie ///

    Reply
    • Hi, Tori —

      It’s difficult to declare this dime an off-metal or uncladded error just by photos alone, especially as this also appears to be a heavily discolored and possibly corroded piece. Your best bet would be an in-hand evaluation by a professional numismatist or submission to a third-party grader/authenticator.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

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