The final instance of United States ten-cent coins composed of 90% silver occurred in 1964. Prior to this, these coins, commonly referred to as “silver dimes,” were a staple of American currency. The elimination of silver from the dime’s composition marked a significant shift in the nation’s coinage practices.
This transition holds importance due to the rising cost of silver during that period. The intrinsic value of the silver content in pre-1965 dimes eventually exceeded the face value of ten cents, prompting concerns about the coins being melted down for their metal. This historical context demonstrates the interplay between commodity prices and the composition of circulating currency.