The regular use of silver in United States circulating coinage came to an end during the mid-1960s. This transition marked a significant shift in the composition of dimes, quarters, and half dollars issued for general commerce.
The rising price of silver, coupled with a growing coin shortage, prompted the government to seek an alternative to the precious metal content in these denominations. Continuing to produce coins with a high silver percentage became economically unsustainable. The change was deemed necessary to stabilize the nation’s coinage supply and prevent hoarding of silver coins.