Looking for US coin information

[jnicholes]

Hello,

I'm looking for some information on some US coins. Specifically the bicentennial Half dollar, Eisenhower bicentennial dollar, and bicentennial quarter.

I was doing research on some coins I have today. Specifically three Bicentennial quarters and a bicentennial Eisenhower. I read that some of these Bicentennial coins have silver content.

First off, is this true?

Second off, how can you tell if bicentennial quarter, Eisenhower Bicentennial dollar, or a Bicentennial half dollar have silver content? Is there a special way to tell?

Any help would be appreciated. I am willing to learn.

Attached is a picture of what I have. Two 1976 D quarters, one 1976 quarter with no mint mark, and a 1976 d eisenhower dollar. I don't think any of these are silver though.

Jared

 

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[TreasureCatto]

1976 S quarters were struck in 40% silver and came out as proof coins or were intending to be uncirculated minted in San Fransisco. Same goes for Ike dollars also minted in SF that same year.
Quarters

 

[Clad2Silver]

The 40% silver Bicentennial coins were only available in Proof or Mint sets. None of the Bicentennial silver coins were put into circulation.

 

[jnicholes]

well, that's what I was wondering. Thank you so much for letting me know. If they are not in circulation, then I can't find them the way I normally look for coins.

You learn something new every day!

Jared

 

[Clad2Silver]

1976 S quarters were struck in 40% silver and came out as proof coins or were intending to be uncirculated minted in San Fransisco. Same goes for Ike dollars also minted in SF that same year.
Quarters

The dollars are 40% silver because the outer layer is actually 80% silver bonded to a core of 20.9% silver giving it a total of 40% silver.

 

[Trokair]

Another easy way to tell if they are silver or not is turn them on the side. Normal strikes will show the copper core along the reeding while silver strikes will not. Works for everything but war nickles.

 

[jnicholes]

Another easy way to tell if they are silver or not is turn them on the side. Normal strikes will show the copper core along the reeding while silver strikes will not. Works for everything but war nickles.

Do you mean this? The copper showing?

 

[Trokair]

Do you mean this? The copper showing?

Yup, that is it exactly. If it has a copper core then it is copper-nickle instead of silver.

Edit: For comparison I just happen to have both a silver and a normal bicentennial half dollar.

 

[jnicholes]

Thanks for the comparison. I appreciate it. I actually have a 1961 D silver dime. Doesn't have the copper stripe down the middle, so I know what you're talking about.

Thanks.

Jared

 

[Trokair]

Glad to be of help

 

[Kantuckkeean]

well, that's what I was wondering. Thank you so much for letting me know. If they are not in circulation, then I can't find them the way I normally look for coins.

You learn something new every day!

Jared

They weren't put into circulation by the government. However, after purchase, some people did put them into circulation, which happens with a lot of coins that were not intended for circulation. My wife found a 1976S Kennedy half dollar that is 40% silver. It was in circulation. Keep looking as you normally do. You may find one.

Kindest regards,
Kantuck

 

[Trezurehunter]

They were made for mint and proof sets, so they were not put into general circulation. If you find one in circulation, its because that mint or proof set was broken open and the coins were used. They will also have the S mint mark on them. As others have said, you can also "edge check" the coin and look for the copper mark. My daughter and myself have actually found the 1970 D and 1970 S Kennedy halves in circulation, along with receiving the occasional silver dime, quarter or wheat penny back in change. Check every coin, as they are still out there. Happy hunting !