How to Tell If a Coin Is Silver or Clad
- Arthur Estill
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
One of the most common questions people ask when they inherit coins or find an old jar of change is:
“How do I know if any of these coins are actually silver?”
This is an important question, because silver coins can be worth many times more than face value, while clad coins are usually only worth what they spend for.
The good news is there are several simple ways to tell the difference.
First: What Does “Silver” vs “Clad” Mean?
Silver Coins
Older U.S. coins were made with real silver:
Most U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars before 1965
Are 90% silver
These coins have real precious metal value, even if they are worn.
Clad Coins
Modern U.S. coins (mostly 1965 and later) are:
Made from layers of base metals
With no silver content (except a few special issues)
They are called clad coins because they are “clad” or layered with different metals.
The Easiest Test: Check the Date
This solves most cases immediately.
For U.S. coins:
1964 and earlier:
Dimes, quarters, half dollars = silver
1965 and later:
Usually clad (not silver)
⚠️ Note: Some special collector coins after 1964 are silver, but most everyday change is not.
The Edge Test (Very Effective)
Look at the edge of the coin:
Silver coin:
Solid silver-gray color all the way through
Clad coin:
You’ll see a copper-colored stripe in the middle
If you see a copper line on the edge, it is not silver.
The Sound Test (The “Ring” Test)
When gently tapped:
Silver coins:
Make a high, clear ringing sound
Clad coins:
Make a dull, flat sound
This takes practice, but experienced collectors can hear the difference immediately.
The Weight Test
Silver coins are:
Heavier than clad versions of the same coin
For example:
A silver quarter weighs more than a clad quarter
A silver half dollar weighs more than a clad half dollar
A digital scale can help, but you need exact weight specs to compare.
The Magnet Test
Silver is not magnetic.
If a coin:
Sticks to a magnet → Not silver
If it:
Does not stick → Could be silver (or another non-magnetic metal)
This is a screening test, not final proof.
What About Nickels and Pennies?
Nickels:
Most are not silver
But 1942–1945 wartime nickels do contain silver
Pennies:
Do not contain silver
A Common Estate Sale Reality
At Afternoon Estate Sales Dallas, Texas we frequently see jars, drawers, and boxes of coins where silver and non-silver coins are completely mixed together. Many families assume either everything is valuable or nothing is. In reality, a careful sort often reveals a small group of silver coins hiding among ordinary change.
How Much Are Silver Coins Worth?
Silver coins are usually worth:
Their silver content value
Plus, sometimes collector value if:
They are rare
In good condition
Or from desirable years/mints
Even very worn silver coins are almost always worth more than face value.
No.
Cleaning coins:
Can reduce their value
Can damage surfaces
Can remove collectible premiums
If you’re unsure, leave them as-is.
How This Fits into the Bigger Coin Picture
If you want a broader guide to coin value and evaluation, see:
Final Thought
The difference between silver and clad coins can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars in an estate. Fortunately, with a few simple checks — especially the date and edge test — you can usually tell the difference very quickly.
When in doubt, have coins properly evaluated before making any decisions.
