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If it's a U.S. coin the denomination and date are the best way to determine.

Dimes, quarters, halves, and dollars minted before 1965 are 90% silver. Among old denominations, half-dimes and some 3¢ coins are 90% silver as well.

Half-dollars from 1965 to 1969 are 40% silver.

Dimes, quarters, and dollars minted in 1965 and later have no silver in them. They're either cupronickel or (for dollars from 2000 onward) brass.

Cents have never been made of silver. 1943 cents are steel.

Nickels made during WW2 are 35% silver.

Foreign coins may be much more difficult to deal with, but again the date and denomination are the places to start.

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Q: How do you tell if a coin is made of silver?
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