Actually most modern U.S. coins are almost entirely copper. Nickels are 75% copper; dimes, quarters, and halves are 92% copper, and dollars are 88.5% copper (source: U.S. Mint).
The only coin that's NOT mostly copper is the penny. Starting in mid-1982 the coin's composition was changed to a core of 97.5% zinc with a plating of 2.5% copper.
The United States stopped minting silver coins for circulation in 1964 due to the rising cost of silver. However, the U.S. Mint still produces commemorative silver coins and bullion coins for investors and collectors.
1964
The world wide increase in silver prices was the main reason.
Inflation caused the silver content of coins to be worth more than their face value so the US mint stopped making silver coins for circulation.
The last 90% silver half's made for general circulation were in 1964. 40% silver coins were issued until 1970.
The last year for silver silver dollars was 1935. There were no dollar coins minted again until 1971, by which time silver coinage had been replaced with copper and nickel.
The last year for silver dimes and quarters, as well as 90% half dollars was 1964. Halves 1965-70 were then 40% silver. All dimes and quarters 1965-present and half dollars 1971-present are copper and nickel.
"They" have not stopped making 20 cent coins.
Silver and gold were the materials of the first coins produced - they have been used as such for several thousand years.
In the 1960's, the US stopped making silver coins because of the value of the metal. For example, a silver dime's silver value is worth $2 and a silver quarter is $6. Silver dollars are worth $30. The U.S. was wasting a lot of money in silver coins and the silver value was rapidly increasing, so they had to stop. Another reason would be that people took the coins, melted it and sold it to a cash-for-gold type company. Also, they would ship or smuggle them to foreign countries which is illegal.
After the Bank Holding Company Act of 1970 was passed, silver was no longer used in making half-dollar and dollar coins meant for general circulation. Some coins made for collectors may still have silver content.
Making money into coins
i don't know maybe they hate silver. lol
1794 was the first Federal issue silver coin, a Dollar.