"I'm sure this is a total newbie question, but I'm a little uncertain on the switchover year(s) from pure metals to clad, and I haven't been able to find a definitive source for this basic information. Is silver 1964 and older for both dimes and quarters? Also, what's the switchover year on pennies from copper to clad? Finally, are nickels clad or no?
Thanks a bunch!
Inquirer"
Answer from Webmaster: "I believe 1964 is the turnover year except maybe fore halves. I think some newer years still have some silver (40%).
Pennies? We refer to "wheaties" before 1959 and "indians" before 1909. I guess you could call after 1959 "clad" or zinc.
Also steal pennies 1943.
Nickles are just nickles except "war" nickles, 1943 (large P, S & D) on back. 40 % silver?
See this link: (Click Here)"
Answer from Joe Z.: "I think .01 after 1981 have less copper in them."
Answer from Clarence H.: "Your clad dimes are going to be dirty and nasty looking unless they where a recent drops. Clad coins will be in the 1 to 6 inch range in the ground. Most times silver coins will be 4 inches and much deeper. Most silver coins or items will come out of the ground quite clean. Once in a while you will find a shallow silver coin. which those are the ones I always scar with the digger, because Not expecting silver. Always dig with care not to hit the coin. Don't be shy about asking questions. We can save you tons of time on learning and lots of money with tips from the pro's on this site."
Answer from Greg: "The penny question wasn't answered yet so I thought I'd throw in "my 2 cents"... pun intended.
If your Lincoln Memorial penny has a date before 1982, it is made of 95% copper. If the date is 1983 or later, it is made of 97.5% zinc, with a thin copper coating, or "clad".
The 95% copper pennies are worth about 2.5 cents in melt value although it's against the law to melt pennies but not silver coins. Some people hoard the pre 83 pennies hoping that some day you can melt them."
Answer from Larry C.: "Some 1982 pennies are copper and some are copper plated zinc, you either have to scratch them or weigh them."
More info on this topic can be found on the GLMDing forum. (Click Here)
If you have any comments you would like to add to this list or have some questions you would like added here, contact me. Email: webmaster@mth.greatlakesmetaldetecting.com
