american coin metal makeup

[nero12345]

hey there, just wondering what the make up of the american dime between 1916-1945. seems like what ive read is 90% silver and 10% copper. am i right or wrong. i am from nova scotia canada so i'm still getting up to speed on the yank coins.thanks

[abe]

That would be correct and same goes for the Rosie dimes up to 1964.

[nero12345]

thanks. what about the nickel? is it copper up until 42 then steel after that?

[abe]

The US nickels are 75% copper and 25% nickel, from Shield to our present Nickels we use today.
War Nickels 42-45 are 35% silver. Not all 42's are silver, only some of the P's and all the S's.
If there is a large P, D, or S above the dome of the building on the reverse they are 35% silver.

[rainsonme]

A great site is http://www.coinflation.com/ which will show the metal content of US and Canadian coins, as well as the current melt value.

[nero12345]

cheers guys, our canadian coins seem a bit easier to remember. can't believe how much american coin i'm finding lately. i can't just put them in a bucket anymore. gotta sort them.