The presence of the precious metal in coinage is a significant factor determining the value and collectibility of various currency issues. Understanding the historical context surrounding the inclusion of this metal within a coin’s composition is crucial for numismatists and investors alike. For example, certain dimes, quarters, and half-dollars from the United States minted prior to 1965 contained 90% of this metal.
The desirability of currency containing this precious metal stems from its intrinsic worth, which can appreciate over time independent of its face value. This characteristic provides a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Furthermore, coins composed of this metal offer a tangible link to historical periods when it was a more common component of circulation currency. This metal content also allows for various testing methods to authenticate and verify the coin’s composition.
