United States dimes produced in 1965 do not contain silver. Prior to 1965, dimes were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from dimes and quarters, replacing it with a clad composition of copper and nickel. A typical 1964 dime, for instance, possessed a significant silver content, unlike those minted the following year.
The change in composition was primarily driven by the rising cost of silver, which threatened to make the intrinsic value of the coins exceed their face value. This situation could have led to widespread hoarding and a shortage of circulating coinage. Consequently, the United States government opted to switch to a cheaper metal composition to maintain the stability of the monetary system. The switch to a clad metal was crucial in ensuring a sufficient supply of coinage for everyday transactions and prevented economic disruptions.