Certain denominations of United States currency, historically, contained the precious metal. These coins, primarily dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars, were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. An example is the pre-1965 silver dime, often referred to as a “Roosevelt dime.”
The inclusion of this metal provided intrinsic value to the currency, offering a safeguard against inflation and instability. The use of silver in coinage held significant historical importance, reflecting a period when currency was directly linked to tangible assets, fostering public trust and confidence in the monetary system. Its physical properties, such as durability and resistance to corrosion, made it a practical choice for coinage.