How old does a U.S. coin have to be to be real silver?

Any dimes, quarters and half-dollar coins dated 1964 or earlier contained a percentage of silver. The silver color of coins minted after 1964 comes from a coating of copper and nickel.

The U.S. Mint also creates collectible coins that may include silver, gold or platinum. Such coins can be purchased from the mint as an investment product.

In 1986 the Mint launched its American Eagle Bullion Coins, which can be made of silver or gold. As of 2008, the Mint also began producing America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins. Commemorative coins, such as the 2014 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Dollar and the 2013 Girl Scouts of the USA Centennial Silver Dollar, also contain 90 percent silver.