Why is there always copper in sliver!?!

I was just curious. It seems that all silver coins contain some copper, usually 10%. Whats the reason for that?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Adam:
My guess is two fold: 1) to increase the size of the coin, without greatly increasing the cost;
and 2) the metal is more durable with some copper added.

Plus it is tradition, the 90% is nearly that as originally established by Congress in 1792.
Frank

 

Pure silver would be much too soft. Even Silver jewelry is only .925 silver.

 

I have read that ^^ is so, pure silver is soft and bends or breaks easier, adding a more durable metal helps with this....Sterling silver is usually 92.5+ silver with some copper in it.

I have also read that mixing copper or some other metal will also slow down oxidation, silver will tarnish a little slower when mixed but I am not sure that is so true.

 

The same with gold, that is why manufacturers rarely use 24 Kt (except in the Orient).
even 18 Kt is soft.
14 Kt is more durable, like 10 Kt, even more so.