I know that the 67-68 issues were 50% silver, but are there also 1968 coins in silver? I have about a dozen that I swear are silver and about 100 that are not. I dont have any acid left to test with, and I cant seem to find a sure answer. I did see one article that said some '68 coins were 50%.
You can always test a 1968 Canadian dime with a magnet. If it sticks it's not 50% silver. (I guess the same is true of quarters, I haven't had a chance to test that yet.)
In case others have the same question at a future point: http://coinsandcanada.com/coins-prices.php?canadian_coins=25-cents-1965-1989 Indeed there are silver specimens out there.
In '67 only half of the 62 million mintage was .800 silver ... the rest were .500. In '68 70 million were minted in .500 and another 173 million were minted in pure 100% nickel and are spenders.
I forget how to tell the difference between 50% and 80% silver of the same year. Is it based on weight?
IIRC, there is no way to tell the difference between the 1967 50% and 80% coins. I think they both have the same weight
The 1967 50% and 80% look the same, have the same weight and patina. You would have to do a specific gravity test to determine if it is 50 or 80.
A specific gravity test is based on weight and volume. If they weigh the same and have the same area or volume, you will see no difference with a specific gravity test. Just drop them on the counter .. they .800 will have a more brilliant ring. A dealer will only pay .500 scrap price for ANY 1967.
