So I decided to roll search for some silver for the first time and about halfway through my box of dimes I have yet to find something older than 1965. I started thinking that its been almost 50 years since coins were made from silver and that as time goes on there are obviously less and less silver coins in circulation. I'm sure some of you older guys can remember a time when every coin was made from silver and slowly the clad coins were taking over. So my question is, when do you think silver coins will virtually be no longer existent in circulation?
Coins for circulation, yes but coins are still made in silver and likely will continue to be made. Obviously though, as time goes on, older coins go into collections when found in circulation by collectors, etc. It's rare but I'm sure smaller denominations get accidently put back into circulation by those not knowing their value, etc. As for coins with silver content, it could be another 50 to 100 years before they're all out of circulation and become super rare to find in your change, no one could predict this though.
Yeah I meant coins for circulation, as in when there won't be any pre 1965 coins in our pocket change.
I don't think they'll ever be completely gone. People do pull them out when they come across them, but a lot get put back during hard times, by people who don't know, by kids sneaking into dad's collection, and by people who stole them. Mostly, we collectors are the only ones who look at a silver dime or quarter as more than just 10 or 25 cents. Guy
I get a 90% silver coin in change every few years. Usually dimes but last year I did get a quarter. Roll searching half dollars turns up some 40% and very rarely a 90% Kennedy half but even those pickings have become mighty slim.
Silver or no silver, coin collecting is an addiction, so when we phase out the silver circulating coinage we will move on to something next. My personal opinion is there is alot more money to be made sorting copper pennies as they are much less rare and can fetch a good price on ebay. My point being Arthur is coin collecting is constantly evolving with different collectible series, and a smart coin collector always keeps an eye out for whats next.
Honestly, if you don't roll search, I'd be surprised if you find more than one silver coin in circulation per year. I know I haven't for probably three years now. I suspect they usually appear when someone deposits some change that was socked away for decades.
Since our world now has billions of people in it, and with communication as it is, people are hoarding more collectibles of all kinds. They are trying for the chance to cash in on everything and anything. (Or hanging on just in case). I think silver coins will disappear faster than before, and no one will discard intact old jewelry, old coins, silverware, precious and semi-precious stones, ivory, antiques or anything perceived as having value. I would guess 15 - 25 years maximum. IMHO.
1979. Yes I know a trickle is still being found but as far as I am concerned it is virtually non-existent.
