Expert: PAPAJACK - 11/7/2008

Question
Lets take a 1976S Rose...Dime....This is what confuses me, "1976 S PERFECT PROOF CAMEO ROOSEVELT DIMES " these dimes in 1976 are 'S' so does this mean that its a 'Silver Proof'? Dazed and confused.....thanks

Answer
Hello Harry,                

There were no Silver Dimes made in 1976. Although there were Bicentennial Dollars, Half Dollars and Quarter Dollars made as collectables using silver in 1976.

There were no silver coins issued since 1964 prior to the Bicentennial Designed ones.
Do not be confused!  Any one selling the coins should have the word SILVER in the description if they are The Silver issue. The Proofs and Brilliant Uncirculated versions were made in both the Clad Nickel and Silver that year. But not the Cent, Nickel or Dime had any change in the alloy from the circulated coins.

In 1992 the mint did again start making Proof Silver Dimes but with the S mint mark. But these as well should be stated as Clad or Silver issues.  The 90% Silver coins are easy to tell if you look at the edge or weigh them.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack