The U.S. dollar coins that contain silver are the Morgan dollar (1878–1921), the Peace dollar (1921–1935), the 40% silver Eisenhower collector issues (1971–1976), silver commemorative dollars, and the American Silver Eagle (1986–today). The small-size dollars that followed — Susan B. Anthony, Sacagawea, and the Presidential dollars — contain no silver at all in their circulation versions. Here is the full breakdown by series.
Morgan and Peace Dollars: 90% Silver
Every Morgan dollar (1878–1904, 1921) and every Peace dollar (1921–1935) is 90% silver and 10% copper, with 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver per coin. At the November 10, 2026 silver spot of $52.45/ozt, that is $40.57 in melt value per coin (Data by Bullion Price Check, checked November 10, 2026). Earlier silver dollars — Seated Liberty, Trade dollars, and the 1794–1873 issues — are also silver, at 90% for the later series. Our Morgan dollar value guide covers what condition does to the number above melt, and circulated examples trade hands daily — a typical example is the 1878–1904 Morgan Silver Dollar in AU+.
Eisenhower Dollars: Only the Collector Issues
Circulation Eisenhower dollars (1971–1978) are copper-nickel clad with zero silver — but the collector “S” mint issues of 1971–1976 are 40% silver. Those silver-clad Ikes were sold in blue envelopes (uncirculated) and brown boxes (proof) and contain 0.3162 troy ounces of silver. Check any Ike’s mintmark and packaging before assuming: a pocket-change Eisenhower is worth face value in metal. Dates and values are in our Eisenhower dollar value guide.
The Dollars With No Silver: Anthony, Sacagawea, Presidential
Susan B. Anthony dollars (1979–1999), Sacagawea dollars (2000–today), and Presidential dollars (2007–2016) were never struck in silver for circulation. They are clad or manganese-brass compositions worth face value as metal, whatever their color. The golden color of the Sacagawea and Presidential dollars is an alloy finish, not gold or silver content. Values for the Anthony series are covered in our Susan B. Anthony dollar value guide.
Modern Silver Dollars: Eagles and Commemoratives
The American Silver Eagle (1986–today) is a full troy ounce of .999 fine silver with a $1 face value — the purest “dollar coin” ever issued by the U.S. Mint. Modern commemorative dollars are the other modern silver series: struck at 90% silver until 2018 and .999 fine from 2019, always as collector issues. Both series trade on their silver content plus a program premium, not on their $1 denomination.
How to Tell What You Have
Date first: any U.S. dollar coin dated 1935 or earlier is silver; 1986 and later, check whether it is an Eagle or commemorative; 1971–1976, check for an S mintmark collector issue. Weight confirms it — a Morgan or Peace dollar weighs 26.73 grams, a clad Ike 22.68 grams (silver-clad 24.59 grams). For melt math on anything you identify, the silver coin melt value guide runs the formula coin by coin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 1970s dollar coins silver?
Only the S-mint collector Eisenhower issues (1971–1976) at 40% silver. Circulation Ikes are clad and contain none.
Is a 2000 Sacagawea dollar silver or gold?
Neither — it is a manganese-brass alloy with a golden color and no precious-metal content.
Which dollar coin has the most silver?
The American Silver Eagle, at a full troy ounce of .999 fine silver — more than a Morgan or Peace dollar’s 0.7734 ounces.
Composition is only half the question. For what the modern dollars are actually worth — Susan B. Anthony, Eisenhower, Sacagawea, and Presidential dollar values, including the varieties that beat face value — see modern dollar coin values.
Silver Coins For Sale
Silver coins for sale include Morgan dollars, Peace dollars, and American Silver Eagles — the U.S. dollar coins that contain silver — along with 40% silver Eisenhower collector issues and modern silver commemorative dollars.
At the November 13, 2026 silver spot of $50.10 per troy ounce, a 1 oz silver coin holds $50.10 in melt value (Data by Bullion Price Check, checked November 13, 2026); melt value is metal value only, before any dealer premium, shipping, or tax.
What is the best 1 oz silver coin to buy?
The American Silver Eagle is the best 1 oz silver coin to buy: a full troy ounce of .999 fine silver with a $1 face value, struck by the U.S. Mint since 1986.
At the November 13, 2026 silver spot of $50.10 per troy ounce, that full troy ounce is worth $50.10 in melt value (Data by Bullion Price Check, checked November 13, 2026); melt value is metal value only, before any dealer premium, shipping, or tax.