What Are Clad Coins?

Above, the copper cores can be seen on the edge of the coins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the passage of the Coinage Act of 1965, our coins have taken out the 90% silver content and replaced it with clad metals. This was made necessary as the silver going into the coins was more valuable than the face value of the coins.

Since then, collectors generally shun clad coins and concentrate collecting pre-1965 coins. I couldn't care less about uncirculated or proof sets of clad coins. As far as I am concerned, they're just pot metal and not worth anything except their face value.

What are clad coins?

The Epoch Times has posted an article answering that question.

They begin it with:

Some collectors call clad coins “the ugly ducklings of U.S. numismatics.” Do you know what these “ugly ducklings” are? In this guide, we’ll answer the question “What are clad coins?” and explain whether they make a good investment.

What Are Clad Coins?

Clad coins, also known as sandwich metal coins, are made of multiple metal layers. The vast majority of clad coins in circulation today have three metal layers.

Most U.S.-clad coins have a core of pure copper surrounded by two identical layers of a nickel-copper alloy resembling silver. The U.S. half-dollar, Washington quarters, and Roosevelt dimes are common examples.

To read more, go here.