- Coinage Act of 1965
-
The Coinage Act of 1965, Pub.L. 89-81, 79 Stat. 254, enacted July 23, 1965, eliminated silver from the circulating dimes and quarter dollars of the United States, and diminished the silver content of the half dollar from 90% to 40%. This act was in response to coin shortages caused by the rising price of silver.
In addition to the above provisions, for which it is best known, the act:
- Allowed the Secretary of the Treasury to continue to strike 90% silver coins for up to five years, until the Secretary determined there was an adequate supply of clad coins. This authority was exercised, through 1966, though the coins were dated 1964.
- Forbade the minting of silver dollars for five years.
- Made all coins and currency of the United States (including certain bank issues) a legal tender. This has been taken to reverse the demonitization of the Trade Dollar.
- Gave the Secretary broad discretion to enter into contracts to assure an adequate supply of clad coins, without regard to public procurement laws.
- Established a Joint Commission to make recommendations regarding coin and currency.
See also
- Coinage Act of 1792
- Coinage Act of 1834
- Coinage Act of 1849
- Coinage Act of 1857
- Coinage Act of 1864
- Coinage Act of 1873
External links
Categories:- Coins of the United States
- United States federal currency legislation
- Coin stubs
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.