Signed Into Law- 2016 Edge ASEs & Silver Purity Authority.

I heard it passed. Now the question is will they fit in album holes without rattling?

I heard others saying .999 silver proof sets and commems, but it never specifically stated that. It could be sterling silver 92.5% or could it even possibly be just a change in wording and they keep it at the 90%?

The legislation says nothing about moving the date, only adding a special inscription only on the numismatic versions, not the bullion.


It simply sets a minimum silver content for coins at 90%. It does not mandate (or even encourage) 99.9%, it just no longer prevents it, as it was with a mandated 90% silver + 10% copper requirement.

However, it is more interesting to note that the legislation removed the 10% copper requirement for silver coins.

This could be a ploy to get 90% silver + 10% zinc coins.

I kid, I kid.

I hope.

How about 90% silver and 10% manganese? I am sure they have some manganese sitting around from unmade planchets for the reduced mintage dollar coins.

However, there is more zinc than manganese in the dollars. Also, if we quit minting cents, there will be plenty more zinc for all of those silver coins.


Agreed. Would have loved to see that one in silver.

Exactly Vet, it was a cost saving measure to preclude an extra "step" and probably to get more on the back end too with a higher seigniorage. It was a good move imo as well as making it "no less than" 90% to give the mint a bit of leeway

Most of the world's major mints has gone to 4 nines purity, it can't be that difficult and cost wise to produce pure silver planchets and are not most planchets made by Sunshine mint.

Seigniorage is not a consideration with collector items. However, if they are cheaper to make, higher profits would be expected.

Hopefully this comes in time enough to make the 2016 Mercury dime, Standing Liberty quarter, and Walker half commems available in silver instead of gold or platinum.