Silver Dollar Coins

1 The Act specified that our one-dollar silver coin would contain 371.25 grains of pure silver and 41.25 grains of alloy (90% tin/10% copper) to provide durability, for an overall weight of 412.5 grains.

2 These weights were deliberately chosen to make the new American silver dollar coin directly interchangeable with the then-circulating Spanish milled dollar.

3 Thus, there was no need to establish separate price schedules or an exchange rate for the new money, so that accounting problems were avoided.

4 Note. In regulating the value of our money, Congress has specified that coins deviating more than one-half of one percent (0.5%) from the standard weight shall not be issued, and any coins later discovered to have deviated beyond this limit by wear and tear, etc. are to be withdrawn from circulation. (see also Article 1, Section 8, of the United States Constitution).

5 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.