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: