July 23rd, 2025, marks sixty years since the passage of the Coinage Act of 1965, a milestone in American history that marked the end of real silver circulating in U.S. coinage. For many precious metals advocates, it is remembered as the Great Silver Steal—the quiet removal of constitutional money from the hands of everyday Americans.
The law, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 23, 1965, eliminated 90% silver content from dimes and quarters and reduced the half-dollar’s silver content to 40%. By 1971, all circulating coinage was reduced to base metals.
Read the full silver-stealing legislation here.
How Debasement of Coins Leads to Decline
History shows us that the debasement of a nation’s currency is a hallmark of declining empires. From the Roman Empire’s drastic reduction of silver in the denarius to the hyperinflation of Weimar Germany, currency debasement almost always precedes a fall.
Empires typically last less than 50 years after removing precious metals from their currency. The United States is now 60 years post-silver, and more than 50 years post-gold standard (1971). By historical standards, the American Experiment is operating on borrowed time.
Today’s Reality: Silver Price Soars, G/S Ratios Distort
Silver prices are at a 14-year high, surging past $34/oz in 2025, reflecting suppressed value breaking through decades of monetary manipulation.
The gold-to-silver ratio remains historically high, fluctuating around 85:1, compared to a long-term historical average of 15:1 to 20:1.
This extreme ratio signals that silver remains deeply undervalued, even after its recent surge.
Biblical Scripture Warned of This
The Bible speaks clearly about honest money and economic justice:
“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.” (Proverbs 11:1, NIV)
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.” (Psalm 37:21, NIV)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, NIV)
These timeless truths warn us against the very monetary policies that have taken hold since 1965.
What Happens Next?
| Year | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Silver removed from coinage | Citizens unknowingly debanked from real money |
| 1971 | Dollar unlinked from gold | Start of pure fiat money |
| 2025 | 60 years later | Silver rallies, historic valuation distortions |
| Now | End of empire cycle? | History says nations collapse after currency debasement |
Sound money is honest money. The Great Silver Steal happened quietly…but we stack loudly. Learn more at GoldAndSilverMint.com