Are coins from1964 and before made of silver?

Yes. Any coin (dime, quarter, half dollar or dollar) that is dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90% silver. However, since the silver supply for the nation's coinage is falling rapidly, all coins dated 1965 or later are all copper-nickel clad coins (except for the dual-dated Bicentennial Quarters that were sold by the Mint in special Mint Sets and Proof Sets which contains 40% silver). These quarters have an "S" mint mark and were sold by the Mint at a premium to collectors.

The value of the coins is tied directly to the price of silver. For 90% silver coins at $25 per ounce, they are worth about seventeen times their face value. A dime would be worth about $1.70, a quarter about $4.25, and a half dollar, about $8.50. At the same silver price of $25, 40% silver half dollars are worth approximately $2.75 each.

Of interest, the Royal Mint has launched the precious versions of the £2 coin that features a rendition of the Gold Guinea, issued during the reign of King George III. It was launched earlier this year featuring the 350th anniversary of the first gold Guinea.