This is from Grok, could be true. IDK

Can silver refiners melt pre-1965 us coins

Yes, silver refiners can melt pre-1965 U.S. coins, as these coins (like dimes, quarters, and half-dollars) contain 90% silver and 10% copper, making them valuable for their metal content. However, there are important legal and practical considerations:Legality: In the U.S., it is legal to melt pre-1965 silver coins for their metal content. The U.S. Mint and federal laws do not prohibit melting these coins, as they are no longer considered legal tender in the same sense as circulating currency. However, there was a period in the 1960s when the U.S. government temporarily restricted melting and exporting silver coins due to silver shortages, but those restrictions are no longer in place.
Practical Considerations: Many refiners accept pre-1965 U.S. coins because of their high silver content (commonly referred to as "90% silver" or "junk silver"). Refiners typically pay based on the weight and purity of the silver, often slightly below the spot price to account for processing costs. However, some coins may have numismatic (collector) value that exceeds their melt value, so it’s wise to have them appraised before melting.