There are many strikes well into the 2000's that were still .60 troy ounces. Some have weighed .63. Your pawn shop dealer either has newer strikes, or he is mistaken. Most don't take the time to educate themselves. Most pawn shops and coin dealers have no clue what silver strikes are worth and buy them based on bullion value only, and then usually sell them based on bullion value only. I know people who regularly get rare strikes from coin dealers for face value or less, and I'm sure you all know many who get their strikes this way. Unfortunately in Hawaii the coin dealer with the most strikes is already cherry picked by others who get incredibly rare strikes for the price of the silver, and we don't really have many strikes in pawn shops. Those in CA, AZ, UT, NV and CO have better chances since most in those states drive to Nevada to gamble.

According to the last SS club newsletter, the rep from Sunshine Mint stated the switch to .5 silver started in 2002 and transitioned through 2007.

Dave.
SS-1232