(plural paradigm shifts) 1  A radical change in thinking from an accepted point of view to a new one, necessitated when new scientific discoveries produce anomalies in the current paradigm. ( US) A radical change in thinking from an accepted point of view to a new belief.
The use of IN GOD WE TRUST has not been uninterrupted. The motto disappeared from the five-cent coin in 1883, and did not reappear until production of the Jefferson nickel began in 1938. Since 1938, all United States coins bear the inscription.
The US Dime and Quarter Dollar changed from 90% silver to 0% silver after 1964. The US Half Dollar went from 90% silver to 40% silver from 1965 through 1970 after that it contained 0% silver. The US Dollar had 90% silver until they stopped making them in 1935.