What Are Quarter Dollars? Defining the U.S. 25-Cent Coin

The quarter dollar is a fundamental unit of U.S. currency, widely used in daily transactions. This coin, often called a “quarter,” represents a portion of the U.S. dollar. It plays an integral role in commerce and is a recognizable part of the American monetary system.

Defining the Quarter Dollar

A quarter dollar is a U.S. coin with a face value of 25 cents. It represents one-fourth of a U.S. dollar. Quarters were first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792 and issued in 1796. All U.S. coins and currency, including the quarter dollar, are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues. While private businesses can set their own payment policies, the quarter dollar is officially recognized for settling financial obligations.

Physical and Material Attributes

The modern U.S. quarter dollar has distinct physical characteristics. Each quarter has a diameter of 0.955 inches (24.26 mm) and a thickness of 0.069 inches (1.75 mm). Since 1965, the circulating quarter has been composed of a copper-nickel clad (75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper core). This composition gives it a silvery appearance and is cost-effective for mass production.

Before 1965, quarters contained 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams. The transition from silver to copper-nickel clad was due to rising silver prices, which caused the metallic value to exceed face value. Today’s clad quarters weigh 5.670 grams (0.200 ounces) and feature a reeded edge.

Evolution of Quarter Designs

The design of the U.S. quarter dollar has transformed over time. The Washington Quarter, introduced in 1932, featured Washington’s profile on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Intended as a one-year commemorative, it became a permanent fixture and one of the longest-running obverse designs.

The 50 State Quarters Program launched in 1999. This ten-year program honored each of the 50 states with unique reverse designs, released five per year in the order states ratified the Constitution or were admitted to the Union. The program was successful, generating public interest and revenue.

After the State Quarters, six more designs were issued in 2009 for the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. The America the Beautiful Quarters Program ran from 2010 to 2021. This program featured 56 designs, each representing a national park or site from each state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. These quarters continued to feature a modified George Washington portrait on the obverse. The American Women Quarters Program began in 2022, honoring notable American women.

Recognizing Key Features

All U.S. quarter dollars share universal features for identification. The obverse, or front side, displays the date and a mint mark. The mint mark, a small letter (P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or W for West Point), indicates where the coin was produced. Philadelphia coins did not always carry a mint mark until 1980.

Standard inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR,” stating the country and denomination. The phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” a Latin motto meaning “out of many, one,” signifies the unity of the states. The inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” are mandated by law and appear on the coin; “In God We Trust” became the national motto in 1956. Placement of these inscriptions can vary by design series.