What Quarters Are Silver and How to Identify Them

United States quarters often prompt questions about their metallic composition, particularly regarding silver content. Not all quarters are composed of the same metals. Understanding the distinct compositions across different mintage years helps distinguish valuable pieces from those for everyday use, a distinction hinging on historical changes in coinage production.

Silver Quarters Before 1965

United States quarters minted before 1965 were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition applies to all Washington quarters dated 1964 and earlier, as well as older series like Standing Liberty (1916-1930) and Barber quarters (1892-1916). The use of silver reflected the standard practice where intrinsic metal value was tied to the coin’s face value.

The intrinsic value of these 90% silver quarters often exceeds their face value due to fluctuating silver prices. Collectors and investors seek these coins for their precious metal content. This led to hoarding as silver prices rose, influencing later changes in coinage.

Quarters From 1965 Onward

A significant shift in the composition of United States quarters occurred beginning in 1965. Quarters minted from 1965 to the present are “clad” coins, constructed from multiple metal layers. These modern quarters feature a pure copper core between two outer layers of copper-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel). Quarters produced since 1965 contain no silver.

The transition from silver coinage was an economic decision, prompted by rising silver prices in the mid-1960s. As silver’s value surpassed the coins’ face value, hoarding led to a shortage of circulating coinage. The Coinage Act of 1965 authorized the change to the copper-nickel clad composition for dimes and quarters, ensuring coins remained in circulation.

How to Identify Silver Quarters

Identifying silver quarters involves examining the coin’s edge. A pre-1965 silver quarter displays a solid silver-colored edge without visible bands of other metals. In contrast, clad quarters minted from 1965 onward show a distinct copper stripe along their edge, indicating layered construction. This visual difference is the most straightforward identification method.

Another method is the “ring test,” assessing the sound a coin makes when tapped. Silver quarters produce a higher-pitched, sustained “ping,” while clad quarters typically emit a duller, shorter “thud.” This difference in resonance is due to the distinct metallic properties of silver compared to the copper-nickel alloy and copper core. While silver quarters are slightly heavier, this difference is often too subtle for detection without a precise scale.