What Year Canadian Quarters Are Silver?

The composition of Canadian quarters has evolved over time, influenced by global economic conditions and fluctuating metal prices. Initially, these coins contained silver. As the cost of silver increased, the Royal Canadian Mint adjusted the metal content to ensure the coins’ intrinsic value did not exceed their face value. This shift led to periods where Canadian quarters contained varying percentages of silver, and eventually, to their current non-silver composition.

Identifying Silver Quarter Years

Canadian quarters minted for general circulation primarily contained silver from their inception in 1870 until 1968. The most consistent period for silver content in Canadian quarters was from 1920 to 1966, during which they were composed of 80% silver. Before 1920, from 1870 to 1919, Canadian quarters had an even higher silver purity of 92.5%.

The years 1967 and 1968 are considered transitional, as the silver content changed within these periods. In 1967, some quarters were minted with 80% silver, while others contained 50% silver. This mid-year change means that a 1967 quarter could have either of these silver compositions.

Similarly, in 1968, Canadian quarters transitioned from 50% silver to pure nickel. Therefore, a 1968 quarter may be 50% silver or entirely nickel. The mint year remains the most important initial indicator when determining if a Canadian quarter might contain silver.

Understanding Silver Purity

Not all Canadian silver quarters possess the same percentage of silver, as their metallic composition varied historically. From 1870 to 1919, Canadian quarters were struck with a high silver fineness of 92.5%, also known as sterling silver. This composition meant that nearly all of the coin’s metallic content was pure silver, with a small percentage of copper added for durability.

A significant change occurred in 1920 when the silver content was reduced to 80% silver and 20% copper. This 80% silver composition remained standard for Canadian quarters until partway through 1967. In 1967, a further reduction took place, with some quarters being minted with only 50% silver. This lower silver content continued into 1968 for a portion of the quarters produced that year before the complete transition to non-silver metals.

Confirming Silver Content

Once a Canadian quarter’s mint year suggests potential silver content, physical tests can help confirm its composition. One common method is the “edge test.” Silver coins typically have a uniform silver color across their edge, without a visible copper line.

Another simple verification is the “magnet test.” Silver is not magnetic, so a genuine silver coin will not stick to a magnet. If a Canadian quarter from a suspected silver year adheres to a magnet, it indicates the coin is likely made of nickel or another magnetic alloy and does not contain silver. A strong neodymium magnet can also be used to observe if a coin slides slowly down a tilted surface due to silver’s diamagnetic properties, which is a more advanced magnet test.

The “sound test,” also known as the “ping test,” can also provide an indication of silver content. When gently dropped onto a hard surface, silver coins often produce a distinct, prolonged, high-pitched ring, unlike the dull thud of non-silver coins. While these tests are helpful, the most definitive confirmation of silver content and purity typically involves precise measurements of weight and specific gravity, or professional analysis.