What Year Did the Production of Silver Quarters End?

For many years, quarters in the United States were composed primarily of silver. This practice reflected the value and stability associated with the currency. The composition of these coins remained consistent for an extended period. However, a significant change in coin metallurgy occurred in the mid-20th century, altering the fundamental makeup of the quarter.

The End of Silver Quarters

The U.S. Mint ceased producing circulating quarters with a 90% silver content in 1964. This decision was largely driven by economic pressures stemming from the rising market price of silver. As silver’s value increased, the intrinsic metal content of quarters began to exceed their face value, creating a situation where the coins were worth more as raw material than as circulating currency.

This economic reality led to widespread hoarding of silver coins by the public, as people began to remove them from circulation. The hoarding exacerbated an existing coin shortage, making it difficult for everyday transactions to occur. To address this growing crisis and ensure a stable supply of coinage, the government needed to implement a change in coin composition.

The Shift to Clad Coinage

The solution to the silver shortage and coin hoarding came with the introduction of “clad” coinage. The Coinage Act of 1965 formalized this transition, authorizing the U.S. Mint to produce dimes and quarters from a new metal combination. These new coins featured outer layers of a copper-nickel alloy bonded to a pure copper core.

This layered construction was designed to mimic the appearance and electrical properties of silver coins, ensuring compatibility with vending machines. By removing the valuable silver, the government aimed to keep coins in circulation and alleviate the severe shortage.

How to Identify Silver Quarters

Identifying quarters that contain silver involves checking specific physical characteristics. The most straightforward method is to examine the coin’s date; quarters minted in 1964 or earlier are composed of 90% silver. This date helps distinguish older, silver-content coins from their modern counterparts.

A visual cue is to observe the coin’s edge. Silver quarters exhibit a solid silver-colored edge, whereas clad quarters, introduced in 1965, reveal a distinct copper stripe between their outer layers. Additionally, silver quarters tend to produce a higher-pitched, more resonant sound when dropped on a hard surface compared to clad coins. The date and the appearance of the coin’s edge remain the most dependable identification methods for the general public.