What Year Did They Stop Putting Silver in Quarters?
Explore the definitive year U.S. quarters transitioned from silver, understanding the economic shifts and how to identify and value these collectible pieces.
U.S. coinage has evolved over time to meet economic demands and material availability. For many decades, silver played a prominent role in the production of circulating coins, including the quarter-dollar. This precious metal gave coins a distinct weight and appearance, making them a tangible representation of value.
The Transition to Clad Coinage
The United States Mint ceased producing quarters for general circulation with a 90% silver content in 1965. Quarters minted from this year onward transitioned to a copper-nickel clad composition. This new construction involved a core of pure copper bonded between outer layers of a copper-nickel alloy.
Economic Drivers Behind the Change
The shift from silver to clad coinage was driven by economic pressures in the early 1960s. The market price of silver began to rise, eventually reaching a point where the intrinsic value of the silver in quarters and dimes exceeded their face value. This situation created an incentive for individuals to hoard silver coins or even melt them for their metal content, leading to a nationwide coin shortage. To address this issue and ensure an adequate supply of currency, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Coinage Act of 1965 into law on July 23, 1965. This legislation authorized the U.S. Mint to eliminate silver from dimes and quarters entirely and reduce the silver content of half-dollars from 90% to 40%.
How to Identify Silver Quarters
Identifying silver quarters involves checking a few distinct characteristics. The most straightforward method is to examine the date on the coin; any U.S. quarter dated 1964 or earlier is composed of 90% silver. For coins dated 1965 and later, inspect the coin’s edge. Silver quarters will display a solid silver-colored edge, while clad quarters will reveal a visible copper stripe running through the middle.
Another method is the “ping” test, which distinguishes coins by their sound. A silver quarter typically produces a higher-pitched, ringing sound, whereas a clad quarter will emit a duller thud. Silver quarters are also slightly heavier than their modern clad counterparts. A 90% silver quarter weighs about 6.25 grams, while a clad quarter is approximately 5.67 grams.
Understanding the Value of Silver Quarters
Silver quarters are worth more than their 25-cent face value due to their precious metal content. Their value is determined by two components: melt value and numismatic value. The melt value is based on the current market price of silver and the quarter’s silver content, which is approximately 0.1808 troy ounces per coin. As of August 2025, with silver spot prices around $37-$38 per ounce, a 90% silver quarter has a melt value ranging from approximately $6.75 to $6.90. This value fluctuates daily with the global silver market.
Beyond their silver content, some quarters may also possess numismatic value. Factors such as the coin’s rarity, its overall condition or grade, the mint mark, and specific varieties can increase a quarter’s value beyond its melt value. While all pre-1965 quarters have a melt value, only a select few command numismatic premiums due to their unique characteristics or scarcity.