What Year Quarters Are Silver and How to Check

Many people find older coins and wonder if they are worth more than their face value. Certain United States coins, especially those minted before a specific period, contain silver, which significantly increases their worth. Knowing which coins contain this precious metal and how to identify them is valuable for collectors and the general public. This knowledge helps distinguish between everyday currency and potentially valuable pieces.

Identifying Silver Quarters

The most commonly encountered silver quarters are Washington quarters minted from 1932 to 1964. These coins contain a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each pre-1965 quarter holds approximately 0.180848 troy ounces of silver, making its intrinsic metal value higher than its face value. The year 1964 marks a cutoff for circulating quarters, as the Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from dimes and quarters due to rising silver prices.

After 1964, standard circulating quarters were produced with a copper-nickel clad composition, without silver. While standard quarters after 1964 lack silver, some special collector’s editions and proof sets issued by the U.S. Mint do. For instance, some Bicentennial quarters from 1976 were struck in 40% silver for collector sets, and silver proof quarters have been produced annually since 1992, containing 90% silver. These special issues are not typically found in general circulation and are identifiable by their mint packaging or specific markings.

Beyond Quarters: Other Silver US Coins

Beyond quarters, several other U.S. coin denominations also contain silver, offering more opportunities for discovery. Dimes, like quarters, were minted with 90% silver content until 1964. These include Roosevelt dimes (1946-1964), Mercury dimes (1916-1945), and Barber dimes (1892-1916).

Half dollars experienced a transition away from silver. Walking Liberty (1916-1947), Franklin (1948-1963), and some Kennedy half dollars (1964) were 90% silver. Kennedy half dollars minted from 1965 to 1970 contained 40% silver. This reduced silver content was a temporary measure before silver was removed from half dollars after 1970.

Older silver dollars, such as Morgan (1878-1904, 1921) and Peace (1921-1935) dollars, were struck with 90% silver. Certain Eisenhower dollars (1971-1976) also contained 40% silver for collectors. Jefferson “War Nickels” (mid-1942 to 1945) contained 35% silver due to wartime metal shortages.

Practical Tips for Identifying Silver Coins

Identifying silver coins extends beyond checking the date; several practical methods can help confirm their silver content. One common technique is the edge test. Silver coins, especially those with 90% silver, will have a solid silver appearance along their reeded edge, while modern clad coins reveal a copper stripe between nickel layers.

Another indicator is the sound test, often called the “ping test.” When gently dropped onto a hard surface, a silver coin produces a high-pitched ringing sound, unlike the dull thud of a clad coin. Silver is not magnetic, so if a coin sticks to a magnet, it does not contain silver. Though not foolproof, silver coins may also tarnish differently or have a unique luster compared to modern coins. They also tend to feel slightly heavier due to silver’s density. A pre-1965 silver quarter, for example, weighs 6.25 grams, while a modern clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams.