What Years of U.S. Quarters Contain Silver?

U.S. quarters have a rich history reflected in their metallic composition. Over time, the materials used to mint these coins have evolved, moving from precious metals to more common alloys. This shift in composition means that not all quarters are created equal, particularly when it comes to their silver content.

Key Years for Silver Quarters

United States quarters minted for general circulation in 1964 and earlier contain silver. These quarters were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This includes Washington Quarters (1932-1964), Standing Liberty Quarters (1916-1930), and Barber Quarters (1892-1916). Each of these 90% silver quarters contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.

While most silver quarters are pre-1965, some special edition and proof quarters minted after 1964 also contain silver. These are collector’s items, such as those found in silver proof sets for programs like the 50 State Quarters. Unlike circulating coinage, these issues were not intended for everyday use and maintain a 90% silver composition. These collector’s pieces differ from standard circulating quarters, which transitioned away from silver.

Identifying Silver Quarters by Physical Attributes

Identifying silver quarters often involves checking the mint year, but physical characteristics also provide indicators. One reliable method is examining the coin’s edge. Silver quarters display a solid, uniform silver appearance along their edge, lacking any visible copper stripe. Modern clad quarters, made of a copper core bonded between layers of copper-nickel, show a distinct reddish-brown copper line along their side.

The quarter’s overall appearance and feel are another physical attribute. Silver quarters have a unique luster or sheen compared to their copper-nickel counterparts, and they may show signs of tarnishing over time. Silver quarters are heavier than clad quarters, with a silver quarter weighing approximately 6.25 grams compared to a clad quarter’s 5.67 grams. A “ping test” can also indicate silver, where a silver quarter produces a distinct, higher-pitched ringing sound when gently dropped on a hard surface, unlike the duller thud of a clad coin.

Historical Context of Silver Quarter Composition

The change in U.S. quarter composition from silver to a copper-nickel alloy was driven by economic factors in the mid-20th century. In the early 1960s, the market price of silver began to rise, eventually reaching a point where the silver content in dimes, quarters, and half-dollars was worth more than their face value. This led to people hoarding silver coins, removing them from circulation for their intrinsic metal value rather than using them as currency.

To address coin shortages and stabilize the nation’s coinage system, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Coinage Act of 1965 into law on July 23, 1965. This legislation eliminated silver from circulating dimes and quarters entirely. The new quarters featured a pure copper core bonded between outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This change ensured coins could continue to be produced efficiently and remain in circulation, adapting to economic realities.