Which Quarters Contain Silver? How to Tell

United States quarters have served as a common medium of exchange for many decades, facilitating countless transactions across the country. While most quarters encountered today appear similar in their metallic sheen, their underlying composition has not always been uniform. Some quarters contain a precious metal, setting them apart from their more common counterparts. This article will guide readers through identifying these specific quarters.

Identifying Silver Quarters by Year

Identifying quarters that contain silver primarily relies on their year of mintage. All quarters produced for general circulation in the United States up to and including 1964 were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This includes the Washington Quarters series, which began in 1932.

After 1964, coinage composition changed. Quarters minted for general circulation from 1965 onward no longer contained silver. These later coins are known as “clad” coinage, consisting of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core.

Physical Characteristics of Silver Quarters

Beyond checking the mintage date, several physical characteristics can help distinguish a silver quarter from a clad one, especially if the date is worn. Examining the coin’s edge, often called the “rim test,” is a key method. A silver quarter’s edge appears uniform, displaying a consistent silver hue.

Conversely, a clad quarter reveals a distinct copper stripe along its edge. Another distinguishing feature is the “sound test” or “ping test.” A silver quarter, when gently dropped onto a hard, flat surface, produces a clear, higher-pitched, and prolonged ringing sound. In contrast, a clad quarter typically emits a duller thud or a less resonant sound due to its copper core.

While less precise for the average individual without specialized equipment, silver quarters are also marginally heavier than clad quarters. A 90% silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, whereas a clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams. Silver coins often exhibit a different luster and can tarnish over time, developing a darker patina, which differs from the way clad coins typically age.

Understanding Quarter Composition Changes

The shift from silver coinage to clad coinage responded to economic pressures and the rising market price of silver. For many decades, the intrinsic value of silver in U.S. coins was less than their face value, ensuring they remained in circulation. By the early 1960s, however, the market price of silver began to increase, nearing and eventually exceeding the coins’ face value.

This economic reality led to widespread hoarding of silver coins. To prevent coins from disappearing from circulation and to stabilize the nation’s currency system, the United States Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965. This legislation authorized the U.S. Mint to eliminate silver from dimes and quarters, transitioning to the copper-nickel clad composition still in use today.