United States quarters produced in 1965 hold a particular distinction due to a change in their metallic composition. Prior to this year, these coins were comprised of 90% silver and 10% copper. However, rising silver prices led to a shift in the coin’s makeup, resulting in the elimination of silver from circulating coinage. These earlier silver-containing coins are often sought after by collectors and those interested in precious metals. For instance, a pre-1965 quarter possesses intrinsic value derived from its silver content, whereas those minted from 1965 onwards do not.
The historical context surrounding this change highlights the economic pressures influencing coinage composition. The value of silver in pre-1965 quarters often exceeds the coin’s face value. This discrepancy has led to increased awareness of the inherent worth of older coinage and promoted interest in coin collecting and precious metal investing. The transition away from silver coinage reflects a significant shift in U.S. monetary policy and resource management.
