The composition of United States quarters manufactured in 1965 is a frequent point of inquiry among coin collectors and the general public. These coins, produced during a transitional period in U.S. coinage, differ significantly in their metal content from those minted both before and after this specific year.
Prior to 1965, circulating U.S. quarters were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The rising cost of silver led the United States government to eliminate silver from dimes and quarters, and to reduce the silver content of half dollars. This change was implemented to stabilize the value of coinage and prevent the hoarding of silver coins.