The composition of United States quarters minted in 1964, and those before, consisted of 90% silver and 10% copper. This metallic makeup gave these coins intrinsic value beyond their face value, as the silver content itself held market worth. For example, a single quarter from this era contains approximately 0.18084 troy ounces of silver.
The significance of this silver content lies in its historical context and tangible worth. The removal of silver from circulating coinage marked a shift in US currency policy. Coins with this higher silver proportion are now sought after by collectors, investors, and those interested in precious metals, providing a hedge against economic fluctuations and preserving historical legacy.