United States quarters minted in 1964 and prior years contained 90% silver and 10% copper. These coins are often referred to as “silver quarters.” The actual weight of a silver quarter is 6.25 grams, and calculating the silver content reveals that each coin contains approximately 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. This value is significant because it means the intrinsic worth of the coin is tied to the fluctuating market price of silver, often exceeding its face value of twenty-five cents.
The historical context surrounding these coins is important. The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from dimes and quarters due to rising silver prices and the depletion of the United States’ silver reserves. Prior to this act, silver coinage served as a reliable store of value. Consequently, pre-1965 silver quarters are now collected by numismatists and investors alike. Their intrinsic silver content and historical significance make them more valuable than their face value implies, offering a tangible hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.
