Distinguishing a United States quarter coin composed of silver from one made of clad metals involves several identifying factors. Key indicators include the coin’s date, its weight, and potentially, its sound when dropped on a hard surface. Quarters minted in 1964 and earlier were composed of 90% silver, whereas those produced from 1965 onward primarily consist of a copper-nickel clad composition.
Identifying silver content in these coins holds value for collectors and those interested in precious metals. Pre-1965 silver quarters possess intrinsic value based on their silver content, often exceeding their face value significantly. This historical composition differentiates them from modern quarters and makes them desirable for numismatic purposes and precious metal investment.