The coins issued by the United States Mint in 1965, while bearing the same face value as earlier and later issues, represent a significant change in composition. Prior to this year, circulating quarters were manufactured using a 90% silver alloy. In 1965, due to rising silver prices and a coin shortage, the composition was altered to a clad metal construction consisting of layers of copper and nickel. This difference in material directly impacts the intrinsic worth of the coin.
The key benefit of understanding this shift lies in recognizing the potential numismatic and scrap metal worth of pre-1965 quarters. Given their silver content, these older coins possess a value beyond their face amount, fluctuating with the current market price of silver. Historically, this change marked a turning point in U.S. coinage, moving away from precious metal content in circulating currency. This alteration has influenced coin collecting and precious metals investing.