Hey there, coin curious! Have you ever wondered if that quarter in your pocket could be worth more than just 25 cents? Today, we’re diving into a fascinating question: “What quarters are silver?”
The simple answer is this: most U.S. quarters minted in 1964 or earlier contain silver! Specifically, Washington quarters produced between 1932 and 1964 are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Before 1932, other quarter designs also had silver content.
So, why 1964? Well, rising silver prices in the mid-1960s made it too expensive for the U.S. Mint to continue using silver in circulating coinage. This led to the Coinage Act of 1965, which eliminated silver from dimes and quarters, changing them to a copper-nickel clad composition.
How can you tell if your quarter is silver? First, check the date! Any quarter dated 1964 or earlier is likely 90% silver. Another key indicator is the edge: silver quarters have a solid silver-colored edge, while modern quarters show a distinct copper stripe in the middle. Silver quarters might also look slightly different in color or have a unique luster compared to newer ones.
So, next time you get a quarter, take a moment to check its date and edge. You might just be holding a piece of history, and a little bit of silver, right in your hands! Happy hunting!