Which Quarters Contain 90 Percent Silver?
How to Identify 90 Percent Silver Quarters
Most 90 percent silver quarters are Washington quarters minted from 1932 through 1964. In 1965, the U.S. Mint removed silver from circulating quarters and changed the composition to copper-nickel clad. Earlier U.S. quarters also contained silver, but Washington quarters are among the most common silver quarters people find today.
The date is the easiest place to start. A Washington quarter dated 1964 or earlier was generally struck with 90 percent silver. Quarters dated 1965 and later were normally made with a copper-nickel clad composition.
You can also inspect the edge of the coin. A silver quarter usually has a consistent silver-colored edge. Modern clad quarters often show a visible copper-colored layer between the outer surfaces.
Weight can provide another useful clue. A standard 90 percent silver Washington quarter weighs about 6.25 grams. However, wear, damage, or unusual mint errors can affect weight, so the date and overall appearance should also be considered.
What Are 90 Percent Silver Quarters Worth?
The value of 90 percent silver quarters depends on several factors. Many common-date examples are valued mainly for their silver content, while scarcer coins may also carry numismatic or collector value.
Important factors include the coin’s date, mint mark, condition, rarity, and the current market price of silver. A heavily circulated common quarter may trade close to its bullion value. A better-date or high-grade coin can be worth considerably more.
Before selling silver quarters, it is a good idea to identify each coin and avoid cleaning it. Cleaning can damage the surface and may reduce the collectible value of a coin.
Can a 1965 Quarter Contain Silver?
Most 1965 quarters are copper-nickel clad. However, rare transitional errors can occur when an older silver planchet is accidentally used after a change in coin composition.
These errors are unusual and should not be confused with ordinary 1965 quarters. If you believe you have an unusual coin, avoid altering or cleaning it. A professional evaluation can help determine whether the coin is a genuine mint error.
Other U.S. Coins That Contain Silver
Quarters are not the only U.S. coins that were produced with substantial silver content. The 1964 Kennedy half dollar used the traditional 90 percent silver composition. Beginning with the 1965-dated half dollar, the silver content was reduced to 40 percent. Silver was later removed from circulating half dollars beginning in 1971.
Walking Liberty half dollars were produced from 1916 through 1947, followed by Franklin half dollars from 1948 through 1963.
Many older dimes also contain silver. The U.S. Mint produced the Mercury dime from 1916 through 1945 before introducing the Roosevelt dime in 1946.
Selling Silver Quarters in San Diego
If you have silver quarters or other silver coins you may want to sell, San Diego Bullion Exchange can help you understand your options. Our team can evaluate your precious metals and explain the factors that may affect their value.
You can also explore our silver bullion page for more information about buying and selling silver, or contact San Diego Bullion Exchange if you would like to speak with our team.
For additional background on the history and composition of U.S. quarters, review the official U.S. Mint information on circulating quarters.
The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only. Precious metals and collectible coins can increase, decrease, or remain unchanged in value. Past performance is not indicative of future returns.
San Diego Bullion Exchange does not guarantee that any metal or coin will appreciate or generate a profit. Decisions to buy, sell, or hold precious metals are made at the customer’s discretion.