How Much is a Silver Quarter Worth?
A "Silver Quarter" typically refers to the 90% silver Washington quarters minted by the United States between 1932 and 1964. Before the Coinage Act of 1965, US quarters were a primary vehicle for physical silver in daily commerce. Today, these coins are highly valued by investors for their high silver content and ease of recognition.
Quarters dated 1964 and earlier are 90% silver. Quarters dated 1965 and later are "clad" (copper-nickel) and contain zero silver. The only exceptions are special silver proof sets issued for collectors in later years.
Technical Specifications of a Silver Quarter
Silver quarters are standardized in weight and purity, making them easy to value in bulk:
- Total Weight: 6.25 grams
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Pure Silver Weight: 5.625 grams (0.18084 troy ounces)
Because of this fixed silver content, a $1.00 face-value of silver quarters (4 coins) contains approximately 0.723 troy ounces of pure silver.
How to Identify a Silver Quarter Instantly
The fastest way to identify a silver quarter without looking at the date is the Edge Test. Hold the coin so you can see the reeded edge. A silver quarter will show a solid, bright silver stripe. A modern clad quarter will show a distinct orange/brown copper stripe in the middle. Additionally, silver quarters have a higher-pitched "ring" when dropped on a hard surface compared to the dull "thud" of a copper-nickel coin.
Melt Value vs. Face Value
While the face value is only $0.25, the melt value of a silver quarter is usually 10 to 20 times higher, depending on the live spot price of silver. Our calculator uses real-time market data to give you the most accurate valuation for your coins today.