What does a silver quarter weigh? Have you ever wondered exactly what a US silver quarter weighs? This coin has been minted since the 18th century, with some variations in size and composition over time. In this article, we’ll give you the exact specifications and weight of the modern silver quarter for reference.
If you just want the quick answer: a circulating US quarter minted between 1965 and 1970 containing 90% silver weighs 6.25 grams.
Overview of the Modern Quarter
Composition and Size
The modern quarter issued by the United States Mint is composed of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a pure copper core. This gives the coin durability and a distinctive silver appearance. Quarters have a diameter of 24.26 mm and a thickness of 1.75 mm.
The coin’s size and shape have remained mostly consistent since the introduction of the Washington quarter in 1932. Minor tweaks have been made over the years – for example, in 1965 the mint adjusted the relief to try to extend die life.
But overall, the quarter’s dimensions adhere to long-standing standards.
Why Weight Matters for Coin Collectors
For coin collectors, a quarter’s weight can provide important information about its composition and authenticity. An accurate weight can help detect counterfeits and clipped or worn coins.
A mint quarter typically weighs 5.670 grams. However, there is a small tolerance for variation from the minting process. Quarters have weighed between 5.67 and 5.70 grams and still been considered normal.
Collectors use sensitive scales to weigh coins and compare them to published specifications. Even small differences in weight can signify valuable errors and varieties or reflect wear and tear.
For example, a worn quarter lacking some of the metal content might weigh 5.50 grams. A clipped quarter with a segment cut off could weigh even less. These would trade below face value.
On the other hand, a 1970 quarter with a tiny defect might weigh a fraction more. This mint error would be rare and desirable to collectors, potentially trading for hundreds of dollars if in top condition despite little apparent difference from a normal quarter.
Weight and Measurements of the 1965-1970 Silver Quarter
The 1932-1964 silver quarters contain 90% silver and have a total weight of 6.25 grams. This includes:
- 5.67 grams of pure silver
- 0.58 grams of copper
These specifications remained consistent throughout the years the U.S. Mint produced 90% silver coins. The dimensions of the quarter are also standardized:
- Diameter: 24.26 mm
- Thickness: 1.75 mm
With silver currently trading for around $20 per troy ounce, each of these 90% silver quarters contains about $1.40 worth of intrinsic silver value (5.67 grams silver x $20 per 31.1 grams).
By weight, these 90% silver quarters are about 50% heavier than the copper-nickel clad quarters minted from 1965 onward. Modern quarters weigh 5.67 grams and contain no precious metal value outside their face value of 25 cents.
Identifying 1932-1964 Silver Quarters
You can identify the mid-1960s and later quarters because the edges are not needed. This helps distinguish them from earlier 90% silver quarters minted before 1965, which had reeded edges.
On the obverse side with George Washington’s profile, the silver quarters from 1932-1964 say “Liberty” on them instead of “In God We Trust” like modern quarters.
The date and mint mark are located on the reverse, to the right of the eagle image. No mint mark indicates they were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
Silver Quarter Melt Value Calculator
The 90% silver melt value calculator at Coinflation.com makes determining a silver quarter’s total precious metal content easy.
Simply enter the total face value of your 90% silver quarters and it will automatically calculate the melt value for that silver. No math is required!
This calculator can also determine values for other common U.S. junk silver coins between 1916 and 1964 that have 90% silver purity.
How Silver Content Affects Weight of Coins
90% Silver vs Copper-Nickel Quarters
Prior to 1965, most United States quarters contained 90% silver and 10% copper, giving them a higher intrinsic value than today’s copper-nickel-clad quarters. This silver content contributes greatly to the weight of these coins.
For example, a 1964 Washington quarter with 90% silver weighs 6.25 grams. In contrast, the copper-nickel-clad quarters minted from 1965 onward weigh only 5.67 grams – nearly a full gram less. This difference is entirely due to the higher density of silver compared to copper and nickel.
The transition from silver to copper-nickel was done to reduce costs and relieve silver shortage pressures. However, it came at the expense of reducing the precious metal content of US coinage.
Why Silver is Valuable
Silver has been considered a valuable precious metal for centuries due to its rarity, uniqueness, and versatility.
Its reflective white luster and high ductility make it useful for jewelry, silverware, electronics, photography, and more. As an investment, silver also acts as a hedge against inflation and economic crises when confidence in paper currencies wavers.
Additionally, silver has antimicrobial properties which lend it usefulness for medical applications. With strong global industrial demand combined with widespread cultural affinity, silver will likely remain a highly coveted metal for the foreseeable future.
In short, silver’s scarcity and utility help drive its value. This makes US quarters with a 90% silver composition more intrinsically valuable and heavier than their clad copper-nickel counterparts.
What Does A Silver Quarter Weigh – Conclusion
Now you know precisely what a 1932-1964 90% silver quarter weighs – 6.25 grams. This is higher than more modern quarters due to its high silver content. Understanding coin specifications like weight is useful knowledge for collectors and anyone with an interest in numismatics.
