Certain United States quarters, specifically those minted in 1964 and earlier, contain 90% silver. These coins, often sought after by collectors and investors, possess intrinsic value beyond their face value due to their precious metal content. An example is the Washington quarter, which, from 1932 to 1964, was composed of this silver alloy.
The presence of silver in these coins imbues them with a historical significance and intrinsic worth that paper currency and base-metal coinage lack. Their silver content protects them against inflationary pressures, serving as a tangible store of value. Historically, this composition reflected a commitment to backing currency with precious metals, a practice largely abandoned in modern monetary systems.