United States quarters minted in 1966 do not possess any precious metal. These coins are composed of a copper-nickel clad alloy, specifically 75% copper and 25% nickel. This composition distinguishes them from pre-1965 quarters, which were 90% silver and 10% copper. The shift in metallic composition was a consequence of rising silver prices and the need to reduce the precious metal usage in circulating coinage.
The change in composition marked a significant shift in U.S. coinage history. The previous silver content gave older quarters intrinsic value beyond their face value. This intrinsic value led to the hoarding of silver coins, creating a shortage in circulation. The replacement with a copper-nickel clad composition ensured a stable supply of coinage for economic transactions and effectively decoupled the value of the quarter from fluctuations in the silver market. The change also allowed the United States Mint to produce a higher volume of coins at a lower cost.