United States quarters containing silver were primarily produced in 1964 and earlier. These coins are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Coins minted from 1965 onward are primarily composed of copper-nickel clad, containing no silver, except for some special collector issues.
The intrinsic precious metal value of these older quarters makes them attractive to collectors and investors. Their historical significance connects them to a period when circulating coinage contained a significant amount of silver. The shift away from silver coinage reflects changes in metal prices and the needs of the national economy at the time.