United States circulating coinage produced before 1965, specifically those with a face value of twenty-five cents, contained 90% silver. These coins, primarily struck before the Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from dimes and quarters, represent a tangible form of precious metal held within currency intended for everyday use. An example is the Washington quarter issued between 1932 and 1964; these pieces contain approximately 0.18084 troy ounces of silver.
The significance of these older coins lies in their intrinsic value, which can exceed their face value based on prevailing silver prices. This characteristic makes them attractive to collectors, investors, and those seeking a hedge against economic uncertainty. Historically, the presence of silver in circulating coinage reflected a stronger link between currency and precious metals, providing a sense of stability and intrinsic worth absent in modern fiat currency.
