Quarters minted in the United States in 1965 did not contain silver, marking a significant shift in the composition of this denomination. Prior to that year, circulating quarters were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. However, due to rising silver prices and a shortage of the metal, the composition was changed to a clad construction. This new construction consisted of layers of copper-nickel bonded to a core of pure copper.
The changeover from silver to clad coinage was a major event in U.S. numismatic history. The pre-1965 silver coins held intrinsic value due to their silver content, making them attractive for melting during times of high silver prices. The switch to clad coinage allowed the government to conserve its silver reserves and continue producing circulating coinage at a manageable cost. This also had implications for collectors and investors, as pre-1965 coins were often sought after as bullion or as collectibles due to their precious metal content. The altered composition also impacted the coin’s weight and appearance slightly.
