The composition of United States quarters manufactured in 1965 is a subject of considerable interest among numismatists and the general public. Specifically, the metallic content of these coins differs significantly from those produced both before and after this pivotal year in coinage history. Coins produced before 1965 were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. However, due to rising silver prices, the United States Mint altered the composition during that year.
The change in metallic composition resulted in the 1965 quarters being struck from a clad metal consisting of outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper. This transition was driven by economic factors, ensuring the continued production of circulating coinage. Understanding this shift is crucial for coin collectors and investors alike, as it directly impacts the value and historical significance of these coins. Silver coinage had intrinsic value tied to the fluctuating price of silver, whereas clad coinage has minimal intrinsic value.