Here's a breakdown of the silver content in pre-1965 quarters:
- Quarters minted from 1932 to 1964 (except for 1942), weigh 6.25 grams and contain 0.1808 troy ounces of silver.
- The 1942 quarters, known as "silver war nickels," were minted using the same alloy as nickels due to the need for silver in World War II. These quarters do not contain any silver.
The value of pre-1965 quarters primarily depends on their silver content. However, other factors such as condition, rarity, and collector demand can influence their value further. Well-preserved pre-1965 quarters in mint condition can fetch higher prices than worn or damaged ones. Additionally, certain rare varieties or error coins from this era may hold even greater value.
Since the price of silver fluctuates over time, the melt value of pre-1965 quarters can vary accordingly. If the price of silver rises, the value of these quarters also tends to increase, making them attractive investments for some individuals.
It's worth noting that the U.S. government prohibits melting or exporting coins for their metal value without specific authorization. Thus, the main value of pre-1965 quarters lies in their numismatic worth and historical significance rather than simply the silver content.