Silver Quarter Value (Pre-1965)
Quick answer: Any U.S. quarter dated 1964 or earlier is 90% silver and worth at least $4–$6 (silver melt), regardless of wear. Older types and key dates are worth far more.
The single most useful rule in coin collecting: check your quarters for dates before 1965. Every one is 90% silver with a melt value of several dollars — a 1600%+ return on face value before any collector premium.
Washington quarters (1932–1964) are the ones you’ll find; Standing Liberty (1916–1930) and Barber quarters (1892–1916) carry bigger premiums. The Washington keys are 1932-D and 1932-S.
Key dates worth serious money
1932-D Washington
$75 – $1,000+
1932-S Washington
$70 – $600
1916 Standing Liberty
$2,500 – $20,000+
1918/7-S Standing Liberty
$1,500 – $15,000
1896-S, 1901-S, 1913-S Barber
$500 – $30,000+
The story behind the coin
Silver left U.S. coinage in 1965 when rising prices made dimes and quarters worth more than face value. The public hoarded silver coins almost immediately — which is why finding one in change today is rare and why "junk silver" bags of pre-65 quarters trade close to bullion prices.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a silver quarter’s melt value?
Each contains 0.1808 troy oz of silver. Multiply the current silver price by 0.1808.
Are 1965–1970 quarters silver?
Regular quarters, no — they’re copper-nickel clad. (Half dollars 1965–1970 are 40% silver — different rule.) Check the edge: solid silver color means silver; a copper stripe means clad.
Which Washington quarters should I check twice?
1932-D and 1932-S (first year, low mintage). Also look for the 1950-D/S and 1950-S/D overmintmarks.
Is it legal to melt silver quarters?
Yes, silver coin melting is legal in the U.S. (unlike cents and nickels), though collectible examples are always worth more intact.
Related value guides
Bicentennial Quarter Value (1776–1976)
Mercury Dime Value (1916–1945)
Kennedy Half Dollar Value (1964–Present)
Values shown are typical retail ranges for the grades described, based on recent dealer and auction pricing. Markets move; exact value depends on grade, variety and eye appeal. This guide is informational and not a formal appraisal.