Coins can be more than just spare change — they might actually be worth a lot more than their face value. Unlike collectibles like stamps or sports cards, the value of coins often comes from the metal they’re made of.
Even a penny might have more worth in metal than its value as currency. But quarters, especially those minted before 1965, are where things really get interesting.
Why Pre-1965 Quarters Are Special
Before 1965, U.S. quarters were made of 90% silver. This means that even if a quarter is only worth 25 cents on paper, the silver content alone could be worth a few dollars today. Each of these older quarters weighs around 6.25 grams, with about 5.6 grams of that being pure silver. After 1965, quarters started being made with copper-nickel, which has much less value.
In fact, some pre-1965 quarters in excellent condition can be worth quite a bit. For example, a mint-condition 1964 quarter sold at auction in 2014 for over $47 — that’s around $61 in today’s money! Even worn-out quarters from this period can fetch a few dollars each, just for their silver.
Why the 2015 American Silver Eagle from Philadelphia is a Rare Treasure for Coin Collectors?
How to Find Old Quarters
If you want to find these valuable pre-1965 quarters, you don’t need to be a professional coin collector. Here are three easy ways to start your search:
- Check Your Loose Change The first place to look is right around your home. Many old quarters are still in circulation, so you might already have some without even knowing it. Check your drawers, pockets, sofas, or piggy banks — anywhere loose change tends to collect. Get into the habit of sorting through your quarters and setting aside any that were made before 1965.
- Ask Friends and Family Chances are, your friends and family also have piles of change lying around. Offer to help them sort through their coins in exchange for splitting any valuable finds. It’s a win-win — they get organized, and you might walk away with some valuable silver quarters.
- Buy Quarter Rolls from the Bank A quick way to get access to a lot of quarters is by buying quarter rolls from the bank. Each roll has 40 quarters, so for $10, you could potentially find a pre-1965 quarter. While there’s no guarantee you’ll strike silver, the more rolls you buy, the higher your chances.
Proven Ways to Protect Your Coin Collection for the Long-Term
What to Do If You Find Valuable Quarters
If you’re lucky enough to find old quarters in good condition, it’s a good idea to take them to a reputable coin dealer. They can help you figure out their real value. Whether you want to sell them for quick cash or hold onto them as an investment, these silver coins could be worth more than you expect.