Commonly asked questions and answers.
What is the composition of the United States quarter?
Current United States quarters, minted from 1965 onwards, are composed of a core of pure copper, with a layer of a nickel-copper alloy on the outside. This gives them their distinctive silver color. The composition is 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. Prior to 1965, quarters were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
How many different designs of the United States quarter are there?
The United States quarter has undergone several design changes since its inception. The most significant modern program was the 50 State Quarters program, which ran from 1999 to 2008. Each quarter released during this period honored one of the U.S. states with a unique reverse design. This was followed by the D.C. and U.S. territories quarters in 2009. From 2010 onwards, the America the Beautiful Quarters program has released quarters featuring designs honoring national parks and other national sites.
Are all United States quarters the same size?
Yes, all U.S. quarters minted since 1828 are approximately the same size. They have a diameter of about 24.26 millimeters, a thickness of 1.75 millimeters, and a weight of 5.67 grams. The specifications have remained constant even as the design and composition of the quarter have changed over the years.
What is the Standing Liberty Quarter?
The Standing Liberty Quarter is a 25-cent coin that was minted by the United States from 1916 to 1930. It features a design by sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil, with Lady Liberty shown stepping through a gate on the obverse and a flying bald eagle on the reverse.
What is the composition of the Standing Liberty Quarter?
The Standing Liberty Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, making it a favorite among silver coin collectors. It has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters, the same size as modern U.S. quarters.
How much is a Standing Liberty Quarter worth today?
The value of a Standing Liberty Quarter can vary significantly depending on its condition, mint mark, and year. Even in heavily worn condition, these quarters have a certain base value due to their silver content. However, well-preserved examples, especially those from the first few years of minting, can be worth much more. One key date to look for is the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, which due to its low mintage and high demand, can be worth several thousand dollars even in moderate grades. For an accurate assessment, a professional coin grading service should be consulted.
