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 Washington Quarter?
The Washington Quarter is a 25-cent coin that was minted by the United States from 1932 to 1998. It was introduced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. The obverse features a profile bust of President Washington, and the reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with wings spread.
What is the composition of the Washington Quarter?
The Washington Quarter was made of 90% silver and 10% copper from its introduction in 1932 until 1964. In 1965, the composition was changed to copper-nickel clad due to the rising cost of silver. The new composition is 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, with a pure copper core and a copper-nickel outer layer.
How much is a Washington Quarter worth today?
The value of a Washington Quarter depends largely on its year, mint mark, and condition. Quarters from 1932 to 1964, made of 90% silver, hold value based on their silver content and can be worth more depending on their condition and rarity. Quarters from 1965 onwards are generally worth only face value if circulated, but certain error coins or high-grade examples can be worth more to collectors. For a precise valuation, a professional coin grading service should be consulted.
