Washington Quarter Value: Silver Years and Key Dates
A Washington quarter is worth real money if it was made in 1964 or earlier, because those coins are 90% silver — while 1965-and-later quarters are clad and usually worth face value. The series began in 1932 and still circulates today. This guide explains which Washington quarters contain silver, how to tell silver from clad, the 1932 key dates, and how to value the silver.
Key takeaways
- Washington quarters from 1932–1964 are 90% silver and contain about 0.1808 troy ounces of silver; 1965 and later are copper-nickel clad.
- Most silver quarters trade near their melt value, with premiums for key dates and high grades.
- The 1932-D and 1932-S are the key first-year dates and the most valuable regular issues.
- Check the date and the coin's edge to tell silver from clad — clad coins show a copper stripe.
- Pre-1965 silver quarters are popular junk silver for stacking metal value.
How much is a Washington quarter worth?
It depends on the year. A 1932–1964 quarter is 90% silver and worth several times face value in silver alone; a 1965-and-later quarter is clad and usually worth face value unless uncirculated or a special issue.
For silver quarters, the melt value sets a floor, and key dates and high grades add a collector premium on top.
Which Washington quarters are silver?
Quarters dated 1932 through 1964 are 90% silver. Starting in 1965, the Mint switched to a copper-nickel clad composition with no silver, which continues for circulating quarters today.
The Mint has also struck special 90% or .999 silver quarters for collectors in some silver proof sets since 1992, separate from the clad circulating coins.
| Years | Composition | Silver content (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1932–1964 | 90% silver | 0.1808 troy oz |
| 1965–present (circulation) | Copper-nickel clad | None |
| Select 1992–present (silver proofs) | 90% or .999 silver | Varies by issue |
How can you tell silver from clad?
Check the date first: 1964 and earlier are silver, 1965 and later are clad. The date is the most reliable test.
You can confirm by the coin's edge. A clad quarter shows a copper-colored stripe around the rim; a 90% silver quarter shows a solid silvery edge with no copper line.
What are the key dates?
The 1932-D and 1932-S are the keys — first-year, low-mintage coins that are the most valuable regular-issue Washington quarters. They are worth a strong premium even in lower grades, and counterfeits and altered mint marks exist, so authentication matters on these.
Most other dates are common and valued mainly for their silver. The mint mark (D, S, or none) sits on the reverse below the eagle on these older coins.
How much is the silver worth?
Multiply the silver content by the current silver price. At a silver price of, say, $30 per ounce, a silver quarter's melt value is roughly 0.1808 x $30 = about $5.42. Silver moves daily, so use a live figure.
Our silver coin melt value guide covers the math, and the precious metals value calculator computes it at today's price. Silver quarters are classic junk silver.
What about clad and modern quarters?
Circulating 1965-and-later quarters are clad and usually worth face value. Exceptions include high-grade uncirculated coins, certain error coins, and the 40% silver collector versions of the 1976 Bicentennial quarter sold in special sets.
The State Quarters (1999–2008) and later programs are popular to collect from change but are clad and generally worth face unless in top grade or a known error.
Where should you sell Washington quarters?
Sell common silver quarters to an established coin shop or gold and silver buyer, and ask how the offer compares to melt. For the 1932-D, 1932-S, and high grades, a rare coin dealer may pay a collector premium.
Compare a couple of offers on better coins, and leave them uncleaned.
Frequently asked questions
Which Washington quarters are silver?+
Quarters dated 1932 through 1964 are 90% silver. From 1965 on, circulating quarters are copper-nickel clad with no silver.
How much silver is in a Washington quarter?+
A 1932–1964 quarter contains about 0.1808 troy ounces of silver. Its melt value is that figure multiplied by the current silver price.
What is the most valuable Washington quarter?+
Among regular issues, the 1932-D and 1932-S first-year dates are the keys and the most valuable. High-grade examples and certain errors can also bring strong premiums.
Are 1965 and later quarters worth anything?+
Circulating quarters from 1965 on are clad and usually worth face value, though high grades, errors, and the 40% silver 1976 Bicentennial collector coins are exceptions.