How Much Does a Quarter Weigh – When we were children, we were excited to discover a quarter under our pillow. We wondered if it was silver. Many adults still have questions about quarters, such as “what are they made of?” and “how much do they weigh?”.
This is not as simple as it seems. The quarter has changed many times over the years to fit the needs of the time.
What are quarters made of?
It’s a common misconception that some of the coins in our pockets are made of precious metals. In the past, circulating coins were actually made of gold and silver, but as their price increased, minting coins out of these metals became impractical. From 1873 to 1964, quarters were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Today, quarters are composed of copper and nickel, which is much less expensive.
How is silver measured?
Coins minted before 1965 contain 0.1808 troy ounces (6.25 grams) of physical silver. But what is a troy ounce? Since the Middle Ages, troy ounces have been used to weigh precious metals. 1 troy ounce is equal to 31.1034768 grams, according to the UK Royal Mint, and was first used in Troyes, France. Other items, such as sugar and grain, were weighed using standard ounces: 1 standard ounce weighed slightly less – 28.35 grams.
There is some evidence that the troy ounce originated in Roman times. Romans standardized their monetary system by breaking down bronze bars into 12 pieces known as “uncials” (ounces), which weighed about 31.1 grams each. With the expansion of trade in Europe, this unit of measurement became increasingly important. Using this system, it became necessary for commerce to weigh precious metals accurately.
Today, the troy ounce remains the standard unit of measurement in the precious metals market in order to ensure purity standards remain consistent.
What is the weight of a quarter?
Coinage Act of 1792 was passed by the federal government when the United States was still young. Besides establishing the U.S. dollar, it also set the official weights for various coins, including a new 25-cent coin. The coin would weigh 0.211 ounces (6.01 grams) of pure silver, or 0.237 standard ounces (6.74 grams). In 1873, the Coinage Act changed the weight of U.S. quarters to 90% silver and 10% copper, with a slightly heavier weight of 0.022 ounces (6.25 grams).
As of 1965, U.S. quarters weigh 0.2 ounces (5.76 grams). Their diameter is 24.66 mm and their thickness is 1.75 mm. They are mainly composed of copper (91.67%) and nickel (8.33%).
Do all quarters weigh the same?
Due to the historical use of different materials, U.S. quarters weigh slightly differently. Over the years, many variations of quarters have been created, including:
- Draped Bust Quarter
Approximately 10% of the original mintage of 6,146 Draped Bust quarters survive in some grade, though most are in About Good to Fine condition. These valuable quarters were minted from 1796 to 1807. Despite being a one-year type, and a rare one at that, enough midgrade coins have been preserved to enable one to find coins in V.F. to A.U. conditions, though they will typically cost upwards of $100,000 in uncirculated condition.
The 1796 quarter is an important issue in any grade and is a landmark in the U.S. coinage series. During 1804 through 1807, quarter dollars continued the Draped Bust obverse, which was introduced in 1796. However, the star count was reduced from 15 stars to 13, with seven at the left and six at the right.
- Capped Bust Quarter
With a weight of 6.74 grams, the Capped Bust quarter was first minted in 1815. After 1807, when quarter coinage was suspended, it was again minted in 1815, when it was reintroduced in the Capped Bust style. After 1837, the weight increased slightly to 6.7 grams. The motifs are similar to those found on other silver denominations of the period, first seen on the half dollar of 1807.
- Seated Liberty Quarter
Seated Liberty quarters were first minted in 1838 with a weight of 6.68 grams, then in 1853 they were increased to 6.22 grams, and then in 1873 they were increased to 6.25 grams.
Originally produced from 1838 through 1853 and then again from 1856 through 1865, the design lacks drapery at Liberty’s elbow on some early issues. There are arrows on all issues dated 1854 and 1855.
Combined with other silver denominations, quarters were reduced in weight in 1853 to prevent hoarding and melting of newly released coins. The authorized weight was 96 grains as of 1853.
The weight of the quarter dollar was slightly increased in 1873 from 96 to 96.45 grains to signify the new standard. Arrows were added to the dates of quarters produced later in 1873 and in 1874 to indicate the new standard. After 1874, arrows were no longer used, but the weight remained the same.
- Silver Quarters
A silver quarter with a weight of 6.25 grams is the most common. Every silver quarter that was minted from 1873 to 1964 had the same weight. This includes all silver Washington quarters, Standing Liberty quarters, and Barber quarters. You will not find these quarters in circulation, but you can buy them as bullion or as collectible coins. Read more here: how much silver is in a quarter?
- Early Silver Quarters
Depending on the series, these early silver quarters have different weight variations. These older quarters are out of circulation and can only be purchased as collectibles. You will likely never find these coins unless you are a collector.
- Clad Quarters
Most U.S. quarters minted after 1964 are clad coins that weigh 5.670 grams. They are commonly found in change and contain 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.
- Commemorative Quarters
The reverse was redesigned by the United States Mint to feature a Colonial Drummer in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution. While the obverse remained the same, it now features the dual date 1776-1976 instead of the mint year. Although the vast majority of these coins were struck with the current copper-nickle-clad, the San Francisco Mint also produced 40% silver prints.
These coins feature 50 different designs on the reverse to celebrate the unique history and culture of each state, making them the most successful numismatic series in history. From 1999 to 2008, they were issued by the states. In 2009, the states were replaced by the District of Columbia and the United States Territories.
– Washington America The Beautiful – A series of 56 different designs for each of the U.S. states, territories, and federal districts. The program started in 2010 and will last until 2021.
What is cupronickel?
Most people are unaware that silver quarters were replaced with more cost-effective combinations. The abundant supply of copper, nickel, and zinc has led to the development of this composition, which is known today as the 25-cent coin. In the manufacturing industry, copper and nickel are a unique element combination.
In the quarter, nickel, and dime, copper-nickel alloy is used. This corrosion-resistant alloy is a cost-effective way to produce large quantities of circulating coins. In U.S. coinage, cupronickel is often found in a ratio of copper to nickel of 3 to 1. Other applications, such as the automotive industry and the marine industry, may use a higher or lower proportion, depending on the requirements.
There are many other applications for cupronickel, including shipbuilding and ship repair. As a result of its cost-effectiveness and solid state, it is an ideal choice for high-pressure applications. Additionally, cupronickel is used as reinforcement for beams and load-bearing structures in construction. Strengthening elements are often added to cupronickel to strengthen it. For example, iron or manganese have been added to cupronickel. Zinc and chromium have also been added to cupronickel to strengthen it. Moreover, cupronickel is recyclable, meaning it can be reused without losing its chemical properties.
Taking a Closer Look at Coins
There is a fascinating history behind the quarter, and its present is also fascinating. For example, the specifications of the popular state quarters vary a great deal, and they include state-specific features.
