Welcome to Check Your Change, a new daily series from The Patriot Vault!
Every day, we’ll highlight an American coin or banknote that could be hiding in your pocket change, cash drawer, coin jar, or an old family collection. We’ll explain what to look for, share a little history, discuss why it may be worth more than face value, and tell you what to do if you find one.
Today, we’re starting with one of the easiest valuable coins to recognize: the 1964 and earlier Washington silver quarter.
What should you look for?
Check the date on every Washington quarter with the traditional eagle reverse. If it is dated 1964 or earlier, set it aside.
Washington quarters minted from 1932 through 1964—excluding 1933, when none were produced—were made from 90% silver and 10% copper. Beginning in 1965, circulating quarters changed to a copper-nickel composition with a copper core.
You can also examine the coin’s edge. A modern quarter normally shows a noticeable copper-colored stripe. A traditional 90% silver quarter should have a predominantly silver-colored edge without that bold copper band.
The date remains the simplest test: 1964 or earlier means silver for regular U.S. Washington quarters.
Why did the government stop using silver?
Rising silver prices and a nationwide coin shortage placed pressure on the country’s circulating coin supply during the 1960s. The Coinage Act of 1965 authorized copper-nickel-clad dimes and quarters, ending the regular use of 90% silver in those denominations.
That makes 1964 the final date of the traditional circulating 90% silver Washington quarter. According to PCGS, the silver Washington-quarter design was produced from 1932 through 1964, except during 1933.
How much is one worth?
A circulated 1964 silver quarter is not especially rare, but its silver content makes it worth considerably more than 25 cents. On September 12, 2026, NGC calculated its silver melt value at approximately $11.67. Its published price guide placed ordinary circulated 1964 quarters at approximately $12.75 to $15.25.
Silver prices change daily, so these figures will rise or fall. Condition, mintmark, recognized varieties, errors, and collector demand can also affect the value. Some high-grade or unusual examples may be worth more, but ordinary circulated pieces should not be confused with exceptional auction coins.
What should you do if you find one?
Most importantly, do not clean or polish it. Cleaning can permanently damage the surface and reduce a collectible coin’s value.
Hold the coin by its edges, photograph both sides, and place it in a non-PVC coin holder or protective flip. If it appears unusually sharp, has an error, or came from a larger collection, have it evaluated before selling it.
Have you found old coins, silver currency, paper money, or an inherited collection? The Patriot Vault may be interested in buying your coin, currency, or collectible collection. Reply to this post and tell us what you have!
