How Much Does a Silver Quarter Weigh?
The Coinage Act of 1792 determined the unit of money for the newly formed United States of America would be one dollar and laid the foundation for other denominations, such as the quarter dollar. Since its inception, the quarter has undergone many design, content, and weight changes. However, only six significant designs were made during the reign of silver coins, from 1796 to 1964.
So, how much does a silver quarter weigh? The original Coinage Act determined how much a quarter weighs, and each subsequent Coinage Act modified the standard. Therefore, the weight of a quarter varies depending on the year it was minted.
Silver Quarter Weights and Composition
| Years Minted | Quarter Design | Silver Weight | Total Weight | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796-1807 | Draped Bust | .1934 troy ounces | .2167 troy ounces (6.74g) | 89.24% Silver 10.76% Copper |
| 1815-1838 | Capped Bust | .1934 troy ounces | .2167 troy ounces (6.74g) | 89.24% Silver 10.76% Copper |
| 1838-1852 | Seated Liberty | .1933 troy ounces | .2148 troy ounces (6.68g) | 90% Silver 10% Copper |
| 1853-1872 | Seated Liberty | .18 troy ounces | .2 troy ounces (6.22g) | 90% Silver 10% Copper |
| 1873-1891 | Seated Liberty | .1808 troy ounces | .2009 troy ounces (6.25g) | 90% Silver 10% Copper |
| 1892-1916 | Barber | .1808 troy ounces | .2009 troy ounces (6.25g) | 90% Silver 10% Copper |
| 1916-1930 | Standing Liberty | .1808 troy ounces | .2009 troy ounces (6.25g) | 90% Silver 10% Copper |
| 1932-1964 | Washington | .1808 troy ounces | .2009 troy ounces (6.25g) | 90% Silver 10% Copper |
Draped Bust Quarter
The first quarter produced by the U.S. Mint, the Draped Bust quarter, weighed 6.74 grams or .2167 troy ounces. Designed by Robert Scot and made with 89.24% silver, the silver weight is .1934 troy ounces. The Draped Bust design was minted from 1796 until 1807. The obverse displays a profile of Lady Liberty with her hair draping on her shoulders. On the reverse, an eagle and shield represent the freedom and strength of the United States.
Capped Bust Quarter
The United States Mint quit producing quarters for seven years due to low circulation. Then, the young nation minted the Capped Bust quarter from 1815 to 1838. It presents Lady Liberty with a cap on the obverse, an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch on the reverse. It was designed by John Reich and was made with 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper. Capped Bust quarters weigh .2167 troy ounces, or 6.74 grams, with the silver content weighing .1934 troy ounces.
Seated Liberty Quarter
The Seated Liberty quarter endured multiple weight changes from acts of law throughout its lifecycle. First minted in 1838, the quarter weighed 6.68 grams or .2148 troy ounces. Since the composition was increased to 90% silver and 10% copper, the weight of silver was .1933 troy ounces.
The Coinage Act of 1853 decreased the overall weight of the coins produced by the United States Mint. Instead of around 104 grains, the quarter would now weigh 96 grains, which converts to 6.22 grams or .2 troy ounces. It was still 90% silver, which means the silver weight was .18 troy ounces in these Seated Liberty quarters.
The Coinage Act of 1873 changed the total weight even more, increasing it to 6.25 grams and .2009 troy ounces. These coins contained .1808 troy ounces of silver; the rest was copper. The Seated Liberty design showcases Lady Liberty seated and holding a shield and Phrygian cap. The reverse is barely changed, still presenting the heralding eagle and shield. Christian Gobrecht, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, created the Seated Liberty design.
Barber Quarter
The United States Mint produced the Barber quarter from 1892 until 1916. The obverse is a profile of Lady Liberty, designed by Charles Barber. The reverse is altered from the previous design but still shows an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, with a shield on its chest. 90% silver and 10% copper, the total weight in Barber quarters is 6.25 grams or .2009 troy ounces. The silver content is .1808 troy ounces.
Standing Liberty Quarter
Standing Liberty quarters carried a design by Hermon MacNeil and were minted from 1916-1930. The obverse shows Lady Liberty standing with an olive branch and shield, while the reverse portrays a beautiful eagle in flight. The Standing Liberty quarter weighs 6.25 grams, .2009 troy ounces, and has .1808 troy ounces of silver. The composition is 90% silver and 10% copper.
Washington Quarter
Most people instantly recognize the profile of George Washington on the iconic Washington quarter dollar. Minted in 1932, the portrait of Washington designed by John Flanagan was the obverse of the coin for 90 years. However, only Washington quarters minted between 1932 and 1964 are silver. These coins are made with 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams or .2009 troy ounces. This translates to a weight of .1808 troy ounces of silver.
U.S. Quarter Dollar Today
The quarters of today weigh 5.67 grams or .1823 troy ounces. However, they are made with 91.67% copper and 8.33% copper. The quarter dollar has been a copper-nickel-clad coin since 1965, when a silver shortage in the U.S. led to the removal of silver from all U.S. coins, and silver coins today are only minted as commemoratives or collectibles. The obverse is still George Washington, although, in 2022, the mint swapped the portrait for a profile designed by Laura Gardin Fraser, where Washington is facing right instead of left. The reverse has undergone many changes and is released in series commemorating American culture.
Collecting U.S. Mint Quarter Dollars – 1796 – Date
For collectors and investors interested in the history and intrinsic value of silver quarters, understanding the weight and silver content of each design is crucial for making smart buying decisions. The Coinage Act of 1792 and subsequent legislation shaped the quarter’s composition over time, leading to variations in weight and silver content between different series. For those looking to add pieces of this numismatic history to their collection, APMEX offers a wide selection of quarters, from classic Bust quarters to contemporary American Women’s quarters.
If you are searching for more quarters to add to your collection, shop our collection of U.S. Mint quarters, and find the series missing from your holding. Whether you are seeking the early Draped Bust design, the enduring Seated Liberty, or the beloved Washington quarter, you’ll find an assortment of options that cater to both collectors and investors. Each quarter tells a story of America’s numismatic journey and provides tangible links to the past.
