Unlike stamps and sports cards or artworks, coins contain value that is at least partly based on their raw material. Even if the penny is worth only a penny on the collectibles market, the metal it is made of might have enough value to recycle beyond its face value. The same is true for quarters, but especially those minted before 1965.
It was a milestone year because until 1965, quarters were made from 90 percent silver, Wired noted. That makes the intrinsic value of silver in one quarter alone potentially worth a few dollars. Because each pre-1965 quarter weighs 6.25 grams, that one contains roughly 5.6 grams of silver. Starting in 1965, the U.S. mint began churning out copper-nickel clad quarters to be used for circulation and those metals have a value much lower than silver.
Pre-1965 quarters in good condition may be worth enough to pay for a nice dinner out. In 2014, for example, a mint 1964 quarter sold at auction for $47.15, according to the Specialty Metals website. That’s about $61 in today’s dollars. Even pre-1965 quarters in poor condition should bring in a few dollars each.
If you have some old quarters that are relatively preserved, Specialty Metals will ask you to visit some reputed coin dealers in your location so that you might come to know what exactly your collection is worth. Here are three ways on how to increase your potential chance of finding old silver-rich quarters to recycle in making some quick cash.
Check Your Loose Change
This should be the first thing you do on any coin hunt: check around your house, drawers, car, piggy banks, sofas, pockets, etc., and see what kind of loose change you have lying around. Millions of old quarters are still in circulation, so chances are you’ve seen them even if you never realized it. Get in the habit of checking all your quarters and setting the pre-1965 versions aside.
Ask To Sort Through Coins Belong to Friends and Family
You are fairly sure that every family, at least, has some type of change drawer or cup somewhere. Ask around in your circle of friends and family if anyone would be willing to sort through their coins for you in case there may be some older quarters. They may well enjoy having someone else sift through them. Let them know that you can split proceeds for any valuable finds.
Purchase Quarter Rolls at the Bank
This is a simple and fast way to get quarters in bulk. One roll of the bank contains forty quarters, so you are going to pay $10 per roll. There’s no guarantee that you’re going to find a lot of old quarters in that roll-a lot depends on when the bank rolled them up. If you are lucky enough to get an older roll, you might find a few pre-1965 quarters in there.
Conclusion
Recycling old quarters can prove to be one of the fastest and easiest ways of generating some quick money, but that only if you have mastered the most appropriate strategies of making them bring in some higher value. Knowing which quarter is rare and made from silver may be turned to generate a surprising amount of profit while collecting coins. These recycling tips have turned spare change into cash money and even led into some rewarding hobby.
FAQs
What makes certain quarters valuable?
Quarters can be valuable due to rarity, errors, or silver content.
How can I tell if a quarter is made of silver?
Silver quarters were minted before 1965 and have a distinct look and feel.
Where is the best place to sell valuable quarters?
You can sell them to coin dealers, online marketplaces, or auction sites.
Are old quarters always worth more than face value?
Not always—only rare, error, or silver quarters typically have extra value.