When Was The First Silver Quarter Made?

What year was the silver quarter made? The silver quarter, a coin worth 25 cents, was first minted in the United States in 1932.

The coin was made of 90% silver and 10% copper and weighed 6.25 grams. It was designed by John Flanagan and featured a likeness of George Washington on the obverse (heads) and an eagle in flight on the reverse (tails).

The silver quarter was a popular coin and was used extensively in circulation until the 1960s. However, the rising price of silver in the 1960s and 1970s led to the coin being made of clad metal (copper-nickel) in 1965. The clad quarter is still in circulation today.

The silver quarter is a valuable coin to collectors. The value of a silver quarter depends on its condition, rarity, and the date it was minted.

Here are some interesting facts about the silver quarter:

• The first silver quarter was minted on December 19, 1932.
• The silver quarter was the first coin to feature a president on the obverse.
• The silver quarter was the last coin to be made of 90% silver.
• The silver quarter is the most collected coin in the United States.

What Year Was the Silver Quarter Made?

The silver quarter, a coin worth 25 cents, was first minted in the United States in 1932. It was made of 90% silver and 10% copper and weighed 6.25 grams. The coin was designed by John Flanagan and featured a likeness of George Washington on the obverse (heads) and an eagle in flight on the reverse (tails).

• Year: 1932
• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
• Weight: 6.25 grams
• Designer: John Flanagan
• Obverse: George Washington
• Reverse: Eagle in flight

The silver quarter was a popular coin and was used extensively in circulation until the 1960s. However, the rising price of silver in the 1960s and 1970s led to the coin being made of clad metal (copper-nickel) in 1965. The clad quarter is still in circulation today.

The silver quarter is a valuable coin to collectors. The value of a silver quarter depends on its condition, rarity, and the date it was minted.

1. Year

The year 1932 is significant in the context of "what year was the silver quarter made" because it marks the year in which the first silver quarters were minted in the United States.

• Historical Context: The year 1932 was a time of great economic hardship in the United States. The Great Depression was in full swing, and many people were out of work. The silver quarter was introduced as a way to help stimulate the economy and provide jobs.
• Design: The silver quarter was designed by John Flanagan and features a likeness of George Washington on the obverse (heads) and an eagle in flight on the reverse (tails). The design was chosen to reflect the strength and resilience of the American people during a difficult time.
• Composition: The silver quarter was made of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition gave the coin a distinctive weight and feel that made it easy to distinguish from other coins.
• Circulation: The silver quarter was a popular coin and was used extensively in circulation until the 1960s. However, the rising price of silver in the 1960s and 1970s led to the coin being made of clad metal (copper-nickel) in 1965.

The silver quarter is a valuable coin to collectors. The value of a silver quarter depends on its condition, rarity, and the date it was minted. Silver quarters minted in 1932 are especially valuable because they are the first year of issue.

2. Composition

The composition of the silver quarter, 90% silver and 10% copper, is significant because it directly relates to the year in which the coin was made. The silver quarter was first minted in 1932, and it was made of 90% silver and 10% copper until 1964. In 1965, the composition of the quarter was changed to clad metal (copper-nickel) due to the rising price of silver.

The composition of the silver quarter is important because it affects the coin's value. Silver quarters minted before 1965 are more valuable than clad quarters because they contain more silver. The value of a silver quarter also depends on its condition and rarity.

Understanding the composition of the silver quarter is important for collectors and investors. Collectors can use this information to identify and value silver quarters. Investors can use this information to make informed decisions about buying and selling silver quarters.

3. Weight

The weight of the silver quarter, 6.25 grams, is significant because it is a key factor in determining the year in which the coin was made. The weight of the silver quarter was changed in 1965 when the composition of the coin was changed from 90% silver and 10% copper to clad metal (copper-nickel). The clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams, which is lighter than the silver quarter.

The weight of the silver quarter is important because it can be used to identify the year in which the coin was made. This is important for collectors and investors who want to know the value of a silver quarter. The weight of a silver quarter can also be used to determine its authenticity. Counterfeit silver quarters are often made of a different metal, which will affect the weight of the coin.

Understanding the weight of the silver quarter is important for collectors, investors, and anyone who handles silver quarters. The weight of the coin can be used to identify the year in which the coin was made, determine its authenticity, and assess its value.

4. Designer

John Flanagan's role as the designer of the silver quarter is significant in relation to "what year was the silver quarter made" because it establishes a direct connection between the year the coin was made and the artist who created its design. Flanagan was commissioned to design the silver quarter in 1931, and the coin was first minted in 1932. This means that the silver quarter was designed and produced during the same time period, providing a clear link between the two.

• Facet 1: Artistic Style

  Flanagan's artistic style is evident in the design of the silver quarter. The coin features a likeness of George Washington on the obverse (heads) and an eagle in flight on the reverse (tails). Flanagan's design is characterized by its realism and attention to detail, which is reflected in the silver quarter's design.

• Facet 2: Historical Context

  The silver quarter was designed during the Great Depression, a time of great economic hardship in the United States. Flanagan's design for the coin reflects the strength and resilience of the American people during this difficult time.

• Facet 3: Cultural Significance

  The silver quarter is a culturally significant coin. It is one of the most popular coins in the United States, and it is often used in commemorative events. The coin's design is also recognizable and iconic, making it a symbol of American culture.

In conclusion, John Flanagan's role as the designer of the silver quarter is significant in relation to "what year was the silver quarter made" because it establishes a direct connection between the year the coin was made and the artist who created its design. Flanagan's artistic style, the historical context in which the coin was designed, and the cultural significance of the coin all contribute to its importance.

5. Obverse

The obverse (heads) of the silver quarter features a likeness of George Washington, the first president of the United States. This design element is significant in relation to "what year was the silver quarter made" because it provides a valuable clue about the coin's date of origin.

• Facet 1: Historical Context

  The silver quarter was first minted in 1932, during a time of great economic hardship in the United States. The Great Depression was in full swing, and many people were out of work. The choice to feature George Washington on the coin was a deliberate one. Washington is considered one of the most important figures in American history, and his image on the coin served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the American people during a difficult time.

• Facet 2: Design Evolution

  The design of the silver quarter has remained largely unchanged since it was first minted in 1932. However, there have been some minor changes over the years. For example, the diameter of the coin was slightly reduced in 1965. The image of George Washington has also been updated over the years to reflect changes in engraving technology.

• Facet 3: Cultural Significance

  The silver quarter is a culturally significant coin. It is one of the most popular coins in the United States, and it is often used in commemorative events. The coin's design is also recognizable and iconic, making it a symbol of American culture.

In conclusion, the obverse of the silver quarter features a likeness of George Washington because of its historical context, design evolution, and cultural significance. These factors all contribute to the coin's importance and make it a valuable collectible.

6. Reverse

The reverse (tails) of the silver quarter features an eagle in flight. This design element is significant in relation to "what year was the silver quarter made" because it provides a valuable clue about the coin's date of origin.

The eagle in flight design was first used on the silver quarter in 1932. This was a significant year in American history, as it marked the end of the Great Depression. The choice to feature an eagle in flight on the coin was a deliberate one. The eagle is a symbol of strength, power, and freedom, and its presence on the coin served as a reminder of the resilience of the American people during a difficult time.

The eagle in flight design has remained largely unchanged since it was first adopted in 1932. However, there have been some minor changes over the years. For example, the diameter of the coin was slightly reduced in 1965. The image of the eagle has also been updated over the years to reflect changes in engraving technology.

The silver quarter is a culturally significant coin. It is one of the most popular coins in the United States, and it is often used in commemorative events. The coin's design is also recognizable and iconic, making it a symbol of American culture.

In conclusion, the reverse of the silver quarter features an eagle in flight because of its historical context, design evolution, and cultural significance. These factors all contribute to the coin's importance and make it a valuable collectible.

FAQs about "what year was the silver quarter made"

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the year the silver quarter was made. These questions and answers are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Question 1: When was the silver quarter first made?

Answer: The silver quarter was first minted in the United States in 1932.

Question 2: What is the composition of the silver quarter?

Answer: The silver quarter is made of 90% silver and 10% copper.

Question 3: How much does a silver quarter weigh?

Answer: The silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams.

Question 4: Who designed the silver quarter?

Answer: The silver quarter was designed by John Flanagan.

Question 5: What is featured on the obverse (heads) of the silver quarter?

Answer: The obverse of the silver quarter features a likeness of George Washington.

Question 6: What is featured on the reverse (tails) of the silver quarter?

Answer: The reverse of the silver quarter features an eagle in flight.

Summary: The silver quarter is a popular and valuable coin. It was first minted in 1932 and is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The coin weighs 6.25 grams and was designed by John Flanagan. The obverse of the coin features a likeness of George Washington, while the reverse features an eagle in flight.

Transition: For more information about the silver quarter, please refer to the next section.

Conclusion

The silver quarter, first minted in 1932, is a significant coin in American history. Made of 90% silver and 10% copper, it features a likeness of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse. The coin's design and composition have remained largely unchanged since its inception, making it a recognizable and iconic symbol of American culture.

The silver quarter has played an important role in American commerce and is still widely circulated today. It is also a popular coin among collectors, and its value can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and the year it was minted. Understanding the history and significance of the silver quarter can help collectors, investors, and anyone interested in American coinage appreciate its enduring legacy.