As a coin collector or simply someone who wants to know how much a quarter weighs, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how much a quarter weighs, including its history, design, composition, and even its variations.
How Much Does a Quarter Weigh?
Let’s get to the main question: how much does a quarter weigh? The weight of a quarter varies depending on its composition and the year it was minted.
A quarter that was minted between 1796 and 1838 weighs 6.74 grams and has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. These quarters are made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
A quarter that was minted between 1838 and 1964 weighs 6.25 grams and has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. These quarters are also made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
A quarter that was minted between 1965 and 1998 weighs 5.67 grams and has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. These quarters are made of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.
A quarter that was minted after 1998 weighs 5.67 grams and has a diameter of 24.26 millimeters. These quarters are also made of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, just like the quarters minted between 1965 and 1998.
It’s important to note that the weight and diameter of a quarter are standardized by the United States Mint. This means that regardless of the year it was minted, a quarter should always weigh within a certain range and have the same diameter. However, due to wear and tear, the weight of a quarter can vary slightly from its standard weight.
What is a Quarter?
A quarter, also known as 25 cents, is a coin that is worth one-fourth of a dollar. It is one of the most commonly used coins in the United States and is part of the currency system created by the United States Mint. The current design of the quarter features the image of George Washington on the front and a different design on the back, which changes every ten years as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.
History of the Quarter
The quarter has a rich history that dates back to 1792 when the United States Mint was established. At that time, the quarter was known as the “quarter dollar” and was made of 90% silver and 10% copper. However, due to the rising cost of silver, the composition of the quarter was changed in 1965 to include copper and nickel, which are cheaper metals.
Read More: All About the 500-Dollar Bill
Design of the Quarter
As mentioned earlier, the front of the quarter features the image of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The design was created by John Flanagan and was first used in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth. The back of the quarter features a different design, which changes every ten years as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Each design showcases a national park or site that is significant to the United States.
Composition of the Quarter
The composition of the quarter has changed throughout its history. As mentioned earlier, the original quarters were made of 90% silver and 10% copper. However, due to the rising cost of silver, the composition was changed in 1965 to include copper and nickel. The current composition of the quarter is 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. This change was made to reduce the cost of producing the coin while still maintaining its quality.
Variations of the Quarter
Over the years, there have been several variations of the quarter, including those that were minted as part of the 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008. These quarters featured designs that represented each state in the United States. There were also quarters that were minted to commemorate special events such as the bicentennial of the United States in 1976 and the 225th anniversary of the United States Mint in 2017.
In conclusion, the weight of a quarter varies depending on its composition and the year it was minted. Quarters that were minted between 1796 and 1838 weigh 6.74 grams, those between 1838 and 1964 weigh 6.25 grams, and those between 1965 and 1998 weigh 5.67 grams. Quarters that were minted after 1998 also weigh 5.67 grams, but have a slightly smaller diameter of 24.26 millimeters. We hope this comprehensive guide on how much a quarter weighs has been helpful to you.
