How much does a quarter weigh

Most people who ask how much a quarter weighs want one number. The honest answer? It depends on which quarter you have.

A quarter minted after 1965 is likely the one in your pocket. A quarter from 1964 or earlier is a different coin entirely.

The United States Mint sets official weight standards for all coins. Those specifications list the modern clad quarter at 5.670 grams. The older 90% silver quarter comes in at 6.25 grams.

As of 2026, these numbers remain the reference points that collectors and dealers use.

Quick Answer: The Weight Depends on the Quarter's Date

A standard US quarter weighs 5.670 grams if minted after 1965. A silver quarter from 1964 or earlier weighs 6.25 grams. State quarters, national park quarters, and modern proofs also weigh 5.670 grams.

The date on the coin tells you which weight applies.

First, Check the Date: The Key Decision Variable

The date on the obverse, or heads side, is the most reliable starting point. It tells you the composition. The composition tells you the weight.

This is your first branch in the decision tree.

Pre-1965 Quarters: The Silver Exception

Quarters minted through 1964 contain 90% silver and 10% copper. That gives them a weight of 6.25 grams. These are the coins people search for when they talk about junk silver or silver coin values.

They weigh noticeably more than modern quarters.

The extra 0.58 grams is easy to measure. A pre-1965 quarter also has a different color. It lacks the copper stripe you see on the edge of modern quarters.

Look at the reeded edge of a silver quarter, and you'll see solid silver all the way to the center.

1965 to Present: The Modern Clad Standard

Every quarter from 1965 onward is what the Mint calls "clad." It has a central core of pure copper. The core sits between outer layers of a copper-nickel alloy. That sandwich weighs exactly 5.670 grams.

This includes all the common designs you see. State Quarters, America the Beautiful Quarters, and the current Washington Crossing quarters all use the same planchet. The 1965 date is the dividing line because of the Coinage Act of 1965.

Silver prices had climbed, and people were hoarding coins for their melt value. The government pulled silver out of dimes and quarters to keep money in circulation.

Special Issues, Proofs, and Collector Quarters

Some collector coins break the pattern. The Bicentennial quarter from 1976 exists in a 40% silver version for collectors. That version weighs about 5.75 grams instead of the standard clad weight.

Silver proof quarters, first issued in 1992, use the old 90% silver planchet. They weigh 6.25 grams, just like pre-1965 quarters. If you have a quarter in a protective case with an "S" mint mark, check the packaging before assuming it's a standard clad coin.

There are also modern commemorative quarters that don't follow the usual specs. The 2019 and 2020 "W" mint mark quarters are still clad, so they weigh 5.670 grams. The only truly different weights come from silver proofs and the 40% silver Bicentennial issues.

The Simple Decision Tree: Weighing Your Quarter Step by Step

Follow the date, then confirm your result with a scale. Here is the fastest path to the right answer.

1. Flip the quarter to the heads side and find the date.
2. Is the date 1964 or earlier? If yes, the coin is 90% silver. Expect it to weigh 6.25 grams.
3. Is the date 1776-1976? If yes, check whether it's a collector's Bicentennial coin. The 40% silver versions weigh 5.75 grams. Standard clad versions weigh 5.670 grams.
4. Is the date 1992 or later with an "S" mint mark? If yes, it may be a silver proof quarter. A silver proof weighs 6.25 grams.
5. For all other US quarters, the weight is 5.670 grams.

If your scale reading matches one of these values, you have correctly identified your quarter. If it falls somewhere in between, you might be dealing with a damaged coin, a contaminated one, or something that isn't a US quarter at all.

You can also do a quick edge check before you get out the scale. Look at the reeded edge. A solid silver edge means an older coin or a silver proof.

A visible copper stripe in the middle means a standard clad quarter. That takes two seconds and cuts the guesswork in half.

Modern Clad Quarter Specs: Weight, Diameter, and Thickness

The modern clad quarter has precise official dimensions. The United States Mint publishes these specifications, and they haven't changed since 1965.

These numbers come directly from the United States Mint. The Mint measures a fresh, unworn coin. A heavily circulated quarter may be slightly lighter after decades of wear, but the difference is tiny.

The reeded edge serves a practical purpose. It prevented people from shaving silver off the edges of old gold and silver coins. Today, it's simply a standard design feature.

If you're weighing a state quarter or a national park quarter, use the same spec. They're all struck on the same clad planchet. The design on the reverse doesn't change the weight.

Silver Quarter Specs: What the 90% Silver Coins Weigh

Pre-1965 quarters are heavier because silver is denser than copper. The exact specification is 6.25 grams for a quarter that has not been worn down.

The pure silver in each coin equals roughly 0.1808 troy ounces. That number matters if you're selling a stack of old quarters as scrap silver. Multiply the number of quarters by 0.1808 to get your total troy ounces of silver.

These silver quarters have a rich history. They served as the standard workhorse for American commerce until the Coinage Act of 1965 removed silver from circulating coinage. Silver prices had climbed, and the government wanted to stop people from hoarding coins for their melt value.

Some people assume a silver quarter is dramatically different in size. It's not. The diameter is basically identical to a modern quarter.

The only obvious difference is the weight and the solid silver edge. That's why a good digital scale is so valuable for coin identification.

How to Weigh a Quarter Correctly: Digital Scale Guide

Weighing a quarter sounds simple. It is, provided you have the right tools and use them properly.

You need a digital scale that reads in grams and displays at least two decimal places. A 0.01 gram resolution is the minimum for this task. Most kitchen scales only show whole grams, so they're not good enough.

A jewelry scale or a reloading scale works much better.

Step 1: Calibrate the Scale

Calibration before measuring keeps you from chasing a wrong number. Most digital scales ship with a calibration weight, often 100 grams or 200 grams. Follow the manufacturer's procedure to zero the scale and set the calibration.

If you don't have the original weight, you have alternatives. A standard US nickel weighs exactly 5.000 grams. A current US penny weighs 2.500 grams.

Use known coins as a quick check. If the scale reads 5.00 on the nickel, it's certified enough for this job.

Step 2: Zero the Scale and Place the Quarter Flat

Turn the scale on and wait about five seconds for the reading to stabilize. Press the tare or zero button. The display should read 0.000.

Set the quarter flat in the center of the weighing pan. Do not stack it. Do not hold it.

Let it rest on its own. Wait a few seconds for the number to lock in. Multiple readings within 0.01 grams of each other mean your result is reliable.

Step 3: Compare Against the Expected Value

Once you have a stable reading, compare it to the spec. If the date on the quarter says 1965 or later, you expect to see 5.670 grams. If the date says 1964 or earlier, expect 6.25 grams.

Within 0.05 grams either way is generally normal. Coins wear with use. Heavily circulated pieces can lose a small amount of metal over decades.

A reading that's off by 0.3 grams or more suggests something else is going on.

What Kind of Scale Gives the Best Results?

Jewelry scales rated at 50 grams or 100 grams max are ideal. They offer 0.01 gram precision. Gemstone scales and reloading scales use the same internals.

Avoid bathroom scales, postal scales with 1 gram increments, and cheap kitchen scales. Their margin of error is up to 2 grams. That's larger than the weight difference between a clad quarter and a silver quarter.

Pro Tip: Use the Tare Feature for Coin Holders

If your quarter sits in a plastic flip, a slab, or a coin capsule, weigh the holder alone first. Press tare. Then place the quarter in the holder and read the weight.

The scale subtracts the holder automatically.

This trick works well for proof quarters and certified coins that live in packaging. Just make sure the holder is clean and dry so the reading stays consistent.

Common Mistakes When Weighing Quarters

Even with a good scale, people make mistakes. Most are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

Using a Scale That Rounds to Whole Grams

A scale that reads only 5 or 6 grams cannot tell the difference between a clad quarter at 5.670 and a silver quarter at 6.25 grams. Both would round to 6. That's useless for identification.

Check the resolution before you start. Look for "0.01 g" on the packaging or the spec sheet. If you only have a 1 gram scale, you'll need a different tool or a visit to a coin shop.

Weighing the Quarter With a Holder

Coin flips and cardboard holders weigh anywhere from 0.5 to 3 grams. Forgetting to tare them adds that weight to your measurement. At 0.5 to 1 gram, that's enough to push a modern quarter far outside its spec.

Always zero the scale with the holder on it, or weigh the coin bare. There's no reason to weigh a coin inside its packaging unless you're confirming the total for shipping.

Reading the Scale Too Early

Digital scales need a moment to stabilize. If you grab the reading from the flickering display, you'll get a random number that might look accurate but isn't.

Wait for the display to settle. It usually takes two to three seconds. Watch for the same value to appear twice before recording it.

Confusing US Quarters With Foreign Coins

A Canadian quarter looks similar at a glance. It weighs roughly 4.4 grams, which is well below the US standard. Mexican and South American coins can also pass for US quarters from a distance.

Check the words on the coin. US quarters always say "United States of America" and "Quarter Dollar." Canadian quarters say "Canada" in full. A quick glance at the text prevents a bad measurement.

Assuming All Silver Quarters Weigh Exactly 6.25 Grams

Silver quarters that are heavily worn can weigh less. A 1940s Washington quarter with a smooth edge and flat surfaces might read 6.1 grams. That's still in silver territory, but it's not exactly 6.25.

The same applies to modern clad quarters. Circulation scratches away a tiny amount of metal every year. A 1965 quarter in rough shape could weigh 5.6 grams.

The spec is for a brand new coin, straight from the Mint.

Weighing Wet, Dirty, or Contaminated Coins

Dirt, grease, and moisture add mass. That tiny speck of grime might not seem like much, but it shows up on a 0.01 gram scale. Wash your hands before handling.

Clean the coin with a soft dry cloth if needed.

Never clean old coins with water or polish. That can damage the surface and hurt collector value. A cleaned coin loses value, sometimes by 50% or more.

Why Weight Matters for Collectors and Scrap Silver Sellers

Weight is one of the first checks for both collectors and people selling silver. It's a cheap, non-destructive way to confirm what a coin is before any money changes hands.

Identifying Silver vs. Clad in Seconds

You've already seen that the weight difference is 0.58 grams. That's enough for even a cheap 0.01 gram scale to catch. A scale can quickly sort a handful of quarters into silver and clad piles.

Dealers use this method all the time. It's faster than checking every edge visually, and it catches silver coins with unusual dates. Some silver coins have been used for decades and look worn.

The weight still gives them away.

Pricing Junk Silver by Weight

When buyers talk about "junk silver," they mean pre-1965 coins with no collector premium. Dealers price these coins by their silver content, not their face value.

Each silver quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of silver. Multiply that by the spot price of silver to get the melt value. A stack of 100 silver quarters holds 18.08 troy ounces of silver.

At a spot price of $30 per ounce, that's $542.40 worth of silver.

The weight per coin tells you exactly how much metal you're holding. If someone tells you a bag of quarters contains 50 silver coins, weigh a sample. The math should match the count.

Detecting Counterfeit or Altered Coins

Counterfeit quarters are rare but they exist. Many are struck on the wrong metal. Others are plated or cast.

An authentic clad quarter is 5.670 grams. A fake made from zinc or brass will usually weigh less, often around 4.5 to 5.0 grams. A fake made of solid silver would weigh more, around 6.5 grams.

A scale flags these immediately.

The same logic catches altered dates. Someone might grind a "9" into a "4" on a modern quarter to fake a pre-1965 coin. The weight would still read 5.670 grams, which instantly exposes the trick.

A genuine silver quarter will always be close to 6.25 grams.

Grading and Condition in the Collecting World

Professional grading services use weight as part of their authentication process. A coin that falls far outside its accepted weight range can be rejected or returned as altered.

That's also why collectors avoid cleaning coins. Cleaning removes metal and scratches surfaces. It changes the weight slightly and damages the original finish.

If you're weighing a coin to check condition, remember that a worn coin weighs a little less. The spec is your starting point, not a guarantee.

Quarter vs. Nickel, Dime, and Half Dollar: A Weight Comparison

The quarter sits in a family of coins with their own specs. Understanding how they relate helps put its weight in context.

The nickel is a helpful calibration tool because it weighs exactly 5.000 grams. That's close to a quarter, but not identical. The quarter is heavier and smaller in diameter than a nickel.

Compare the dime and the quarter. The dime weighs 2.268 grams and the quarter weighs 5.670 grams. The quarter is exactly 2.5 times the weight of a dime.

That's because the dime's face value is 10 cents and the quarter is 25 cents. The metal mass matches the proportional value.

The half dollar weighs 11.340 grams, which is exactly twice the weight of a quarter. Again, the ratio works because two quarters equal one half dollar. The US Mint designed these weights to stay proportional for decades.

Silver versions of the dime and half dollar weigh more than their clad counterparts, just like the quarter. A silver dime weighs 2.5 grams. A silver half dollar weighs 12.5 grams.

If you've got a handful of old coins, weighing them quickly tells you which ones belong to the pre-1965 silver era.

Real-World Scenarios: Sorting Coins at Home or at a Dealer

Weight-based sorting isn't just a lab exercise. It happens at kitchen tables and in coin shops. Here are realistic situations where a 0.01 gram scale changes the outcome.

Scenario 1: Coin Roll Hunting After a Bank Run

You pick up $100 in quarter rolls from your local bank. You're hoping to find silver. Most people tear open each roll and squint at dates.

You can do it faster with a scale.

Weigh 10 random quarters from each roll. If they all read 5.670 grams, the roll is clad. If one reads 6.25 grams, you've found a silver quarter.

That single coin is worth roughly 12 to 15 times its face value in metal alone. The scale turns a 20 minute date check into a 30 second weigh check.

Scenario 2: Valuing an Inherited Collection

Your grandfather left you a jar of quarters. There's no label, no coin folder, just a lot of loose metal. The dates are hard to read on many of them.

An old coin could be rare, but you don't want to overvalue a modern piece.

Weigh the entire jar first. If you have about 100 quarters and the total weight is around 560 grams, they're mostly clad. If it's closer to 620 grams, you're holding a significant silver stash.

The difference of 60 grams per 100 coins is dramatic enough to spot without weighing each one.

Scenario 3: Selling to a Coin Dealer

A dealer quotes you a price based on spot silver. They'll verify the coins are genuine before paying. Some dealers use a scale as a first check.

If a quarter you claim is silver weighs 5.670 grams, the deal stops immediately.

Bring coins in a clean, dry container. Expect the dealer to weigh samples and check edges. When both parties agree on the weight, the silver content calculation is simple: 0.1808 troy ounces per coin times the number of coins.

Safety and Legal Notes: Melting, Selling, or Altering Coins

Coin collecting is a legal hobby. However, there are rules on the books that matter if you deal in bulk, melt coins, or export silver. You don't need a lawyer to collect a few coins, but you should understand the boundaries.

Melting Coins: Legal but Sometimes Regulated

It is legal to melt silver coins for their metal value. That includes pre-1965 quarters. But it's prohibited in the United States to melt pennies and nickels for metal content.

Those are the main circulating coins that still cost more to make than their face value.

Quarter melting for silver is allowed. Export limitations apply for small business transactions. If you're planning to melt coins in bulk, check current federal regulations first.

Altering Coins Is Against the Law

The United States Code forbids fraudulent alteration of coins. That means you cannot change a coin to make it appear more valuable. Drilling a hole, adding a mint mark, or grinding a date is illegal if done to deceive.

This applies to all denominations.

Counterfeit Detection Is a Serious Matter

Weighing coins is a legitimate way to verify authenticity. If you suspect a counterfeit, do not spend it. Turn it over to local police or the United States Secret Service, which handles currency and coin fraud.

Keep the coin separate so it stays as evidence.

Handling Coins Without Damaging Their Value

Grip coins by the edges. Avoid touching the faces as much as possible. Oils from your skin can leave marks that lower the grade, especially on proof coins.

Use cotton gloves for valuable pieces and store them in archival quality holders.

Maintaining Your Digital Scale for Consistent Measurements

A scale is a precision tool. Like any tool, it drifts out of calibration if you ignore it. A few simple habits keep your readings trustworthy.

Test With a Nickel Before Every Session

A standard US nickel weighs 5.000 grams. It's an easy anchor point. Place one on the scale before you weigh any quarters.

If it reads 5.00, the scale is ready. If it reads 4.95 or 5.05, calibrate it first.

Store the Scale on a Flat, Stable Surface

Avoid storing it on top of rough fabric or in a pile of coins. Moisture and temperature swings affect the internal sensors. Keep it at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

Replace the Batteries When Readings Shift

Low batteries cause unstable readings. The display flickers or jumps between values. Change the batteries every six months or as soon as you see weird numbers.

Clean the Weighing Pan Gently

Wipe the pan with a dry soft cloth. Never use water near the sensor area. A small brush works well for dust.

If you weigh dusty coins, the debris can collect under the pan and throw off the zero point.

Real Scenarios and Edge Cases: When the Weight Is Unexpected

Sometimes the weight doesn't match the date. That doesn't necessarily mean you found a counterfeit. A few edge cases explain the unusual numbers.

Heavily Worn Silver Quarters

A silver quarter that has spent 70 years in circulation can lose metal. The high points of the design wear flat. The edge smooths out.

The weight drops from 6.25 grams to somewhere near 6.0 or 6.1 grams.

The key is whether it still reads significantly heavier than a clad quarter. If a worn coin reads 6.1 grams, it's still silver. If it reads 5.7 grams, that's too close to clad to call without checking the edge.

Plated and Painted Coins

Some people gold-plate modern quarters as novelty items. Others paint them for jewelry or crafts. The plating adds a small amount of weight, usually less than 0.05 grams.

A painted quarter could weigh 5.8 grams or more depending on the paint thickness.

These coins are not worth more than face value. The plating actually removes collector appeal. If you find one in circulation, feel free to spend it or keep it as a curiosity.

Foreign Coin Imposters

Countries like Canada and South Korea have coins that look roughly like US quarters. Canadian quarters weigh about 4.4 grams. A South Korean 100 won coin weighs around 5.4 grams.

Neither matches the US spec.

Check for the words "United States of America" before weighing. If they're missing, the coin won't match any of the weights in this article. That's your confirmation.

Error Coins Struck on Wrong Planchets

The US Mint occasionally produces error coins. A quarter might be struck on a dime planchet or a half dollar planchet. These errors are rare and collectible, and they weigh wrong.

A quarter struck on a dime planchet weighs about 2.268 grams. One struck on a half dollar planchet weighs 11.340 grams. If you find a coin that looks like a quarter but weighs dramatically outside the standard, you might have a valuable error.

State and Proof Quarters: Anything Different?

State Quarters and America the Beautiful Quarters are standard clad coins. They all weigh 5.670 grams. The design change doesn't affect the planchet.

The Mint uses the same copper-nickel sandwich for every circulating quarter.

Silver Proof Sets

Silver proof quarters weigh 6.25 grams. They're sold in collector sets with an "S" mint mark. They look shinier and crisper than circulation strikes because they're struck twice on polished planchets.

These coins don't circulate. You'll find them in mint packaging. If you have a proof quarter that's loose, weigh it.

A reading of 6.25 grams confirms it's a silver proof.

The 40% Silver Bicentennial Mystery

The Bicentennial quarter, dated 1776-1976, was minted in three versions. The standard clad version weighs 5.670 grams. The 40% silver version was sold only in collector sets and weighs 5.75 grams.

The silver version has an "S" mint mark. It also has a different edge, showing no copper stripe. If you have a Bicentennial quarter reading 5.75 grams, you're holding a limited issue with real silver content.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quarter Weights

How much does a quarter weigh in ounces?

A modern clad quarter weighs 0.200 ounces avoirdupois. A silver quarter weighs about 0.220 ounces. You won't see ounce figures used much in coin circles, though.

Grams are the universal standard for coin specifications.

Does a wet quarter weigh more?

Yes, a wet quarter weighs more. Water adds a small but measurable layer of mass. On a 0.01 gram scale, a wet coin can read 0.02 to 0.05 grams heavier, depending on how much water clings to the surface.

Always dry a coin before weighing it, but do it with a soft cloth to avoid scratching.

Why does my quarter weigh less than 5.670 grams?

Wear and tear is the most common reason. Every time a coin goes through circulation, tiny bits of metal get scratched away. After 30 or 40 years, a quarter can lose a few hundredths of a gram.

A heavily worn coin might weigh 5.5 grams. If the weight is much lower, check for damage or foreign coin origins.

Do state quarters weigh less than regular quarters?

No. State quarters, national park quarters, and the current Washington Crossing quarters are all struck on the same clad planchet. They weigh exactly 5.670 grams.

The design on the reverse doesn't change the metal composition.

How much is the silver in a quarter worth?

A silver quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. At a spot price of $30 per troy ounce, the silver is worth about $5.42. At $20 per ounce, it's worth about $3.62.

The coin's collector value can be higher than the melt value, especially for rare dates and mint marks.

What if my quarter weighs exactly 6.25 grams?

Then you're holding a pre-1965 90% silver quarter or a later silver proof. The weight almost guarantees it. Double check the date and edge stripe.

If you found it in a register or a jar of change, that's the lucky find that coin roll hunters spend hours searching for.

Final Verdict: The One-Page Quarter Weight Reference

You have everything you need now. The date tells you the composition. The scale confirms it.

Here is the complete reference in one place.

The Decision Chart

• Date is 1964 or earlier? Weight is 6.25 grams. You have a silver quarter.
• Date is 1965 or later? Weight is 5.670 grams. You have a clad quarter.
• Date is 1776-1976 and the coin is a collector set issue? Check the packaging. Silver versions weigh 5.75 grams.
• Date is 1992 or later and the coin has an "S" mint mark? It might be a silver proof. Weight is 6.25 grams.
• Weight doesn't match any of these? Look for damage, foreign coinage, or a counterfeit.

That's the whole system. It takes a scale, a nickel for calibration, and about 10 seconds per coin. Once you get comfortable with the process, you'll never wonder again what your quarters are worth by weight alone.